Walking Portugal's Wild Algarve

This trip starts in Monchique in the heart of the Algarve, approximately a one-hour drive from Faro. This small town is a quiet, peaceful place but the central square has a welcoming atmosphere with fountains and flowers. We stay in the Caldas de Monchique area, home to alkaline thermal springs that have been popular since Roman times. Say olá to your leader and fellow travellers around 6pm, where we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventure ahead. Your leader will ensure a big welcome by arranging a group dinner at a local restaurant for your first taste of Portuguese hospitality. Want to explore the Algarve further? Additional pre-tour hotel nights are bookable through your sales representative.

We have a morning transfer (approximately 20 minutes) to São Romão Church, where we start with a relatively short hike of the Alferce Loop, which has superb views throughout. There’s an optional visit to the Moorish castle ruins of Castelo de Alferce, which stands on a hilltop in the eastern border of Serra de Monchique, offering a strategic defensive position and expansive views. Archaeological work here reveals a long history of occupation, from the Bronze Age to the Islamic Medieval period (8th-10th centuries CE). In the afternoon, we visit a ceramics gallery in Monchique, where traditional pottery and contemporary pieces come together. This intimate space showcases handcrafted works inspired by the region, and offers visitors the chance to explore the gallery and observe the creative process.

Monchique is in a region strongly marked by agricultural and forestry, which has resulted in a mosaic landscape of vegetable gardens, orchards and quercine tree groves. We hike the areas surrounding the town, giving us a chance to experience this fertile landscape. Depending on rainfall, we may have to cross a stream - taking off our shoes and socks to wade through the gentle water (you may wish to bring sandals for this!). Later, we visit a traditional olive oil mill for a tasting. The olive oil produced in Monchique is celebrated and this particular mill has been producing some of the best since 1953. Today, three generations of the family are actively involved in the operations of the mill, helping to produce a premium olive oil. In the afternoon, we transfer (approximately 45 minutes) to Arrifana.

This morning, we transfer (approximately 35 minutes) to Carvalhal Beach, the start of today’s walk. The cliff face on this stretch of the walk is particularly interesting as it’s composed of schist and greywacke – the consolidation of sand, clay and volcanic ash which accumulated on an ocean floor more than 300m years ago. This whole coastal region is believed by many to have a special energy, and it was here the fado artist and singer Amália Rodrigues sought refuge and inspiration for her songs. Along the walk, we may also spot traces of nocturnal mammals, including the Egyptian mongoose (locally known as escalabardo), weasel, beech marten (papalvo), badger, genet and rabbits. Before reaching Odeceixe, we take a break on Ponta em Branco (White Summit) so named for the colour of the sediments that form its top, marking the border between the Alentejo and Algarve regions. This is considered one of the most scenic points in the entire region with views over Odeceixe Beach, with the mountaintop of Fóia and Monchique as a backdrop. We then stop at the vineyards of Vicentino for a wine tasting before transferring to our hotel near Arrifana Beach. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the swimming pool or a drink on the sunny terrace before dinner.

Today is a free day to choose from the many optional activities available in the area. You may decide to go on a dolphin-watching tour or book a surfing class in this popular surfing destination. While your tour leader will not accompany you on your free day, they can help you book the optional activities. A self-guided walk around Arrifana is also possible (7.5mi/12km loop).

Today we travel further south and transfer (approximately 30 minutes) to the village of Carrapateira, the start of today’s short circular walk. Along the circuit, we come across various viewpoints with superb vistas of the sandy beaches of Bordeira and Amado plus the ruins of an ancient Islamic fishermen’s settlement. On the first part of the trail, we walk through undulating dunes carpeted by lush vegetation and aromatic wild plants including thyme, yellow amaranths, rosemary, lavender, crowberries, blue pimpernel and sea lavender. We then walk along the limestone cliffs for most of the trail and may get the opportunity to spot cormorants, a wintering bird and expert angler that consumes almost 2lb (1kg) of fish per day. In the afternoon, we transfer (approximately 20 minutes) to the village of Sagres, at the extreme western tip of the Algarve. Although primarily known as a surfing destination, Sagres has a lot more to offer. You may decide to spend the rest of the day in one of the pristine sheltered beaches. Upgrade to a sea-view room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Surrounded by foaming Atlantic breakers, Cabo de Sao Vicente marks the most southwesterly point of Europe. The final walk from Sagres out to the edge of the continent should prove to be one of the highlights of the week. Surrounded by coastal scenery, we follow a wild trail along sandy paths and gorse-strewn meadows to the very edge of the Iberian Peninsula. Setting off from our hotel, we head to the start point of our walk, near Beliche Beach. We set out across towering cliffs and ravines covered with native vegetation. We pass by the golden beach of Beliche then, after a short section inland, Telheiro Beach, a place of extraordinary geological interest thanks to the rock composition of the cliffs. The last section of the path continues along the clifftop before a memorable arrival at Cabo de Sao Vicente, where we find a lighthouse, offering wonderful photo opportunities. It’s only a five-minute transfer back to Sagres, where we can choose to visit the imposing sea fortress at sunset or relax with a cold drink on the waterfront, watching fishermen mending their nets. Upgrade to a sea-view room today – speak to your sales representative for more details