The Algarve’s natural beauty makes it an interesting place to explore on foot. With 300 days of sunshine each year, there is plenty of opportunity to enjoy a walking break avoiding the high summer season throughout the year.
A popular walking route is the Vicentina Route which runs along the rugged western coast of the region from Santiago do Cacém in the Alentejo to Sagres in the Algarve. The main attraction to this area is the natural beauty of its beaches and dramatic cliffs. An abundance of wildlife can also be found in the Costa Vicentina Natural Park, where the coastline framing the Atlantic Ocean offers a breath-taking backdrop. The multiple historic sites, such as roman ruins and medieval forts are also not to be missed. While the coastal trails are very scenic, so are the many paths that extend through fields and mountain ranges further into the interior areas that have been generally overlooked by tourism. There are various tours offered by Rota Vicentina using local members of the community who share their stories of times gone by, as well as bird watching experts.
From amateur to the most experienced hiker the Algarve has something to offer. Here are our three favourite walking tours:
Portugal 4U & Quinta Bonita Country House and Gardens
Portugal 4U offers a brilliant tour called ‘Portuguese discoveries and lighthouse’ that begins with a stunning walk along the coastline passing beaches which were voted the most beautiful in the world (Dona Ana and Ponta da Piedade). The walk is very accessible and is only 7 km, with plenty of Instagram-able photo ops! The walk ends at Ponta da Piedade a beach famous for its unique rock formations where you will sit down to a delicious traditional lunch. A 1-hour boat ride will then return you to the start point, exploring sites such as the Cave of Love and the Arch of Triumph, among others.
The tour starts and ends in Lagos making Quinta Bonita country house the ideal base to stay. This boutique hotel has exquisite gardens to roam, a swimming pool and a yoga and wellness studio for guests to unwind in – perfect after an action-packed day. Their food philosophy is ‘simple, tasty and local’, catering for all diets and sourcing a variety of locally grown and seasonal produce to curate healthy mouth-watering dishes. If the Portugal 4U tour whet your appetite for exploring the Algarve by foot, Quinta Bonita has an album of walking notes and suggestions for guests to peruse.
Morgan’s Nature Walks and Dunas Douradas Beach Club
Based in central rural Algarve, Morgan’s Nature Walks whisks you away from the crowds to explore hidden gems. One of their walks will guide you through Fonte Benémola, a protected area, which is a luscious green valley full of animal and plant life. It is not only home to over 100 different species of bird that can be seen throughout the whole trail but also more than 300 diverse species of plants. It is also possible to see many species of water snakes swimming in the creek in search of small fish and turtles sunning themselves on the banks. Morgan’s nature walks offer walks for all different abilities and enthusiasms including three photography specific walks and even a bird ringing walking tour.
Located just a 30-minute drive from these stunning walks is Dunas Douradas Beach Club . The hotel is an award-winning five-star resort in the heart of the Algarve’s Golden Triangle. Situated in a privileged setting away from the crowds, overlooking the ocean and endless golden beaches of the Atlantic coastline, the luxury resort welcomes guests to a relaxed and elegant atmosphere and offers exclusivity and recreation for every member of the family.
A2Z & Memmo Baleeira Hotel
A 2 Z organises multiple day hiking trips for the more experienced walkers. Their Western Algarve tour covers 107km of breath-taking terrain in 7 days. It is self-guided, and includes 6 nights of 3-Star accommodation, luggage transfers, guidebooks, maps, insurance, and a GPS devise with accurate routes. A2Z invites clients to explore Rota Vicentina’s network of walking trails, including the Historical Way, the Fishermen’s Trail, and several Circular Routes. The tours allow clients to experience authentic rural Algarve and the rugged wild Atlantic coastline with prices starting at €649 for the week.
After a week’s walking some R&R may be in order and Memmo Baleeira Hotel will not disappoint. It is a 4-star hotel with views across the ocean and Baleeira harbour near Sagres on the most westerly point of the region. This contemporary hotel has its own restaurant, bar, pool, and spa to help guests unwind after an exciting day. The Hotel is well suited for people seeking outdoor, active holidays with its own surf centre and capacity to organise activities such as: bike tours, Jeep trips, water sports and golf.
