Discover the allure and beauty of the Eastern ,Western Algarve and Southern Spain on our two week Christmas and New Year break of excellent Solos fully guided walking. We venture along stunning coastline, through the pine forests, charming towns and nature reserves to soak up every inch of Portuguese and Spanish charm.
Extras
Arrive at Faro Airport and transfer to the AguaHotels Riverside Hotel near Portimao.
We begin in the traditional Algarve village of Estombar. Along the valley of the River Arade, we visit the Ecological Park of Fontes, an attractive local beauty spot. Here, we find the largest limestone springs in the Algarve. At Sitio das Fontes, we see a water mill, learn more about the local flora and fauna while walking along an educational trail. The route itself enables us to explore this river valley, following quiet tracks and paths so we can appreciate the diverse habitats and wildlife. The walk ends in Silves, the ancient capital of the Algarve with its iconic castle.
Today we take a fantastic coastal walk taking in one of the most famous and dramatic sections of the Algarve coastline. Towering cliffs, sea caves and grottos, superb sandy coves and spectacular headlands including the much photographed Benagil domed caves lined with beautiful sandstone strata. We finish along Carvoeiro’s renowned elevated boardwalk.
Today we have a full programme with a fantastic coastal walk taking in the superb sandy beaches and dramatic headlands between Alvor and Portimão, including the much photographed beach at Praia da Rocha, one of the best in the Algarve. The rock strata are particularly varied and very colourful, from white limestone to red sandstone. These different rocks support a wide variety of flora and, in spring, there are impressive displays of wild flowers.
We continue our coastal theme with a spectacular walk starting from the small village and resort of Luz. On this walk, we follow a coastal path to Lagos, visiting Ponta da Piedade along the way, where the famous sea caves are found and visited by many small boats carrying visitors from nearby Lagos. The walk finishes in Lagos, leaving plenty time to sightsee in this attractive town that was an important Roman settlement called ‘Lacobriga’. A variety of ancient Roman & medieval ruins remain, including the old slave market. The town centre, which is enclosed within 5th Century walls, offers a modern and well equipped marina that dominates the seafront, with the town now firmly positioned as a centre for tourists from all over the world. We have an opt out at Ponte de Piedade, allowing people to have a little more time to sightsee in Lagos.
We head back inland for a walk that takes in the villages of Barão de São João and Barão de São Miguel. These charming, rural and peaceful villages are characterized by the typical white houses with a coloured border around the windows and doors. This and the traditional Algarve chimneys demonstrate the many years of Moorish occupancy of the area. We have an opt out at lunch time allowing people to relax and explore the fascinating village of Barão S. João.
Our final day on the Western Algarve fittingly culminates in Sagres, the most westerly town in the Algarve. This area of intensely dramatic cliffs, opening onto a vast horizon of sea and sky, was the last sight of Europe for the explorers setting forth on their fearsome voyages beyond the horizon. We will also visit the nearby Cabo de S. Vincente, whose spectacular cliffs were once believed to be the end of the world.
Transfer to the three-star hotel – Baia de Monte Gordo in Monte Gordo.
If time allows, an introductory walk will be offered.
Meals Included: Dinner
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 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 as far as the eye can see down to the calm sea. At lunch time, we’ll stop for a picnic lunch (not included) at the Monte Gordo seafront, before returning 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.
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 the city and enjoy a meal of traditional tapas.
Take a well earned rest and relax in the hotel, or take a stroll around Monte Gordo.
This morning, we’ll travel by 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 charismatic old town, the castle and 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.
We enjoy a free morning to take a leisurely breakfast before heading 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 Eastern Algarve. A true realm of serenity, far from the hustle and bustle of the beach resorts, this is 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, Fort, and walls of Castro Marim, one of the oldest communities in the Algarve, and an important centre of Arab power until 1242.
After breakfast, we catch the train from Monte Gordo to Olhão – a picturesque coastal town inspired by Moroccan architecture that 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 glorious 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.
Today we check out of our hotel and say goodbye before transferring to Faro Airport.
Our cosy, friendly, hotel is located near the beach and within reach of the resorts bars and restaurants, an ideal base for our week of Solos walking.
