Explore the wonderful Eastern Algarve and experience a spectacular mix of walks discovering picturesque villages, beautiful beaches and tranquil landscapes. And stay in one of the Algarve’s prettiest coastal towns – Tavira.
Extras
Arrive at Faro Airport and transfer to the Maria Nova Lounge Hotel in Tavira.
After breakfast, we take our transfer bus to the start of our walk. Our first walk of the week takes us through open rolling hillsides offering spectacular views along the way, allowing us to appreciate this delightful region. Our route takes us through fascinating villages and then descends to finish in a low fertile valley full of orange orchards and small holdings. At the end of the walk, we take our bus back to the hotel. During the walk, there will be stops for refreshments and lunch (at own cost).
Today our walk starts and finishes at our hotel. We enjoy a fantastic walking day of variety around the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Included is a fascinating boat ride between Tavira & Tavira Island where we walk along Tavira Island’s beach. This is regarded by many as one of the finest in the world with its vast stretches of golden sand and sparkling blue waters. Our route takes us through Tavira’s ancient salt pans which date back thousands of years. The itinerary also includes a stop in the characterful fishing village of Santa Luzia, famous for Octopus, where we can enjoy its glorious waterfront. During the walk, there will be stops for refreshments and lunch.
Take a well-earned rest and perhaps relax and enjoy the facilities of the hotel, or take a stroll and explore Tavira. Alternatively, there will be an opportunity to book an optional excursion to explore further afield. Perhaps the Castro Marim in the Reserva Natural do Sapal, famous for their flamingos.
We take our bus to the start of today’s walk. Our route today is a classic coastal walk following the inner shoreline where we visit the iconic and idyllic village of Cacela Velha protected by a small walled fortress and famous for its incredible views and expansive sandy beach. We then continue to the popular resort of Cabanas where incidentally gets it name from the traditional cabanas fishing huts which started being built here in the 18th Century.
Today we enjoy an inland walk through one of most beautiful and interesting valleys in the Algarve. Santa Catarina is one of the centres for the production of carob, almond, fig, olive oil and medronho, and the surrounding countryside we walk through reflects this. We will also pass tiny brick and tile works, whose hand-made craft dates back to before Roman times. During the walk, there will be stops for refreshments and lunch. Our transfer bus will meet us at the end of the walk.
Today we take our bus to start our last day of lovely walking following part of the Algarve’s Ecovia trail. We pass by old estates with orange, figs and almond orchards, with our route taking us through the salt pans of Fuzeta where we are able to appreciate the rich birdlife and nature of the area. During the walk, there will be stops for refreshments and lunch. The route takes us back to our hotel where we finish our final day of walking.
Today we check-out of our hotel and say goodbye before transferring to Faro Airport.
This well-appointed adults-only stylish four-star hotel overlooking the picturesque town of Tavira – the perfect base for our week of walking.
Facilities include restaurant, bars, outdoor and indoor swimming pools, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioned gym, Maria Nova Spa including sauna, steam room, Turkish bath, whirlpool and massage treatments (costs apply).
The comfortable rooms include en-suite bathroom with shower, flat screen television, Wi-Fi, hairdryer, air-conditioning and balcony/terrace.
Frequently Asked Questions
The transfer time from Faro Airport to the hotel is approximately 45 minutes, depending on weather and traffic.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in your chosen activity holiday. This holiday features walks approx 12km to 17km ( 7 to 11 miles) each day. 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.
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.
Zimbral Walk
Coach Transfers AM/PM 10km / 15 mins
Approx Walking Distance 12.6 km
Approx Walking Time 3 Hours
Ascent/Descent 67m/260m
Grade: Easy to Medium
Santa Luzia & Tavira Island Walk
Approx Walking Distance 17km
Approx Walking Time 4 Hours
Ascent/Descent 20m/20m
Grade: Easy to Medium
Manta Rota to Cabanas Walk
Coach Transfers AM 15km/20 mins
Coach Transfers PM 7km/10 mins
Approx Walking Distance 17km
Approx Walking Time 4 Hours
Ascent/Descent – minimal
Grade: Easy to Medium
Santa Catarina Ceramica Walk
Coach Transfers AM/PM 15km/20 mins
Approx Walking Distance 11.75km
Approx Walkimg Time 3 Hours
Ascent/Descent 190m/190m
Grade: Easy to Medium
Fuzeta to Tavira Walk
Coach Transfers AM 15km/20 mins
Approx Walking Distance 17.2km
Approx Walkimg Time 4.30 Hours
Ascent/Descent minimal
Grade: Easy to Medium
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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