Tour Description
The Algarve Way is quite simply one of Europe’s finest long-distance walks. It stretches from the Spanish border at the River Guadiana and pushes west towards a dramatic end in Sagres, the very tip of Western Europe, which for many centuries to the Portuguese marked the very edge of the known world.
An epic tour, it stands in comparison with the best of the long-distance walks in Europe, with the advantage that the weather is usually more pleasant!
It is a rewarding way of seeing the real Algarve on unforgettable routes full of tradition, culture, and outstanding natural landscapes.
Walk along the Algarve Way
The walk forms part of the European footpath network, the GR13. The entire route is around 300 kilometers, but we have cherry-picked the most interesting sections for you to enjoy.
You’ll be also treated to a walk on the coast, the Seven Hanging Valleys, a natural wonder declared the best hiking destination in Europe by European Best Destinations. It’s a gorgeous clifftop trail with amazing views, sea arches, sea caves, pristine beaches, and coves.
We’ll use two centers as our journey continues westwards, and all transfers to and from walks and hotels are included.
We have built considerable flexibility within this tour to cater to the needs and requirements of individual groups. Our walks can be as challenging or as relaxing and easy as you want them to be, with opt-outs where possible.
Walking Group Resting under a cork tree
The tour begins in Alcoutim, in the East Algarve, on the border with Spain, and finishes in Cabo São Vincente, in the West Algarve.
Along the way, we will cross a diverse landscape, starting on the banks of the River Guadiana, through the Caldeirão Mountains, and ending on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
We’ll avoid congested tourist areas in favour of more secluded regions, which shelter legendary historic sights, splendid scenery, and unspoiled natural wonders.
This is an Algarve you have never imagined, and that you will never forget!
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival
Arrive, Faro, transfer to Tavira by private transport. Transfer to Tavira +- 45 minutes
Free time to explore Tavira and relax until evening meeting, if time allows.
View to the Caldeirão Mountains
Day 2 – Alcoutim
We take a scenic drive to Alcoutim along a beautiful local road running alongside the edge of the Rio Guadiana. We will have a walk around this charming frontier village, facing its Spanish equivalent across the river. Our walk today uses part of the GR13 and is called “Os encantos de Alcoutim” “The delights of Alcoutim”, with the Rio Guadiana forming the centrepiece of the walk and passing through orchards of almond, fig, and olive trees.
Day 3 – Cachopo
Our walk today on the GR13 will take us through the delightful surrounding landscape, with cork oak and strawberry trees, heathers, and cistus (rockrose), as we pass small farms set amongst the cork forests. Our walk finishes in Cachopo, where we’ll have time to explore this still traditional working village.
Day 4 – Barranco do Velho
Today we will travel to the hill village of Barranco do Velho. On the way, we will stop in S. Bras de Alportel, one of the main cork production centers in the region, and appreciate some of the local traditional products. Today’s walk on the GR13 will take us to the village of Salir, through rich Mediterranean vegetation, including the strawberry tree from which a famous local liqueur, “medronho”, widely appreciated by the locals is brewed. Hotel change.
Caldeirao mountains houses
Day 5 – Silves
Morning walk along the GR13 into the village of Alte, one of the most traditional villages in the Algarve. Time to visit the village and take a refreshment break. Travel to Silves, perhaps the most historic town on the GR13, with its Moorish castle rising above the town which is set on the banks of the river Arade. We will have lunch in one of the many cafés/restaurants and there will be free time to appreciate the narrow cobbled streets and visit the local monuments.
Walk along the Algarve Way
Day 6 – Seven Valleys Walk
Today we offer 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.
All this can be seen during this stunning walk to finish along Carvoeiro’s renowned elevated boardwalk.
Seven Hanging Valleys
Day 7 – Sagres
Today we walk the final section of the GR13 in the “Parque Natural Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vincentina” to the cliffs of Cabo São Vincente.
Lunch in Forte de Beliche overlooking the dramatic cliffs of the Sagres coast before walking on to the “end of the world”, Cabo de S. Vincente.
To celebrate the end of our epic journey crossing the Algarve from east to west we will visit the port of Sagres where we will enjoy the magnificent scenery and some well-deserved refreshments.
Dramatic Views from West Algarve cliffs
Day 8 – Departure
After breakfast transfer to the airport.
Info
Maria Nova Hotel, Tavira
Rocamar Exclusive Hotel
Hotels
Maria Nova Adults Lounge Hotel (4****) or similar
Located a 5-minute walk from Tavira’s bustling town center, 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.
Rocamar Exclusive Hotel (4****) or similar
Basking in the sunshine of the Algarve, a refurbished hotel, with the beach at your feet, the sea in the background, and all of Albufeira’s entertainment on your doorstep…
The Rocamar Exclusive Hotel has 88 rooms, 52 of them overlooking the sea and Albufeira’s beautiful beach. Enjoy the view, the comfortable bedrooms, and the hotel’s excellent location close to the beach and Albufeira city center.
The hotel is only for adults.
Insurance
You must be adequately insured to join our Guided walking and Self-Guided walking holidays. We do not insist that you insure with us but we require that you are adequately insured for the nature of your holiday.
BeCool Travel has partnered with WorldNomads.com to keep you travelling safely. WorldNomads.com Travel Insurance is designed for independent and adventurous travellers, with coverage for overseas medical expenses, cancellation, baggage, and other expenses.
Please consult our Travel Insurance page, where you’ll be able to get more detailed info about insurance requirements and an immediate quote for your trip.
