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Portugal : The Algarve

Walking the Algarve's South West

Trip code: W10AV 4.8 (32 reviews)

Self-guided walking

10 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 1+
Leisurely plus

Flights
available

25.0Kg CO2e

Headwater
Navigation App

SUMMARY

  • Discover Europe's most southwesterly point at Cabo de Sao Vicente
  • Excellent for bird-spotting throughout the year
  • Beautiful beaches and picturesque harbours
  • Excellent hotels, all with pools
  • Maritime history in Lagos and Sagres

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • 10 nights accommodation
  • All continental breakfasts and 4 evening meals
  • Briefing at the start of your holiday
  • Headwater navigation app
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • Walking transfers

TRIP DESCRIPTION

Escape the busy tourist spots of the Algarve and discover the unspoilt Sagres Peninsula, a region of spectacular natural beauty with rugged cliffs, dramatic coastlines, sandy beaches and lush countryside. On our 10-night walking holiday, a mixture of forest, valley and coastal trails take you inland and along Portugal's west and south coast, affording breathtaking views and some truly memorable moments.

Starting on the west coast you'll walk along the Rota Vicentina and Fishermen's Trail, discovering delightful whitewashed villages and golden beaches, before the course of the Sinceira River leads you inland to charming Pedralva. Following a fragrant forest route you'll reach the picturesque village of Vila do Bispo, from where you'll make your way to the mesmerising Cabo de Sao Vicente - Europe's most south-westerly point and an unforgettable part of your holiday. Be sure to take your camera - the views are incredible! You'll follow one of the Algarve's most beautiful walking trails to historic Lagos, before rounding off your holiday in style, walking the cliff-tops to some of the area's finest beaches.

You'll stay in a wonderful variety of hotels, all with pools, including a charming hotel in Sagres with wonderful views of the fortress and over the crashing Atlantic below and a rustic house in Pedralva (every house in the village has been restored to provide accommodation!). We've included four evening meals so you're free to sample some of the area's superb local restaurants.

Terrain

Mostly gently undulating with a couple of short but steepish descents/climbs on most days. Walks are mostly on a mix of coastal paths and tracks and woodland trails. Sections follow the Rota Vicentina and Fishermens Trail.

READ MORE

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Arrive at Sagres

Arrive at your hotel in the coastal town of Sagres.

You stay at Hotel Memmo Baleeira.

hotel details

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Hotel Memmo Baleeira, Sagres

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Mastercard
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe
Tea/coffee


This designer hotel is perfectly situated overlooking the stunning bay on the edge of Sagres. The rooms are minimalistic in design and feature all amenities. The restaurant here prides itself on serving the best of the local seafood, whilst the hotel offers free use of the Turkish bath, sauna and indoor pool, the perfect tonic after a day exploring this stunning area.

Day 2: Sagres to Pedralva (15km/9.3mi or 17km/10.6mi)

After a 30-minute transfer you'll start today's walk, following the Fishermen's Trail to the cliff tops and the glorious Amado beach. You'll make your way to Carrapateira - perhaps stop for a picnic lunch or sample one of the village's snack bars - before following the Rota Vicentina past one of the Algarve's best viewpoints, on your way to Pedralva.

elevation

You stay at Aldeia da Pedralva.

hotel details



Aldeia da Pedralva , Pedralva

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi


This is a magical place, a real find. In 2006 the village of Pedralva was a ruin with houses just left to rot by owners who no longer wanted to live in the countryside. However, Antonio Ferreira, after initially deciding to buy a couple of houses, eventually renovated 24 which have been beautifully restored to create 24 rooms. The village itself is surrounded by verdant nature parks and offers great walking and cycling possibilities. Food here is rustic Portuguese, simple in terms of ingredients but mouth watering in terms of quality, flavour and freshness.

