DAY 1
Arrive In Portugal
Arrive at Faro airport and transfer to the 3* Hotel Baia de Monte Gordo in Monte Gordo
If time allows an introductory walk will be offered.
Meals Included: Dinner
DAY 2
Altura to Monte Gordo Walk
After breakfast , for our first walk of the week we take the public bus to the lovely coastal town of Altura known for its cafes, restaurants and white sandy beach. Our walk takes us along raised walkways across the sand dunes back towards Monte Gordo. Along the way we can see how the dune vegetation changes and the abundance of European beach grass and sea holly growing along the way. The beach is vast, stretching for as far as the eye can see down to the calm sea. and the sea. At lunch time, we’ll stop for a picnic lunch (not included) at the Monte Gordo seafront. We then return to the hotel for a well earned rest.
Meals Included : Breakfast & Dinner
Walking Distance 7.5km/4.6 miles
Ascent +10m
Descent -10m
Highest Point 10m
Terrain: Board walks, good dirt roads, some short tracks with soft sand.
DAY 3
Vila Real de Santo António and Ayamonte
Today we start the day with a walk through the Monte Gordo pine forest. The walk finishes in Vila Real de Santo António, a charming town with a fascinating history and architecture, in the estuary of the Rio Guadiana, which separates Portugal from Spain. From here, we’ll take the ferry across the river to the town of Ayamonte in Spain. We’ll tour around the city and enjoy a meal of traditional tapas.
After lunch we offer the option of walking with the walking guide back to the hotel, or to stay in Vila Real de Santo Antonio and to make your own return to the hotel by taxi or public bus.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & dinner
Walking Distance 5.5km & 4.9km/ 3.4 & 3.0 miles
Ascent +10m
Descent -10m
Highest Point 10m
Terrain: Good dirt and tarmac roads.
Show more
DAY 4
Day at Leisure
Take a well earned rest and relax in the hotel or take a stroll around Monte Gordo.
DAY 5
Tavira
This morning we’ll take the train to discover Tavira, a lovely and quaint old-Portuguese charm, with over 30 churches, cobbled streets, and bougainvillea lined balconies. In the historic and charasmatic old town, the castle and the typical houses provide much cultural interest. The River Gilão, with its working fisherman’s riverfront, runs to the azure lagoons of the Ria Formosa. We’ll take a boat tour along the Ria Formosa and stop at Tavira’s Island, for a grilled fish lunch, with a sea view (optional grilled meat dish, lunch with drinks included). We then take the boat back and head to the train to return to Monte Gordo.
Meals Included: Breakfast ,Lunch & Dinner
Walking Distance 5.8km/3.6miles
Ascent +34m
Descent -32m
Highest Point 25m
Terrain: Good dirt and tarmac roads. very uneven cobbled pavement in and out of tavira historical centre.
DAY 6
Alcoutim & Castro Marim Nature Reserve
Today there’s a free morning to take a leisurely breakfast before we head to the Castro Marim Nature Reserve. After lunch (not included) we’ll take a transfer to the Castro Marim Nature Reserve, a unique landscape in the East Algarve. A true realm of serenity, far from the hustle and bustle of the beach resorts. A haven for countless bird species such as the flamingos who regularly visit this charming patchwork of green-blue marshes and crisp white saltpans. From the salt pans, you’ll have a privileged view to the Castle, the Fort, and the walls of Castro Marim, one of the oldest communities in the Algarve, and an important centre of Arab power until 1242.
A visit to the Territorial Interpretation Centre will provide a more insightful visit, with information about the historical, natural and cultural heritages of the area. Transfer back to the hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner.
Alcoutim
Walking Distance 4.7km/2.9miles
Ascent +99m
Descent -99m
Highest Point 90m
Terrain: Good dirt and tarmac roads. some uneven cobbled pavement in the alcoutim. the ascent to the alcoutim old castle is somewhat steep and lengthy
Castro Marim
Walking Distance 3km/2 miles
Ascent +72m
Descent -67m
Highest Point 35m
Terrain: Good dirt and tarmac roads. very uneven cobbled pavement in and out of castro marim castle
Show more
DAY 7
Olhão
After breakfast we catch the train from Monte Gordo to Olhão, a picturesque coastal town inspired by Moroccan architecture where Its beauty attracts artists, writers, and photographers. We have free time to discover the town and take lunch (not included). The city centre has a collection of white houses with roof terraces and minarets that form a patchwork of layering cubes. The waterfront avenue near the Ria Formosa is lined with gloriously tile-fronted, 19th-century townhouses, with verandas and wrought-iron work. The highlight is the colourful atmosphere at the Municipal Market, which fulfils its traditional function by day and is the setting for lively nightlife bars.
Now it’s time to discover the barrier Islands of the Ria Formosa. We’ll take a boat tour and visit and walk round one of the islands. We then return by ferry to catch the train back to Monte Gordo in time for our last night dinner together.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Walking Distance 3km/2 miles
Ascent +34m
Descent -32m
Highest Point 25m
Terrain: Good dirt and tarmac roads. very uneven cobbled pavement in and out of Olhão historical centre.
Show more
DAY 8
Departure Day
Today we check out of our hotel and say goodbye before transfering to Faro Airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
