Algarve Coastal Walk

Hiking along the dramatic wild Atlantic coast

In the Algarve, you can enjoy more than just a splendid beach vacation. This beautiful and diverse region is a perfect destination for hiking enthusiasts. The Algarve boasts not only fantastic beaches and coves but also untamed natural landscapes and historic fishing villages.

On this holiday, you'll have the opportunity to explore the picturesque beaches and stunning coastal scenery of the Algarve in all its vibrant forms. To the west, you'll encounter a rugged natural landscape with dramatic cliff coasts, impressive rock formations, and unique limestone features.

You'll find deserted beaches and endless lagoons surrounding the Ria Formosa nature reserve, a haven for countless bird species and marine creatures. Along the hiking trails, you'll also have the chance to observe the customs and traditions of charming fishing villages, while encountering a multitude of flowers and plants. This hiking tour is perfect for those who appreciate breathtaking beaches and unspoiled natural beauty.

Details about the walking holiday along the Algarve

After your arrival, the beautiful old town of Lagos awaits you with numerous shops, cafes and restaurants - get in the mood for the journey with a cool drink, which begins with two circular walks. On the west coast you hike over wild rock formations and breathtaking bays to beautiful Figueira and on the way to the impressive headland "Ponta de Piedade," you can feel the power of the Atlantic with all your senses.

From Lagos, the route goes via Carvoeiro to Albufeira and on to Faro. Anyone who feels like going shopping is guaranteed to be in good hands in the capital of the Algarve. But the city also has a lot to offer in other respects. At 19 kilometres, the longest stage of the journey leads through the Ria Formosa Nature Park, from where you can take the boat to Tavira.

The highlights of the Algarve walking tour:

  • Impressive rock formations: One or two rocky climbs make the tour a real adventure, but it's worth it.

  • Hiking trails along the south coast: The extensive beaches make this part of the Algarve something very special. Forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life and soak up the tranquillity!

  • Heavenly bays and endless sandy beaches: Hiking here is simply heavenly - and above all not tied to any season.

  • Ria Formosa Nature Park: In the 18th century, a seaquake formed the lagoons between Faro and Tavira. Numerous animals below and above water find their habitat here.

  • Historic overnight locations: In addition to many small villages and pretty little towns, Tavira is certainly one of the highlights.

Worth knowing about the hiking tour in the Algarve

The pre-planned hiking routes provide a lot of variety in addition to incredibly beautiful views. While the stony rocky paths are quite demanding, you can wonderfully unwind along the coast. You will spend the night in great hotels with a pool, where you can relax wonderfully after the stages.

This tour has been graded as Medium. Find out more about our walking holiday difficulty levels.

Tour information
Medium
  • 8 Days / 7 Nights
  • Self-Guided
  • Luggage transfers included
  • Total walking distance: approx. 90 km
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Itinerary

The coastal town of Lagos welcomes you with Mediterranean flair in the lively streets of the historic old town. The hustle and bustle at the harbour and the beautiful sandy beach set the mood for a wonderful trip.

Black, red and yellow rock formations, barren plateaus, long sandy beaches and breathtaking headlands offer the perfect backdrop for a very special hike. From tranquil Sagres, lonely paths lead gently up and down along the coast through the fragrant macchia. Over rocky climbs and through glittering bays you finally reach the small village of Figueira.

ca. 5 hours
14 km
400 m
400 m

In the coastal village of Burgau, you start on a fantastic tour that is all about the sea: high cliffs, rugged rocky landscapes, secluded bays and gurgling grottos bear witness to the tireless power of the deep blue waves. The sound of the waves and the unmistakable smell of the Atlantic will escort you to the lighthouse high above the spectacular cliffs of Ponta da Piedade.

ca. 5 hours
16 km
400 m
400 m

From Ferragudo on an impressive cliff path over steep rocks, hollowed-out limestone formations and hidden sandy beaches to Carvoeiro, where you can stop at a beach bar. You then continue your way through the Seven Hanging Valleys, a magnificent coastal path that leads through seven incisions past countless rock formations to Praia da Marinha.

ca. 5,5 hours
15 km
500 m
500 m

Always along the beach through dunes and lagoons on winding paths through the nature reserves on the coast, where you can admire numerous species of birds, the Wadden Sea and the ocean from the observation towers. On the famous Ludo Trail, you cross the bridge to the island of Faro, a long stretch of sand that invites you to take a long break and stop for refreshments.

ca. 4 hours
11 km
50 m
50 m

A short train ride takes you to the fishing village of Fuzeta, the start of the stage. Glistening salt pans, small villages with colourful houses and blooming orchards line your way. On the banks of the gently flowing Ria Formosa, you hike along the edge of the lagoon through the natural park to the island of Tavira. Past the "Cemetery of the Anchors" across the fine sandy beach to the northern end of the island, from where a boat takes you to the historic town of Tavira, Venice in the Algarve.

