Walking in Portugal - Eastern Algarve

Our trip starts in the delightful town of Tavira. Our welcoming hotel is within walking distance of the old centre, restaurants and bars. Its location offers great views over the town and river from the rooftop bar and outside pool area.



For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 7pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Tavira at any time. If you would like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive at Faro Airport (FAO) which is around 30 minutes' drive. Should you miss the meeting, your leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.



If your flight arrives earlier in the day, our hotel is the prefect base from which to explore the cobbled streets on foot discovering the pretty tiled houses and there are plentiful alfresco dining options.

Today we explore the Tavira coast, walking through the old town out to the coastal marshland. This protected area forms part of Rio Formosa Estuarine National Park, a 60 kilometre strip of salt marshes, islands and lagoons stretching from Faro to the Spanish Border. Its home to an abundance of birdlife and sea life, and we'll see flamingos feeding in the shallow water.



Once we reach Pedras d'el Rei we walk over the bridge to Ilha de Tavira. Here we walk along the unspoiled beaches, observing the wetland ecosystem and coastal habitats, past; mudflats, sea rushes and the native curry plant. Our walk continues along the beautiful Praia dos Barrills, a long white sandy beach backed by sand dunes. The most noticeable and unique feature of this beach is the anchor 'graveyard'. Dozens of anchors have been planted in the dunes, an eerie reminder of the regions once thriving tuna fishing industry. The fishermen huts have now been converted into cafes, restaurants and shops. From Terra Estreita Beach we take the boat back to the mainland, where it is a 10 minute walk back to the hotel.



There will be time this afternoon time to explore more of Tavira. Take in the view up river from the seven-arched Roman Bridge, although actually Moorish in its origin, throughout the centuries the bridge has provided vital access across the River Gilao.



Today's 14 kilometre/8.7 mile walk is expected to take approximately 5 hours along a flat route.

Today we drive (30 min) to the small village of Azinhal. We walk through gentle hills and low rising vegetation along the banks of Guadiana River (which marks the Spanish border) and on to the small old fashioned village of Odeleite.



From Odeleite we drive south to Castro Marim. We take some time here to wander along the walls of the Templar Castle and enjoy a coffee overlooking the river and into Spain, before travelling back to Tavira by taxi.



Today's 13 kilometre/8.1 mile walk is expected to take approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes with a total ascent of 170 metres/558 feet and descent of 205 metres/673 feet.

Today, we walk from our hotel along the river, through bamboo and lemon tree orchards until reaching Pego de Inferno waterfall, depending on the season and water levels (spring ususally), there will be an option for a swim. Later, we drive back to the hotel by taxis.



Tonight you could try a Cataplana, originating from southern Portugal this flavoursome dish combines a variety of seafood in an aromatic stew, cooked in a copper clam shaped pot.



Today's 11 kilometre/7 mile walk is expected to take approximately 3 hours 30 minutes with a total ascent and descent of 200 metres/656 feet.

Today is a free day to relax on the local beaches or explore the region more. It is possible to take a more challenging walk along the Seven Hanging Valleys trail. Taking a taxi to Praia do Marinha and from here walking to Praia do Carvoeiro along the spectacular cliffs and coastline.



This optional 11 kilometre/6.8 mile walk is expected to take approximately 3 hours 30 minutes.



Or you could go visit Faro and attend a Fado performance, this 30 minute show starts with a film about the history of Fado, a Portuguese traditional song, followed by guitarists and a singer performing a range of Fado songs. The tour leader will be able to advice on the best location and timings.



You could also visit the Camera Obscura in Tavira, housed in an old water tower close to the castle. A rotating mirror on the roof of the tower projects a telescopic view of Tavira, the guide uses the image to point out key sights and explain the history and culture of the town.

This morning we take a short drive (30 mins) to São Brás de Alportel, the centre of the Algarve's cork production. We walk into the surrounding wooded hills past fig and olive trees and through the cork oak forests, learning about traditional production methods, there are still 5 operating cork factories in the area. Returning to Sao Bras there is time to stroll through the old town.

Today's 12.5 kilometre/7.8 mile walk is expected to take approximately 4 hours with an ascent of 200 metres/656 feet and a descent of 280 metres/919 feet.

This morning we take the train to Olhao. Olhao is the Algarve's largest fishing port; we'll visit the morning fish and vegetable market before taking the small local ferry to Culatra island (30 minutes). The sand bar island of Culatra in Ria Formosa National Park is home to a small fishing community living in a cluster of low built houses and cottages. With no cars or paved roads walking around the sparsely developed island feels like stepping back in time, we'll take the wooden walkway through the sand dune system and relax on the vast empty beaches. Culatra is known for its abundant wildlife, and is a prime spot for birdwatching with a variety of seabird species. We get the boat back to the mainland from the other side of the island at Ilha do Farol (lighthouse), and travel back to our hotel.



Today's 5 kilometre/3.1 mile walk is expected to take approximately 1 hours and 30 minutes along a flat route.

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Tavira.



There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Tavira at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like an airport transfer today, you need to depart from Faro Airport (FAO) which is around 30 minutes' drive from the hotel.