Day 3: At Pedralva

The choice is yours today. You could relax and explore this charming village or purchase some picnic supplies and follow one of our suggested walks! A cliff-top route takes you back to the beautiful Amado beach; you'll enjoy breathtaking views out to sea, with the return leg offering valley and forest views as far as the Serra de Monchique. A shorter walk takes you along the Marreiros plateau where you'll enjoy far-reaching views over the rolling countryside below.

elevation

Day 4: Pedralva to Vila do Bispo (13km/8.1mi or 18km/11.2mi)

After an enchanting walk through pine and eucalyptus forest you can choose from two routes. One follows the Rota Vicentina and pretty meadows to Vila do Bispo, whilst the longer route makes a horseshoe loop into the Costa Vicentina Natural Park, to the Praia da Barriga (Barriga beach), set at the end of a long and lush valley and backed by dramatic cliffs.

elevation

You stay at Hotel Mira Sagres.

hotel details



Hotel Mira Sagres , Vila do Bispo

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe


The Mira Sagres is an historical pension in the fishing village of Villa do Bispo and a regular haven for journeying pilgrims making their way to Cape St Vincent. The fascia of the pension has now been lovingly gentrified and in keeping with the local tradition, has now been stylishly whitewashed, it also boasts an impressive indoor pool. On a good day from the high terrace at the hotel you can see Sagres in the distance.

Day 5: At Vila do Bispo

Today you could wander the quaint streets of the village or choose to follow one of our suggested walks. Perhaps take in the cliffs and viewpoints above Vila do Bispo, or walk through a landscape of rolling hills and gentle valleys, through the village of Raposeira, to the Guadalupe Chapel which is thought to be one of the only Knights Templar buildings left in Portugal.

elevation

Day 6: Vila do Bispo to Cabo de Sao Vicente/Sagres (16km/9.9mi)

The undoubted highlight of today is making your way to the south-western tip of Europe - Cabo de Sao Vicente. Following country lanes and coastal trails, you'll enjoy some superb scenery en route and feel on top of the world when you arrive! Visit the museum, or relax with a drink in the bar before we transfer you (5 mins) back to Sagres.

elevation

You stay at Hotel Memmo Baleeira.

hotel details



Hotel Memmo Baleeira, Sagres

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Mastercard
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe
Tea/coffee


This designer hotel is perfectly situated overlooking the stunning bay on the edge of Sagres. The rooms are minimalistic in design and feature all amenities. The restaurant here prides itself on serving the best of the local seafood, whilst the hotel offers free use of the Turkish bath, sauna and indoor pool, the perfect tonic after a day exploring this stunning area.

Day 7: At Sagres

If you can tear yourself away from the hotel pool, why not take a walk to the Ponta da Atalaia and Ponta da Baleeira headland today? You'll experience wonderful views over Sagres' impressive fortress and the Mareta and Martinhal beaches. Alternatively, head straight to Martinhal Beach for a stroll on the sand and a drink at one of the bars!

Day 8: Sagres to Lagos (10km/6.2mi)

Today's walk has some fabulous scenery! Cross Martinhal Beach and the tiny Praia dos Rebolinhos and follow a route through rolling countryside to the cliff-top headland above Praia do Zavial from where a transfer will take you on to Lagos where you stay for your final three nights.

elevation

You stay at Vila Branca.

hotel details



Vila Branca, Lagos

HOTEL WEBSITE      

Mastercard
Visa
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Safe
Tea/coffee


Accommodation at Vila Branca is in one-bedroom apartments which are set in small blocks around the premises which also include swimming pools, gardens, a bar and restaurant.

Day 9: At Lagos

It's just a 20-minute walk from your hotel to the Old Town of Lagos. Here you'll find the C14 walls protecting a tangle of cobbled streets full of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants, along with ornate churches, some interesting museums and the pride and joy of Lagos - its bustling marina!

Day 10: Burgau to Lagos (15km/9.3mi)

It's stunning scenery and seascapes all the way today as you follow one of the Algarve's most beautiful coastal walking trails. A transfer takes you to the picturesque fishing village of Burgau from where you walk to Praia da Luz with its whitewashed houses and picture-perfect beaches - perhaps stop for lunch at one of the bars or restaurants or enjoy a beachside picnic before continuing back to Lagos.

elevation

Day 11: Leave Lagos

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These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £395.

We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.

TRAVEL DETAILS

If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Faro airport. We can provide transfers from the airport, please contact us for details and prices.

We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.

Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.

OPTIONAL UPGRADES
  • Flights from London or any available regional airport*
  • Airport parking and airport hotels
  • Priority at Security and Fast Track
  • Airport lounge access
  • Priority boarding and extra leg-room seats
  • Business/club/first class fares
  • Room upgrades and extra nights at selected hotels

Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.