ca. 5 hours
19 km
150 m
150 m

Idyllic it goes along the coast to the eastern end of the Algarve to the Spanish border. You hike over gentle dunes, through fragrant pine forests and over pristine beaches to the estuary of the Rio Guadiana, which separates Portugal from Spain. The destination of the route is the charming village of Vila Real de Santo António, which knows how to inspire with its historical history and charming architecture.

ca. 4 hours
15 km
100 m
100 m

Route information

You always hike on good paths, on sandy and rocky paths, as well as on trails along the cliffs, and sometimes on gravel roads. For hikes of up to 5.5 hours, a good level of fitness and sure-footedness is required for the partly rocky cliff paths. Discover the diversity of the east and west coast of the Algarve on beautiful coastal paths.

Prices and dates

Prices are per person in GBP and exclude flights

Price calculation and check availability: Algarve Coast

Place of arrival: Lagos
  Season 1
06.01.2024 - 23.03.2024
27.10.2024 - 07.12.2024

Thursday and Saturday
Season 2
24.03.2024 - 25.05.2024
29.09.2024 - 26.10.2024

Thursday and Saturday
Season 3
26.05.2024 - 28.09.2024

Thursday and Saturday
Algarve Coastal Walk, PO-AGWLT-08X
Base price
759.00
909.00
1,039.00
Single room surcharge 479.00 479.00 479.00

 

Hotel information: Beautiful 4**** hotels with pools

Season 1
Jan 6, 2024 - Mar 23, 2024
Oct 27, 2024 - Dec 7, 2024
Thursday and Saturday
Season 2
Mar 24, 2024 - May 25, 2024
Sep 29, 2024 - Oct 26, 2024
Thursday and Saturday
Season 3
May 26, 2024 - Sep 28, 2024
Thursday and Saturday
Algarve Coastal Walk, PO-AGWLT-08X
Base price
Single room surcharge
759.00
479.00
909.00
479.00
1,039.00
479.00

 

Hotel information: Beautiful 4**** hotels with pools

Season 1
Jan 6, 2024 - Mar 23, 2024
Oct 27, 2024 - Dec 7, 2024
Season 2
Mar 24, 2024 - May 25, 2024
Sep 29, 2024 - Oct 26, 2024
Season 3
May 26, 2024 - Sep 28, 2024
Lagos
Double room p.p
Single room surcharge
Tavira
Double room p.p
Surcharge single room
69.00
69.00
59.00
69.00
89.00
69.00
79.00
69.00
119.00
69.00
109.00
69.00
Additional nights
Place of arrival: Lagos
  Season 1
Jan 6, 2024 - Mar 23, 2024
Oct 27, 2024 - Dec 7, 2024

Thursday and Saturday
Season 2
Mar 24, 2024 - May 25, 2024
Sep 29, 2024 - Oct 26, 2024

Thursday and Saturday
Season 3
May 26, 2024 - Sep 28, 2024

Thursday and Saturday
Lagos
Double room p.p 69.00 89.00 119.00
Single room surcharge 69.00 69.00 69.00
Tavira
Double room p.p 59.00 79.00 109.00
Surcharge single room 69.00 69.00 69.00
Prices per person in GBP

Included services and travel information

Services

Included:

  • Overnight stays as stated
  • breakfast
  • luggage transfer
  • Personal tour information (DE, EN)
  • Transfers according to the program
  • Well-planned route guidance
  • Detailed travel documents 1x per room (DE, EN)
  • Navigation app and GPS data available
  • Service hotline

Optional:

  • Airport transfer Faro – Lagos (max. 4 people), costs per trip € 110,-, Tavira – Airport Faro € 55,- per trip (max. 4 people). Reservation required, payable in advance.
Information

Arrival / Departure:

  • Faro Airport. By bus to Faro train station and then by train ( www.cp.pt ) to Lagos in about 2 hours.
  • Return journey by bus or train from Tavira to the airport in Faro in approx. 1.5 hours (1 change) or by taxi approx. € 40, duration approx. 30 minutes.

Important information:

  • Visitor's tax, if due, is not included in the travel price
  • Journeys by public transport, approx. EUR 10 per person
  • Boat trip island of Tavira – Tavira, approx. € 2 per person
Sample hotel list

This is a sample hotel list. Hotels will be booked depending on availability.

Lagos

Marina Rio

www.marinario.com

Albufeira

Urban California

www.detailshotels.com

Faro

Hotel Faro & Beach Club

www.hotelfaro.pt/de

Tavira

Maria Nova Lounge

www.ap-hotelsresorts.com

 

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