Walking in Portugal - Remote Coastal Trails
Experience Overview
Based in the small town of Sagres, this walking holiday explores an unspoilt corner of Portugal. Follow beautiful coastal paths to discover impressive cliff tops and quiet sandy beaches, sampling the delicious local seafood and crisp wines in the evening.
Cabo Sao Vicente - Walk the long distance Rota Vicentina path to the most south-westerly point of Europe
Ponta de Piedade - Dramatic rocky coastline, rock arch and turquoise seas
Seven Hanging Valleys trail - Explore the spectacular coastal scenery of secluded beaches, hidden coves and limestone stacks
Highlights
Spend a week walking in Portugal along dramatic paths and coastal scenery|Relax on one of the many sand beaches|Walk to Cabo Sao Vicente, the most south-westerly point of continental Europe
Trip Details
Product Code: 20300
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: BusMinibusPublic BusTaxi
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Explore Worldwide
Supplier Code: POR
Starts: Portugal
Finishes: Portugal
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
- Explore Tour Leader
- Driver(s)
Accommodation
Casa AzulPrice
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1,900 ($238 /day)
Itinerary
Our trip begins in the coastal town of Sagres, a small tranquil town with a picturesque harbour and several nearby beaches. This historically important port, linked to the early Portuguese explorers. It was here that Prince Henry the Navigator built his navigation school during the 'Age of the Discoveries'. Our base for the week is Casa Azul, a short walk from Mareta Beach and the centre of Sagres town.
For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 7pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Sagres at any time. If you would like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive at Faro Airport (FAO) which is around one hour 30 minutes' drive to the hotel. Should you miss the meeting, your leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up. If your flight arrives early in the day there is s a choice of local restaurants and bars, and a town beach within a short walking distance of our hotel.
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - Casa Azul
- Grade - Comfortable
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - No
- Breakfast Provided - No
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: None
For our first walk we travel by taxi or minibus to the village Bordeira, approximately thirty minutes away. After a short introduction on the local culture and native plants of theregion, we make our way through grassy hills, enjoying the tranquil setting before descending to the wild Atlantic coast. We stop for lunch near the beach, then continue onwards to explore the headland. The views of the dramatic rocky coast are breathtaking and make for some fantastic photo opportunities. From here we head inland again and end the walk at the lovely village of Carrapateira where we can relax in a local café before heading back to Sagres by taxi.
Today's leisurely 13 kilometre/8.1 miles walk is expected to take around 4 hours with 150 metres/492 feet of combined ascent and descent
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - Casa Azul
- Grade - Comfortable
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast
We arrive to the coastal village of Bergau by taxi for the start of our walk along this dramatic coastline.We spend today traversing along the coastal path, admiring the turquoise waters and native plant life. We make a lunch stop over looking the beautiful coastal town of Luz before continuing our route east. There will be a swim opportunity at Porto Mos, or the chance to enjoy a drink at the beach bar. En route today, we see the fascinating rock formations, including the photogenic rock arch at Ponta da Piedade, just south of Lagos, before ending our walk at the lighthouse. The view of the cliffs, lighthouse, and coast are absolutely magical. After spending some time absorbing the view, we return to Sagres by taxis.
Today's moderate 13 kilometre/8.1 miles walk is expected to take around 4 hours with 180 metres/590 feet of ascent and descent, along a coastal path.
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - Casa Azul
- Grade - Comfortable
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast
After breakfast we travel the short distance to the cliffs near Vila do Bispo village by taxi. From here we follow the long distance marked coastal trail 'Rota Vicentina' along dramatic cliffs famed for their unique geological formations formed by millions of years of geological processes including erosion, tectonic activity and sedimentation. Sea stacks, arches and folded rocks are a regular feaure as we head to the lighthouse at Europe's most south-westerly point Cabo Sao Vicente - the subject of many local photographs. From here we return to Sagres in taxis. Sunset in this area is a stunning spectacle and worth making the effort to see. In the evening we'll have dinner in a local restaurant and try the Caldeirada - a traditional hearty Portuguese fish stew. Alternatives will be available for those who do not eat fish.
Today's moderate 15 kilometre/9.3 miles walk is expected to take around four hour and a-half with 150 metres/492 feet of ascent and 260 metres/853 feet of descent along a marked trail.
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - Casa Azul
- Grade - Comfortable
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - Yes
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast & Dinner
Today is a free day to relax on the beach or discover the lovely, historic town of Lagos, exploring the 15th century fortress, or seeing the fish auction that takes place there during the early afternoon. Alternatively there is the option of a boat trip to see the Benagil Caves from Arcacao de Pera.