REVIEWS

It was the same as all the other Headwater holidays we’ve done,excellent

Mr Perry, 17 Sep 2024

 

An excellent well planned holiday which we would recommend.

Ray Woodhams, 9 Apr 2024

 

Overall an very good experience. The hotels in Sagres and Lagos was really good to stay in.

Kari StrØmseng Aas, 23 Mar 2024

 

The walks I really enjoyed were the last two when we were walking along the cliffs and by the sea - these were the sort of walks I was expecting and they were fabulous. The first four walks were predominantly inland and quite dull through fairly featureless landscape along wide man-made tracks with very little shade - a hat, sun cream and plenty of water is required. The walk on day 5 around Vila do Bispo had nothing to recommend it other than providing some exercise, but we liked Vila do Bispo itself which had a couple of great restaurants. Overall, the food was fantastic - good quality, simply cooked and delicious. I would recommend the Memmo Baleeira hotel in Sagres over the Pousada for many reasons, one being that it has an excellent restaurant, but be aware that if you want to dine there during your second visit you will need to book in advance, especially if the weather is unpredictable - when we arrived after our walk and tried to book, the restaurant was already full! However, Sagres has some great restaurants so it wasn't a problem, and we managed to avoid the rain! Where dinner is included we would prefer to be given an amount to spend (as was the case in Pedralva) rather than be presented with bread, pate etc. and then three further courses - far too much food for us. We did not massively enjoy the hotel in Lagos - it felt out on a limb and as of now is in the middle of a building site, and again, too much food at dinner - we would have preferred to eat out.

Anita Thomson, 10 Oct 2023

 

A thoroughly enjoyable 10 days walking holiday. It was good to have 2 days in each hotel in case we needed to recuperate, but in the event we did all the optional walks on the "rest" days anyway - not bad for a couple of 75 year olds!

We really enjoyed using the Navigation app which gave us confidence we were on the right route.

Full marks to Headwater for up-dating the app within 2 weeks of us notifying them of a blocked access on the route.

Paul Knight, 19 Sep 2023

 

A very enjoyable and varied walking holiday which zigzagged around one area in South West Portugal, providing hills, forests and spectacular coastal walks. The hotels in Sagres were both excellent, with super pools. The pool at Pedralva was out of action, and there was nowhere to relax in the sun after a long walk. Thankfully the pizza restaurant was open on the day we arrived. No amenities or shops in the area. Lagos was very enjoyable, with various local places of interest and eateries. Personally we would have preferred B&B at Costa D'Oira - the breakfast was excellent.

MCKAY, 13 May 2023

 

We enjoyed the variety of the hotels, the walking routes and the new places visited. It was nice to be a bit off the tourist trail. The peacefulness of the countryside and the wildness of the coast was a good contrast.

Mr Sim, 20 Dec 2022

 

Very enjoyable holiday. Excellent walks, hotels, food & friendly people. Was worried about the GPS navigation app, but it was great - didn't use all the maps & routes that we downloaded ourselves. Would recommend this holiday.

Mrs Clark, 17 Feb 2022

 

A great walking holiday in beautiful unspoilt scenery with some welcome warmth and sunshine. Despite the uncertainties of Corona we were able to relax, though were glad to leave Portugal safely as the situation "hotted-up" !

Mr Smith, 9 Mar 2020

 

A great way to walk through the country and see the fantastic coastline with a high degree of comfort in the various hotels.

Mr Carr, 15 Feb 2020

 

Walking in SW Algarve in November gave us wonderful sunny weather, great temperatures, but be prepared for wind. The hotels we used were all top class or unusual; great locations and food. Routes were clear- made much more sense when you were actually doing them, as a lot of the routes were more straight forward than the instructions seemed. The 10 miles per day on the moving days were at the upper end of my range; plus the walk suggestions were good- but again, at my age (70, and not a regular walker), I found the holiday rather tiring. Tim & Jude were superb hosts for the holiday, & we wouldn't have hesitated to call on them if we'd had any problems- which we didn't.

Mr Brearley, 3 Nov 2019

 

Quality of walking not quite as good as previous years, but we still had an enjoyable holiday. Grading of the walking was closer to a 2 rather than a 1.

