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Join us on a Christmas week of walking and witness first-hand the stunning natural beauty of the Western Algarve. Along with your fellow ramblers embark on enchanting walks that showcase its harmonious blend of coastal, mountain, and inland vistas. Each step reveals a new facet of this breathtaking region, unveiling its diverse landscapes and inviting us to explore its boundless charm. Let us wander through the hidden gems and welcoming communities, embracing the vast and inviting heart of the Algarve.
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 enjoy 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 stunning 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 characterised 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 lunchtime, 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.
After breakfast, you may have some free time to do any last-minute local shopping and sightseeing before heading to the airport for your flight home.
Our base for our week of fantastic Christmas walking is at the modern Riverside Hotel, located on the banks of the River Arade. Enjoy 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
The transfer time from Faro Airport to our hotel is approximately 60 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
Six guided walks are included in the programme. Your walking guide will advise you in resort of the daily programme. The walking programme is graded as Easy to Medium and you can expect to walk between 7 to 12km per day, with some ascents/descents, rough underfoot terrain and high altitudes involved.
Day 2 – Estômbar and Silves Walk (+- 10 km)
Day Time: 5 hours including time for coffee break/lunch/visits (not included)
Walk Time: 3 hours
Ascent: 46 m Descent: 66 m
Lunch: In Silves (not included)
Day 3 – Seven Valleys Walk (+- 10 km)
Day Time: 5.30 hours including time for coffee break/lunch/visits(not included)
Walk Time: 3 hours
Ascent: 329 m Descent: 327 m
Lunch: Picnic Lunch (not included)
Day 4 – Alvor and Praia da Rocha (+- 10 km)
Day Time: 4.30 hours including time for coffee break/lunch/visits(not included)
Walk Time: 3 hours
Ascent: 87 m Descent: 87 m
Lunch: In Portimão (not included)
Day 5 – Ponte da Piedade and Lagos (+- 12 km)
Day Time: 5.30 hours including time for coffee break/lunch/visits(not included)
Walk Time: 3.30 hours
Ascent: 100 m Descent: 60 m
Lunch: Picnic Lunch (not included)
Day 6 – Barão De São João (+- 14 km)
Day Time: 5.30 hours including time for coffee break/lunch/visits(not included)
Walk Time: 4 hours
Ascent: 192 m Descent: 192 m
Lunch: Picnic Lunch (not included)
Day 7 – Sagres and Cabo de São Vicente (+- 7 km)
Day Time: 4 hours including time for coffee break/lunch/visits(not included)
Walk Time: 2 hours
Ascent: 45 m Descent: 28 m
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in your chosen activity holiday. 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 that you will be walking.
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.
The weather, even in summer, can be unpredictable. 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:
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 % to 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.
Health 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
Euro
Average Temperatures
| Month(s) | Highest temperature | Lowest temperature |
|---|---|---|
| January - February | 16 °C | 8 °C |
| March | 19 °C | 10 °C |
| April | 20 °C | 11 °C |
| May | 22 °C | 13 °C |
| June | 25 °C | 17 °C |
| July - August | 28 °C | 19 °C |
| September | 27 °C | 18 °C |
| October | 23 °C | 15 °C |
| November | 19 °C | 12 °C |
| December | 17 °C | 10 °C |
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