Algarve : A walking holiday by the Ocean

This hike follows the Barlavento coastline which is the western part of this spectacular southern coast of the Algarve, a region with Mediterranean influences that is nevertheless resolutely Atlantic. The different geological layers of the cliffs or coves offer striking contrasts with the ocean on one side and the scrubland on the other. The route leads to the inland village of Figueiras, dedicated to subsistence agriculture of fig, almond and olive trees, before reaching the beautiful beaches of Zavial and Ingrina for a possible swim before returning by taxi to your accommodation.

Walk:  Salema > Ingrina | 3h00 | 9km – 5.6 miles | Elevation : +/-200m
Meals included: breakfast
Night: Salema

Transfer to Carrapateira (40min). Hike through the Vicentine Coast Natural Park, through the Carrapateira valley and then through the hills covered with rockroses, pines and rosemary, before reaching the wild coastline, its beaches and ochre cliffs; the Atlantic in all its splendour! Carrapateira, a small village of fishermen and surfers, is worth a stop as is a visit to the Museum of the Land and Sea. Return transfer (40 min) to your accommodation.

Walk: Carrapateira > Carrapateira | 3h to 4h | 9 to 12km depending on the version – 5.6 to 7.4 miles | Elevation : +/- 200m
Meals included: breakfast
Night: Salema

From the pretty village of Burgau clinging to the cliffs, the trail follows the coastline through Luz, whose name is inspired by the light that reigns over the ocean, in the white streets or on the golden sand of its beach. The coastal path continues to the site of Ponta da Piedade, a geological monument with its ochre cliffs that contrast with the vegetation and the turquoise blue of the waves, its arches, chasms and caves. At the end of the hike, the town of Lagos, with its cobbled streets, squares in the shade of jacaranda trees and emblematic monuments of the time of the great Maritime Discoveries. Optional kayak or boat trip from Lagos port. Return by transfer (30 min) to your accommodation.

Walk: Burgau > Lagos | 4h00 (without the visit to Lagos) | 14km – 8.7 miles | Elevation : +/-400m
Meals included: breakfast
Night: Salema

Transfer (45 min) to the granite massif of Monchique which culminates on the edge of the ocean at an altitude of 900 metres, creating a micro-climate and unique ecosystems. After crossing the cork and eucalyptus forests, the granite chaos of Mount Picota offers a 360° panoramic view of the entire western Algarve. The village of Monchique is worth a visit at the end of your hike. You can discover its small church with a Manuelian portal or its ghostly Carmelite convent. Return transfer to your accommodation.

Walk: Monchique > Monchique | 3h30 (without the visit to the town of Monchique) | 10km – 6.2 miles | Elevation : +/- 400m
Meals included: breakfast
Night: Salema

Transfer by taxi (30 min) to Vila do Bispo, the capital of barnacle fishing. This hike leads through the middle of multicoloured moors and follows the fishermen's paths along the impressive cliffs to Cape St. Vincent and Sagres Point, where a visit to the fortress is a must. It was from there, at the prow of Europe, that Henry the Navigator is said to have thought about and planned the Portuguese maritime explorations to other continents. Optional boat trip to see the Cape Caves or whale watching. Return by transfer (30 min) to your accommodation.

Walk: Vila Do Bispo > Cape Saint Vincent | 4h | 14,5km – 8.6 miles | Elevation : +200m/-250m
Meals included: breakfast
Night: Salema

Taxi transfer to Faro ( 3h30 before the flight). End of the trip

Meals included: breakfast