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Overview

Walking the Wild Algarve Coast is one of Portugal’s great hiking pleasures.

Portugal’s Algarve region often conjures images of busy sun-drenched beaches and large all-inclusive hotels. In truth, if you venture away from the tourist hotspots of the south coast, you’ll discover an Algarve filled with secluded coves, hidden beaches and peaceful rural charm.

West is best, and for keen hikers the Rota Vicentina trail network brings together 750km of coastal walks and rural trails, allowing you to explore the undiscovered western regions of Portugal on foot.

Your week begins in the market town of Aljezur where you’ll pick up the Wild Algarve Coastal Trail, gradually working your way south via Carrapateira, Pedralva and Bispo to the far southwestern tip of Portugal at Cabo de Sao Vicente. The trail combines cliff top paths and sweeping ocean views, with deserted bays and beautifully-barren serras, and you’ll be staying in some of our favourite examples of Portuguese ‘Turismo Rural’.

We suggest a self-guided week and we’ll provide you all the guide notes and digital maps you’ll need. It’s also easy for us to personalise your holiday if you’d prefer to walk in the company of one of local guides, or you can add a few extra days to relax on the beach.

Gallery

Itinerary

Day 1

You’ll begin your holiday with a direct flight to Faro. Our driver will transfer you to your accommodation at the Vicentina Hotel in the 10th century village of Aljezur,

Day 2

Your first day’s free so you can relax and explore Aljezur, or head down to the beach at Praia da Amoreira.

Day 3

For your first walk, you’ll take the trail from Monte Clerigo to Arrifana, (distance: 13km, ascent: 400m, difficulty: easy to moderate). You’ll follow the west coast’s rugged granite cliffs south, via the secluded Praia de Coelha beach and the Ponta da Atalaia to the Herdade Monte do Sol in the village of Arrifana.

Day 4

Your second walk takes you from Arrifana to the coastal village of Carrapateira (distance: 19km, ascent: 200m, difficulty: moderate). The route takes you through the rolling hills of Monte Novo, before dropping down into the Ribeira da Carrapateira river valley to Praia da Bordeira: one of the region’s most spectacular beaches. You'll overnight at Hortas do Rio.

Day 5

Leaving Carrapateira, you’ll continue south to Pedralva (distance: 19km, ascent: 300m, difficulty: easy to moderate). Your walk takes you via the Pontal da Carrapateira and the 12th century ruins at Povoado Islamico da Ponta do Castelo to the preserved village of Pedralva.

Day 6

Your penultimate walk takes you from Pedralva to Vila do Bispo (distance: 20km, ascent: 400m, difficulty: easy to moderate). The landscape around Praia Barriga and Praia Cordoama is famed for its biodiversity: its reptiles, birds and mammals. You’ll overnight at the Pure Fonte Velha.

Day 7

Your final walk begins in Vila do Bispo and ends on the Cabo Sao Vicente peninsula, (distance: 25km, ascent: 300m, difficulty: easy to moderate). Following one of our favourite trails, you’ll visit the iconic Cabo de Sao Vicente peninsula before arriving at the Memmo Baleeira Hotel in the south coast harbour town of Sagres.

Day 8

You'll have a free day to relax in Sagres, and the beaches at Praia de Baleeira, Praia do Martinhal and Praia da Mareta are a short walk away.

Day 9

You'll be transferred to the airport for your flight home.

From £1950 per person

We can create a tailor-made holiday to suit your budget.

Direct flights from the UK to Faro, accommodation in twin/double en-suite rooms on a B&B basis, and on a half-board basis in a one-bedroom cottage at Aldeia da Pedralva (drinks not included), airport transfers, luggage transfers on walk days, digital route maps and restaurant recommendations.

Accommodation

Hortas do Rio
Aldeia da Pedralva

Activities

Hiking in Portugal For a relatively small country, Portugal has an enviably diverse range of…

Location

The Algarve

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