Mr Thompson-Ashby, 12 May 2019

 

A fantastic area in which to walk. Tony and Ludmilla have gone to great lengths to make this a good trip and are both extremely welcoming and helpful. I would say that they are some of the best reps we have come across in many years of travelling. For us the distances were just right. All the arrangements worked like clockwork.

The breakfast in the hotel Mira Sagres was not the greatest with no hot choice and the croissants were rather stale. However, the staff were welcoming and the hotel provided the best shower of the hoiday. The food in Pedralva and in Lagos was really good and the breakfast in Lagos was superb. The staff in Pedralva were great fun. At the Pousada hotel, the staff gave me a gorgeous piece of cake to celebrate my birthday, which was excellent and really helped to make the day special. We didn't find the staff at the Memmo Baleeira very friendly and the service at the evening meal on the first evening was poor.

Ms Mcevoy, 2 May 2019

 

This is a lovely part of the world and we really enjoyed our holiday. The rating of 1+ for some parts of the walks was for us under rated - on one walk the local signs showed the walking route to be 3 boots! However, we appreciate that the rating of the holiday overall has to be based on the full week. Anyone thinking about this holiday should be sure that they can cope with regular and sometimes quite steep ascents and some fairly narrow paths. The accommodation was varied and we really liked the changing hotels in Sagres which broke up the holiday. We would advice people on the holiday to not ask for a picnic lunch from the hotel Lagos - this was very expensive (€12 per person) and was basically a sandwich on stale bread - very disappointing. If Headwater could possibly make a deal with hotels where guests could pay for a picnic but actually just make it themselves from the breakfast buffet then that would be better - particularly at that hotel as the breakfast was excellent. This was not our first Headwater holiday and we would be very happy to book with them again as the local support and service allows you to feel fairly independent but with the assurance that support is on hand if needed.

Mrs Mitchell, 20 Apr 2019

 

Another fantastic holiday with Headwater



We completed the ‘Walking the Argarve’s South West’ holiday in late April/early May. The weather was mostly perfect for walking and we had a wonderful holiday, well supported by Tony and Ludmilla the local Headwater reps. Tony’s walking notes were clear and easy to follow with helpful suggested options and the hotels were well located and well chosen. Such a beautiful landscape with so many picturesque sights and views. We also saw a fantastic selection of wild flowers, including orchids, and the area proved excellent for bird spotting too.



Our two hotels in Sagres were really lovely, but the outstanding place to stay for us was the Aldeia de Pedralva where we had a super one bedroom little character house to ourselves for two days in this beautiful tiny village. Breakfast and dinners at the hotels were mostly excellent, the sole exception being the most meagre of breakfasts in the hotel at Vila Do Bispo. The breakfasts at the Costa d’Oiro were truly exceptional with an amazing selection. We also had some yummy fish and seafood dishes as various restaurants during our stay in this wonderful south west corner of Portugal. Overall another fantastic holiday with Headwater.



Martin and Sandy, Sidmouth, Devon



Mr Goscomb, 17 Apr 2019

 

We had a very good holiday being well looked after from the moment we arrived. Ludmilla and Tony are a credit to Headwater and looked after us really well. Walk notes were well written and easy to follow. Time distance of each walk were accurate. We passed on a couple of updates to Tony who dealt with them immediately. All pick ups and tranfers were on time.

We would definitely recommend this holiday to anyone wanting to viist the Algarve.

Mr Smith, 3 Mar 2019

 

Very well organised. Local guides very helpful.

Ms Hewson, 17 Nov 2018

 

Just returned from walking the Algarve's south west coast, beautiful walks on the west and south coast, and we stayed in lovely hotels. Views stunning. Good food. Tony and Ludmilla were great reps, lots of support if needed, and met up with us at the beginning and the end of our holiday. Most walks do not have much shade, we had good weather for walking, warm but overcast. We felt it was a well planned holiday, even returning to Sagres during the week, gives you a different perspective of the coast. Thank you, Headwater, once again, a lovely holiday!

Mrs Moss, 18 Oct 2018

 

The stunning south-west coast of Portugal is an excellent choice for a walking holiday, with the best accompanying notes we have come across in all the Headwater holidays we have taken! Brilliant that different length holidays are available, making the area attractive to more people.

