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During our twin-centre guided walking adventure, we witness first-hand the stunning natural beauty of the Western Algarve. Join your fellow ramblers to 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.
Grade: Easy to medium
Extras
Arrive at Faro Airport and transfer our hotel in 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.
Approx Walking Distance 6 miles
Ascent +126m
Descent -130m
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.
Approx Walking Distance 5 miles
Ascent +138m
Descent -135m
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.
Approx Walking Distance 7 miles
Ascent +112m
Descent -91m
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.
Approx Walking Distance 7.3 miles
Ascent +197m
Descent -218m
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.
Approx Walking Distance 8.5 miles
Ascent +192m
Descent -192m
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.
Approx Walking Distance 8.5 miles
Ascent +192m
Descent -192m
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 home for the first 3 days of fantastic walking is at the NH Marina de Portimao hotel overlooking luxury yachts berthed in the marina. The hotel offers unrivalled views of the Arade river and Ferragudo village and is a short walk from the beach, shops and restaurants.
Facilities include restaurant, bar, swimming pool, 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.
Centrally located in the historical centre of charming Lagos, the Tivoli Lagos Algarve Resort Hotel is a perfect base for the remaining 4 days of our walking week.
Facilities include restaurant, bars, swimming pool, free Wi-Fi throughout, Wellness Area with indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna, Turkish bath and fitness room, health and beauty treatments (costs apply)
The comfortable rooms include en-suite bathroom, air-conditioning, safe, hair-dryer, small fridge, flat screen TV with international channels and terrace/balcony
Frequently Asked Questions
The transfer time from Faro Airport 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 5 to 9 miles per day, with some ascents/descents, rough underfoot terrain and high altitudes involved.
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.
A full 10-year passport is required, valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay.
A visa is not required by holders of passports endorsed “British Citizen” for stays of upto 90 days in any 180-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; Portgual 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. Alternatively, you can apply for your Visa with our preferred partner the Travel Visa company by selecting the following link; Travel Visa Company.
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 |
“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!”