Facilities include restaurant, bar, small rooftop swimming pool, lounge area, Wi-Fi
Our rooms have ensuite bathroom, desk, flat screen satellite TV, hairdryer, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning and balcony
Our base for our week first of fantastic Christmas walking is at the modern Riverside Hotel, located on the banks of the River Arade. Enjoy the beautiful views across the river and the delightful town centre of Portimao within walking distance or a short taxi ride away.
Facilities include restaurant, bar, swimming pool, spa area including indoor pool, sauna, Turkish bath and Jacuzzi. beauty treatments and massages(charges apply) and free Wi-Fi throughout.
Our rooms include en-suite bathroom with shower, hairdryer air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat screen television, safety deposit box and balcony.
Frequently Asked Questions
Transfer time from Faro Airport to Portimao is approximately 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
Transfer from Portimao to Monte Gordo is approximately 95 mins
Transfer Time from Monte-Gordo to Faro Airport approximately 45 mins
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in your chosen activity holiday. This walking holidays is graded as Easy to Medium however please bear in mind there will be inclines and the holiday is a 14 night stay with 11 days of walking. If you are unsure as to whether the walks are within your capabilities, please contact the office to discuss this matter, thus making sure you appreciate the terrain and the length of the walks that you will be walking.
It is recommended to bring water & snacks for the walk.
You could be walking across uneven ground in some areas and extreme care must be taken, especially if wet. If used to using a pole/stick, it is advisable to bring it. Please appreciate the route and content of the holiday may change at the time and at the discretion of the guide/organiser, should conditions require. Solo’s Holidays Ltd cannot be held responsible for personal injury, accident or damage to property whilst on these walks other than incidents arising out of the company’s negligence. The guide has the right to refuse to guide a walk with anyone not properly attired.
It is of paramount importance that you have the correct footwear. It is essential to wear walking boots that are comfortable and preferably lightweight, with some ankle support and a good grip. If you already have a pair of boots that you are happy walking in (including during hot/wet weather and on hard ground), then bring these along. However, if you are bringing new footwear, do make sure they are well broken in before you arrive. Experience has shown that wearing 2 pairs of woollen socks adds to comfort.
Whilst we would hope for good weather during your holiday, it is of course impossible to guarantee this. We would therefore recommend you travel with clothing suitable for all conditions, and suggest you use the following checklist as a guideline of what to take:
Walking boots with good ankle support
Waterproofs – jacket and trousers
Walking poles – recommended as they provide good support for the knees, particularly on downhill sections of walks and when conditions are wet/slippery
Lightweight trousers and shorts with pockets
Shirts or t-shirts for walking in
Walking socks – several pairs
Lightweight fleece or jumper
Hat & gloves
Daysack/rucksack for walking
Umbrella – it can be used also for protection from the sun as well as rain
Lightweight drinking bottle to carry water whilst walking
Small first aid kit – plasters, insect repellant, etc
Good, high factor sunscreen, sunhat and sunglasses
We suggest a Group Collection to cover transfer drivers, and hotel staff of €25.00 per person. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, or taxi fares, your Tour Leader can advise of an appropriate % add on.
To enter Portugal or Madeira your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be:
less than 10 years old on the day you enter (check the ‘date of issue’)
valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)
Check both the issue date and the expiry date in your passport. If you renewed your passport early, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. This could affect the requirement for your passport to be less than 10 years old.
A visa is not required by holders of passports endorsed “British Citizen” for stays of upto 90 days in any 180-day period. Please note that stays in other EU countries counts towards this 90 day period.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct visa, a valid passport and any other travel documents for your holiday. All information provided relates to British citizens who hold or are entitled to apply for a British passport. For the most up-to-date visa information please visit; Portugal Foreign Advice
If you are not a British citizen and do not hold a British passport, you must make your own enquiries as to the applicable requirements.
Compulsory vaccinations: None.
All clients are responsible for acquainting themselves with up to date health information of the countries being visited and where necessary take the required precautions. We recommend that you check with your doctor prior to departure as this information can change. You can also visit the travel health website for more information; Travel Health Portugal
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“I’m sure you will enjoy it, I have been on three solos holidays to date and the people I’ve met have been great.”
“I’ve been travelling with Solos for nearly 20 years, on and off. The reason is for exactly what you want – you meet like minded people… and have loads of fun!”
“I’ve been on loads of trips with Solos over the years and can honestly say you will not regret booking your 1st one!”
“The feeling you have once you go away on your own is worth all the nerves before! I was so very anxious the first time but now having done it 4 times, I love it!”