Mrs Coulson, 12 Oct 2018

 

My wife and I have just returned from a 10 day self-guided walking holiday in the Algarve. From start to finish, the organisation and support from our two local reps Tony and Ludmilla was first class and we stayed in five different hotels during our stay all of which were good value. The walking was generally quite easy and usually covered about 10 to 14 miles per day with optional rest days at each location if desired. Several days were spent walking along the coastline which was never less than spectacular.



Mrs Shaw, 12 Oct 2018

 

Lovely walks, any uphill sections were well rewarded by fabulous views. The reps were wonderful and hotel staff all very helpful and friendly.

Miss Jelley, 10 Oct 2018

 

Walking routes were about right distance. Temperatures were ideal for walking. On a few routes the paths were very rocky so a bit hard for a while.but generally quite comfortable. On balance 10 days with 3 stays in Sagres was probably a bit long in one place. I would recommend 8 days as length for this holiday.

Mr Newmarch, 19 May 2018

 

Great walking in a beautiful part of Portugal. Stunning beaches and a landscape carpeted in an array of colourful wild flowers. The most enjoyable walking holiday we've been on! The route notes were excellent. Tony and Ludmilla were perfect reps, happy to accomodate any changes we wanted, were very attentive and a great source of local information, couldn't have been more helpful.

Mrs Lyons, 13 May 2018

 

Excellent package, walking one day, then day free. Good walks with excellent instructions. Delightful part of Europe to walk in.

Hotel Costa D'Oiri, Lagos was disappinting. Your information said "spacious rooms", ours was the least spacious of any of the hotels. Also "outdoor and covered pools allow swimming throughout the year. The covered pool had its cover pushed back, so it was too cold to use. Choice of food very limited.

Mr Mitchell, 7 May 2018

 

A great well organised walking holiday, challenging but not too tiring.

Mr Taylor, 1 May 2018

 

Beautiful countryside, outstanding walking, very kind and hospitable people. Staying in such a variety of places enhanced our enjoyment. Tony & Ludmilla were excellent reps, always there when we needed them but never intrusive. Tony’s walking notes were superb and the additional optional walks for the free days really added to the enjoyment of our holiday. We totally fell in love with Portugal and would do this same trip again as we enjoyed this holiday so much.

Mr Elston, 26 Apr 2018

 

Arrangements were expertly taken care of and we simply relaxed and enjoyed our holiday.

Mrs Bush, 6 Apr 2018

 

This was a great holiday - diverse for walking and accommodation with beautiful countryside, woodland and coastal walking.

Walking not too strenuous but plenty of scope to do more if you wanted to. It was a little windy & cool at times, worth bearing in mind for clothing.

All of the accommodation offered something different and they were a pleasure to stay in.

All of the arrangements worked really well (which was in part due to the hard work of Ludmilla and Tony who were both helpful and friendly and very knowledgable) and we both thoroughly enjoyed it. Up there as one of our best Headwater holidays (and we have done quite a few!).

Mrs Petrie, 23 Mar 2018

 

Couldn't fault the arrangements, all worked very smoothly. Our rep Ludmilla was superb, walking notes were very good and easy to follow, accommodation was excellent. Even the weather stayed good. Couldn't have been better.

Mr Petch, 10 Oct 2017

 

Some great walks along Portugal's beautiful, unspoiled and dramatic coastline with an excellent choice of hotels for good food and comfort.

Mr Jones, 5 May 2017

 

A lovely holiday, we enjoyed every moment. The coastal scenery was spectacular, the countryside lovely - full of wild flowers. The accommodation was excellent and the stay in Pedralva was a great experience. We enjoyed the food and the local people we met were all very friendly. Our Rep ,Ludmila, was very friendly and efficient.

Mrs Littler, 3 May 2017

 

This is a most enjoyable walking holiday. You see some spectacular scenery and stay in some lovely places. In September the weather was hotter than we had expected which made the walks quite demanding, but the excellent notes provided by the guides meant that we never got lost. Most of the hotels were excellent, but while the breakfasts at Costa d'Oiro were good, the dinners were not. There was little choice and the main courses were of poor quality.

Mrs Barnes, 10 Sep 2016

 


Self-guided walking

10 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 1+
Leisurely plus

Flights
available

25.0Kg CO2e

Headwater
Navigation App

10 nights from £1549

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE

Call: 01606 720199

 

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