Walking Portugal's Coast and Beaches

Those of us on the group flight touch down in Faro airport and will be driven
approx. 2 hrs the charming seaside town of Vila Nova de Milfontes, located in
the heart of the beautiful Alentejo coastline. Still largely undiscovered by
foreign visitors, the town is delightfully Portuguese, filled with cobbled
streets, whitewashed houses and scenic views across the Mira River. It is
also the start point of incredible coastal trails leading to vast stretches
of wild and deserted beaches. Despite its remote location, it has an
extensive selection of restaurants, and a lively nightlife making it a
perfect base for the first three days of the tour.

Day 2

We start the week with a relatively short coastal hike offering superb views
throughout. Leaving from the hotel, we cross by boat and admire the views of
the River Mira meeting the ocean, with the small white-washed town and lush
hillsides in the background. There are stretches along today's trail where
native vegetation displays all its diversity and other areas where it has
been wiped out by a most aggressive exotic plant – the Acacia. At times
farmland stretches right down to the ocean, at others the imprint of human
habitation is local, non-commercial fishing or small stone age quarries
hidden amongst the dunes. Between March and October you’ll be able to
spot  the many types of swift - Alpine, Pallid and Common  - that all nest
along this coast. Interestingly, swifts spend over 90% of their life in the
air as they feed, mate and sleep in flight - they are so well adapted to
flying that landing on the ground may be fatal. The walk ends in
the peaceful small village of Almograve, perfect for an unhurried afternoon
stroll or peaceful pause before we return by private transfer to Vila Nova de
Milfontes.

 

Day 3

Small fishing harbours, sand dunes, the scent of pine tree forests and the
sight, seen nowhere else in the world, of storks nesting on the cliffs make
this today's walk truly special. We start with a short transfer (approx.
20mins) to Cabo Sardão lighthouse which was peculiarly built the wrong way
round. The entry door is facing the ocean and the lighthouse is facing
inland! This is the start of today's trail which follows the high cliffs
exposed to the constant salty ocean waves and winds, and favourite nesting
spot for over twenty species of bird. These include the Jackdaw, Shag, Common
Kestrel, White Stork, and the Peregrine Falcon, the fastest recorded animal
in the world,  reaching speeds of up to 300 km/h when diving. We will
have time to stop and watch these birds, especially during spring, when it
is possible to quietly observe their mating rituals and the careful building
of their nests. We pass Lapa das Pombas, a tiny non-commercial fishing
harbour, before concluding the walk in the sleepy seaside village
of Zambujeira do Mar and its wonderful beach. In the afternoon we return to
Vila Nova de Milfontes by transfer (approx. 30mins).

Day 4

This morning we transfer (approx. 40 mins) to Carvalhal beach, the start of
today's walk. The cliff face on this stretch of the walk is of particular
interest. It is composed of schist and greywacke which results from the
consolidation of sand, clay and volcanic ashes accumulated on the bottom of
an ancient ocean over 300 million years ago

This whole coastal region is believed by many to have a particular energy,
and it was here that the Fado diva Amália Rodrigues sought refuge and
inspiration for her songs. Along the walk we may also spot traces
of nocturnal mammals including the Egyptian Mongoose (locally known as
“Escalabardo”), weasel, Beech Marten (also known as “Papalvo”),
badger, genet and rabbits. Before reaching Odeceixe, we take a break on
Ponta em Branco (white summit) so named for the colour of the sediments that
form its summit, marking the border between the Alentejo and the Algarve
regions. This is considered one of the most scenic points in the entire
region with views over Odeceixe beach, with the mountain top of Fóia and
Monchique as a backdrop. We transfer to the cosy hotel near Arrifana beach
and enjoy a refreshing dip in the swimming pool, or a drink on the sunny
terrace before dinner.

 

Day 5

Today is a free day to choose from the many optional activities available in
the area. You may decide to go on a self-guided circular walk passing the
beaches of Monte Clérigo, Pontal da Atalaia?, as well as the famous
surfing ?beach of Arrifana?. Alternatively you may book a surfing class
or a horse riding excursion along the spectacular coastline. Whilst your tour
leader will not acompany you on your free day, they will be able to help you
book the optional activities. We also suggest a visit to the small market
town of Aljezur, famous for its whitewashed houses and cobbled streets
and dominated by the ruins of a tenth century Moorish castle.

Day 6

Today we travel further south and transfer (approx. 30 mins) to the village
of Carrapateira, the start of today's short circular walk. Along the circuit,
we come across various viewpoints with superb views of the sandy beaches of
Bordeira and Amado as well as the ruins of an ancient Islamic fishermen’s
settlement. On the first part of the trail, we walk through undulating dunes
carpeted by lush vegetation and aromatic wild plants including thyme, yellow
amaranths, rosemary, lavender, crowberries, blue pimpernel and sea lavender.
We then walk along the limestone cliffs for most of the trail and may
get the opportunity to spot cormorants, a wintering bird and expert angler,
consuming almost 1 kg of fish per day. In the afternoon we transfer (approx.
20 mins) to the village of Sagres, at the extreme western tip of the
Algarve. Although primarily known as a surfing destination (and surprisingly
not the Portuguese beer of the same name), Sagres has a lot more to offer.
You may decide to spend the rest of the day in one of the sheltered pristine
beaches.

Day 7

Surrounded by foaming Atlantic breakers, Cabo de Sao Vicente marks the most
south-westerly point of Europe. The final walk from Sagres out to the edge of
the continent should prove to be one of the highlights of the week.
Surrounded by coastal scenery, we follow a wild trail along sandy paths and
gorse-strewn meadows to the very edge of the Iberian Peninsula. Setting off
from our hotel, we make our way to the start point of our walk, near Beliche
Beach. We set out across towering cliffs and ravines covered with native
vegetation. We pass by the golden beach of Beliche, and, then after a short
section inland, Telheiro beach, a place of extraordinary geological interest
thanks to the rock composition of the cliffs. The last section of the path
continues along the cliff top before a memorable arrival at Cape St. Vincent
where we find a lighthouse, museum and small bar offering wonderful photo
opportunities. It's only a short transfer (5 mins) back to Sagres where we
can choose to visit the imposing sea fortress at sunset or relax with a cold
drink on the waterfront, watching fishermen mending their nets. You may
decide to book an optional dolphin-watching excursion along the coast
(weather and season dependent). 

Day 8

Those on the group flight travel to Faro airport by private minibus in the
morning (approx. 1hr 30 mins) for the inbound flight to London.
Alternatively, you may decide to extend your trip by a few days and relax on
some the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve. Please contact our Customer
Operations or Sales team for quote on post-tour accommodation.