Portimão: Rambling In The West Algarve (Self-Guided), Faro

Rambling in the West Algarve is an exciting Self-Guided walking tour in a walker’s paradise destination. The climate is perfect for hiking for most of the year, and the countryside teems with wildlife, bright coloured flowers, and picturesque villages. The coastline boosts impressive rock formations, cliffs, secluded beaches and amazing blue seascapes. The base of our tour is Portimão, on the banks of the river Arade, a town with a low-key and relaxed ambience. The adjoining Praia da Rocha is one of the most scenic and famous beach resorts in the Algarve.

Inclusions & Exclusions

✔ Transfers from the Hotel to Faro airport / Faro train station / Faro bus station on last day

✔ Trip documents can be provided in English

✔ Single supplement applied in single rooms

✔ Extra nights can be added

✔ Suggestions of local restaurants and places of interest to visit

✔ General information on your holiday, gastronomy and history of the region

✔ Breakfast

✔ Emergency contact numbers

✔ Assistance 24/7

✔ 7 nights in a twin room (3 stars hotel)

✔ Accommodation, transfer and train vouchers

✔ Transfers from Faro airport / Faro train station / Faro bus station to the Hotel on the first day

✔ The Hotel: Hotel Globo *** (or similar)

✖ Any services not listed as included

✖ Flights to and from Portugal

✖ Meals, tips/gratuities, baggage or personal insurance (except as outlined)

✖ Admission fees to castles & attractions or events (except as outlined)

✖ Personal expenses

✖ Supplements.

Pickup Locations

1. Faro Airport

Itinerary

Day 1

1

Fly to Faro and transfer by road to Portimão, taking approximately 1h

Duration: 60 minutes

Day 2

1

Alvor Boardwalk This walk in centred on the Alvor estuary. This protected natural haven contains a wide array of habitats. The walk uses quiet paths and lanes to take us through a variety of landscapes from salt marshes, farmland, pastures and orchards. It’s great for birdlife observation, so pack your binoculars. We can contemplate the ever changing shades of blue and green along the secluded inner lagoon, as well as the beautiful Rocha Delicada (‘Delicate’ or ‘Elegant Rock’), an ochre promontory formed during the Miocene period. Embedded in its calcareous rock face, it is possible to detect some marine fossils from this remote period, mainly composed of oyster, scallop and clam specimens. The walk finishes at the attractive village of Mexilhoeira Grande with cafés and restaurants for a welcome cooling drink. If there is time before the train back to Portimão enjoy a stroll through the village. Distance: 8 km / Ascent/descent: minimal

Duration: 8 hours

Day 3

1

Municipal Park of the Springs This walk starts in the traditional Algarve village of Estombar. We follow the valley of the river Arade visiting the Ecological Park of Fontes, an attractive beauty spot on the way. The route itself enables us to explore this river valley following quiet tracks and paths so we can appreciate the diverse habitats and wildlife. We finish in Silves, the ancient capital of the Algarve. We have time to visit this historic town before returning to Portimão. Distance: 10 km / Ascent/descent: minimal The route itself enables us to explore this river valley following quiet tracks and paths so we can appreciate the diverse habitats and wildlife. We finish in Silves, ancient capital of the Algarve. We have time to visit this historic town before returning to Portimão.

Duration: 8 hours

Day 4

1

Praia Grande From Ferragudo´s Light House we follow a stunning coastline westwards to Portimão & Praia da Rocha. We visit en route the charming and very traditional village of Ferragudo before continuing into Portimão itself to finish at the stunning Praia da Rocha. Distance: 10 km / Ascent/descent: minimal

Duration: 8 hours

Day 5

1

This imaginatively designed walk in the rolling hillsides just inland from Portimão enables us to visit and appreciate an area hidden from normal tourism, giving us an insight into the traditional Algarvian way of life as we walk through ancient farmland, smallholdings and the “dry” orchards so typical of this area, to finish in the attractive village of Mexilhoeira Grande. Distance: 12.6 km / Ascent/descent: +/- 60m

Duration: 8 hours

Day 6

1

Alvor Boardwalk Today we offer 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. Distance: 9.2 km / Ascent/descent: minimal

Duration: 8 hours

Day 7

1

Moinho de Odiaxere Starting from the village of Odiáxere we walk through gentle countryside to the salt pans on the Alvor Estuary with its abundant bird life. We then parallel the extensive Lagos beach where, at any time, we can drop down to the sea for a rest and a swim. We crown the day with a visit to Lagos with its beautiful waterfront and old historic centre. Distance: 10 km / Ascent/descent: minimal

Duration: 8 hours

Day 8

1

Individual departure or extra days At convenient time, departure to Faro Airport or Faro Train station.

Duration: 60 minutes

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Additional info

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

• Public transportation options are available nearby

• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

• Minimum age is 18 years

• A minimum of 2 people per booking is required

• The land only option allows you to book your own transport to and from the holiday. This package already includes a transfer departing from Faro airport, Faro train station and Faro bus station. If none of this option suits you, please add to your booking a transfer that does. You can also rent a car. If you wish to stay more nights, just send us an email with your request.

Multi-day Tours Private Sightseeing Tours Walking Tours City Tours