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - Casa Azul
- Grade - Comfortable
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast
Today is a more challenging walk along the Seven Hanging Valleys trail. Prepare to be captivated with spectacular coastal scenery today, unique to the Algarve region. After approximately 1 hour's drive to Albandeira Beach, we join the trail traversing along the coastal cliffs, famous for its natural arches, limestone stacks and numerous caves. We continue the trek around beautiful secluded beaches and pristine waters below, whilst spotting a variety of local birdlife above. There will be elements of scrambling during a few short sections of the route. The trail rises to pas Alfanzina lighthouse before arriving at Carvoeiro, our end destination.
Today's moderate 10 kilometre/6.8 miles walk is expected to take around four hours with 400 metres/1312 feet of ascent and descent, with some steep sections.
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - Casa Azul
- Grade - Comfortable
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast
This morning, we take taxis to Ingrina, a sheltered sandy beach well known for surfing. From here we take the coastal route hugging the headland, and appreciate the wild coastland. There will be plenty of opportunity to spot local bird and plant life during our walk today. Stopping at a remote a beach for a short rest, we can watch the surfers and relax before continuing on the coastal path, enjoying our final views of the enchanting Atlantic ocean. There is a chance to swim in the beautiful waters at Praia do Marinhal, our final destination, or it is only a 10 minute walk back to the hotel for those that are ready.
Today's leisurely 10 kilometre/6.2 miles walk is expected to take around 3 hours, with an ascent and descent of 150 metres.
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - Casa Azul
- Grade - Comfortable
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast
The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Sagres.
There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Sagres at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like an airport transfer today, you need to depart from Faro Airport (FAO) which is around 1 hour 30 minutes' drive from the hotel.
Accommodation:
- Type -
- Accommodation Name -
- Grade -
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Explore Worldwide
A prominent adventure travel company with over four decades of experience, this business that offers a comprehensive array of unique and thrilling experiences worldwide. Catering to various interests, they provide small group journeys, walking and cycling trips, solo holidays, and family adventures.
In Business Since 1981
Reviews
Janet - Traveled, May 2025
When I initially booked the trip I was under the impression from the description that the hotel had a pool, I was disappointed when I found out from others that this was not the case, I had planned to chill out by the pool on the free day. However having said that the hotel was very good and the breakfast was lovely. Regarding the walks, some of them were not as long as the description and I wouldn’t describe them as remote.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/05/2025
Anonymous - Traveled, May 2025
The Explore experience remote coastal walking holiday was a great experience. The walks were very easy and enjoyable nothing hard, we had to take hiking boots off on one walk due to path was a bit flooded. Martin our guide was an excellent guide and a brilliant lunch provider. His skills at providing 3/4 course meals on the go was excellent. The meals at various restaurants at night were well thought out. Not much for vegetarians. I would recommend the holiday great experience and you get to meet people from around the world. The only downside was hotel didn’t have a pool. It was a very clean hotel all rooms were painted in different colours, very big rooms. Unfortunately no kettles in your room. Clean rooms nice staff. The taxis we’re waiting to take us to the start of the walks and returning us back to the hotel.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/01/2025
Victoria - Traveled, May 2025
Martin went above and beyond as our guide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/28/2025
John Sterbinsky - Traveled, May 2025
Trip was beyond my expectations at every level.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/20/2025
Anonymous - Traveled, May 2025
Perfect week. Great leader, good company with like minded people and good varied walks. Well organised.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/21/2025
Anonymous - Traveled, May 2025
Lydia was excellent, always ready to help.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/21/2025
Susan - Traveled, April 2025
An exceptional tour with Ester, the most proactive, professional, friendly and helpful guide ever. She made everything a delight. The scenery was extraordinary, the routes varied each day, and, in general, pretty easy to navigate. Ester was quite vigilant in areas that were challenging. When I had a challenge with my toe, Ester came to the rescue with a pair of toe socks - something I’d not heard of before (do take note as it would be wise to bring a pair). Things like this could have taken my holiday in different direction. Each night we were taken to a wide selection of fabulous restaurants. The family run hotel had simple, clean, and highly functional facilities. Breakfast was very good. Highly recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/16/2025
Frankie - Traveled, May 2025
Great trip, well organised with varied walks and the walking well matched to the grading. Really enjoyed the variety of options for dinner in the evenings too. Friendly comfortable hotel and most of all, a great guide. Ester was friendly helpful and well organised and very much a part of the group.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/19/2025
Anonymous - Traveled, May 2025
Ester Galindo was a very good guide, she was very welcoming, approachable and took time to check that everyone on the trip was okay and felt comfortable with the planned walks. She also researched and provided information for things for us to do on our free day. I feel that she really cared and wanted all involved to have a enjoyable and positive trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/19/2025
Robert - Traveled, April 2025
The trip was fantastic, the walks were great with some of the best coastlines I have ever seen & our tour leader Ester was amazing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/13/2025
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