Group Walking Holidays in Tavira: The amazing East Algarve
Small Group Walking
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Grade: Moderate (4/8)
The Amazing East Algarve is a walking tour based in Tavira, with a spectacular mix of walks in Natural Reserves and beautiful landscapes both in the interior and coastal East Algarve.
Our walks take us to Tavira Island in the Natural Park, taking in one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and to pretty coastal villages such as Santa Luzia, Cabanas, and Cacela Velha. Inland we wind our way between hills and valleys to the low peak of Zimbral, with wide rewarding views.
We’ll also enjoy dinners at local restaurants giving the opportunity to sample the wonderful Portuguese cuisine.
Highlights
Spectacular hikes in the Ria Formosa Natural Park, marshes, and along the coast
The charming historical town of Tavira
Typical fisherman villages and ways of life
Cacela-Velha
Surprising walks in the little-visited countryside East Algarve
A fantastic itinerary of walks, designed by local resident leaders
The amazing Portuguese gastronomy and wines
Dedicated driver and tour leader to make sure everything runs smoothly
Tavira is an ancient Moorish town that has retained its unique character and heritage.
The town extends along the banks of the Gilão River and is a delightful mix of traditional Portuguese architecture with deep-rooted Moorish influences.
It is arguably the Algarve’s prettiest town and exudes an authentic Portuguese charm. A true joy to explore with its plethora of historic buildings and decorative churches, all of which are set around charming plazas and pretty cobbled streets.
Roman bridge in Tavira Venice of Algarve. Also known as Ponte Antiga (Ancient Bridge) it is one of the Tavira symbols.
Layers of history can be seen, from Phoenician excavations through Islamic-decorated doorways to Renaissance and Baroque flourishes. However, it is the colours that hit you: blinding-white walls, brilliant azulejo tiles, fiery-red pantiles.
Our walks take us to Tavira Island in the Natural Park, taking in one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and to pretty coastal villages such as Santa Luzia, Cabanas, and Cacela Velha. Inland we wind our way between hills and valleys to the low peak of Zimbral, with wide rewarding views.
Group Walk-in Algarve Caldeirão Mountains and discovering more of the Algarve
Ancient trails take us past farms, through an intricate patchwork of orange groves, olive and carob orchards. Sometimes we walk beside rivers; other times amongst the pines and cork oaks. Through most of our season, we are presented with an endless and ever-changing procession of beautiful flowers.
We’ll also enjoy dinners at local restaurants giving the opportunity to sample the wonderful Portuguese cuisine.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Faro
Transfer to Tavira. If time allows an introductory walk will be offered.
Tavira has over 30 beautiful churches, in the small city, really well worth visiting has many are National Monuments.
Day 2 – Zimbral Walk
A wonderful walk through open rolling hillsides. Spectacular views allow a tremendous appreciation of the region.
We walk through fascinating villages and descend to finish in a low fertile valley full of orange orchards and smallholdings.
Walking in Algarve Caldeirão Mountains, a peaceful walking haven in Algarve’s undulating countryside.
Day 3 – Santa Luzia and Tavira Island walk
A remarkably varied walk on the Ria Formosa Natural Park.
Our walk takes us through Tavira’s salt pans which date back thousands of years.
We take a relaxing break in the fishing village of Santa Luzia with its glorious waterfront. And we walk along Tavira Island’s beach regarded by many as one of the finest in the world with its vast stretches of golden sand and sparkling blue waters.
The walk will feature a fascinating boat ride between Tavira & Tavira Island.
This is an ideal opportunity to relax and enjoy the attractions of Tavira and its surroundings.
You can walk/tour independently, or visit local places of interest. From Tavira, there is a wide variety of sightseeing available (we can advise and/or recommend options according to your interests). In their free time, keen bird-watchers may wish to visit Castro Marim in the fens and marshes of the “Reserva Natural do Sapal“, famous for their flamingos, or enjoy other local sightseeing tours.
Roman bridge in Tavira Venice of Algarve. Although the bridge itself is not Roman neither has a Roman origin. It was built when Tavira belonged to al-Andalus (the Islamic Domain of Iberia)
Day 5 – Manta Rota to Cabanas Walk
Classic coastal walk following the inner shoreline and visiting the iconic village of Cacela Velha before arriving in Cabanas for a well-earned rest in one of the many cafés lining this spectacular waterfront. From here we will return to Tavira.
Walking in Cabanas along the Ria Formosa, A Walk on the wild side. Sandy trails and boardwalks weave their way around the natural park, making it the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing walk.
Day 6 – Santa Catarina Cerâmica walk
An inland walk through one of the 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.
Fishing boats – Santa Luzia in the Ria Formosa. Known as the ‘capital of the octopus,’ Santa Luzia is an earthy working fishing village.
Day 7 – Fuzeta to Tavira Walk
A lovely walk following the Algarve’s Ecovia. We pass by old estates with orange, figs, and almond orchards and through the salt pans of Fuzeta where we are able to appreciate the rich birdlife of the area.
Walking in the Ria Formosa saltpans. The large Tavira saltpans are a great place to see several species of seagulls and waders
Day 8 – Departure
Transfer to Faro Airport.
Info
Maria Nova Hotel, Tavira
Maria Nova Hotel, Tavira
Hotel
Maria Nova Adults Lounge Hotel (4****)or similar
Located a 5-minute walk from Tavira’s bustling town centre, Maria Nova Lounge Hotel enjoys a quiet hillside location. Its modern rooms feature a private balcony, large windows, a minibar, satellite TV, and an en-suite bathroom.
Facilities include indoor and outdoor pools. The Bar Panorâmico offers panoramic views over Tavira.
What's included
Accommodation
7 nights in a twin standard room for two pax (4 stars hotel)
Shared ensuite room with a travelling companion of the same sex
Single room available with a surcharge
Extra nights available on request
Meals
7 buffet breakfasts at the Hotel
7 Dinners taken in local restaurants with drinks included
Transport
Meet & Greet Airport Transfer to the hotel on the first day – group transfer
Transfer from the hotel to the airport on last day – group transfer
All transports to walks and activities (as outlined) with dedicated driver and vehicle
Additional transfers are available on request at an extra cost
Tour Leaders
Dedicated English speaking local tour leader
The tour leader will assist and guide the group throughout the holidays, handle all the arrangements and other needs that might arise, making sure that you don’t have to worry about planning your days and you can enjoy your holiday
Each evening, your tour leader will discuss the details and program for the following day
Walks and Activities
Walks according to program
1 ferry boat trip
Exclusions
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)
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