Portugal : The Algarve

Walking the Algarve's South West Fishermen's Trail

Trip code: W06AR 4.5 (2 reviews)

Self-guided walking

6 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 2
Moderate

16.0Kg CO2e

Headwater
Navigation App

SUMMARY

  • Discover Europe's most south-westerly point at Cabo de Sao Vicente
  • Excellent for bird-spotting throughout the year
  • Dramatic cliffs, unspoilt beaches and picturesque fishing harbours

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • 6 nights accommodation
  • All breakfast included
  • Briefing at the start of your holiday
  • Headwater navigation app
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • Walking transfers

TRIP DESCRIPTION

On the south Fishermen's great coastal trail, cliffs of various colours hold the hiker's gaze. Shades of ochre, red, grey, white, and black contrast with the bright blueness of the ocean.

Walk by the sea, follows the paths used by the locals to access the beaches and fishing grounds. This trail is longing the cliffs, with breath-taking views and some truly memorable moments.

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 and sandy beaches.

From Vila do Bispo, you will 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! Then you will 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.

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DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Arrive in Vila do Bispo

Transfer to Vila do Bispo.

You stay at 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 2: Carrapateira - Vila do Bispo (16km/9.9mi)

Transfer to Carrapateira. Do take time to visit the interesting Land and Sea Museum for an insight into the history of the village and its fishing economy. You'll then pick up the Fishermen’s Trail passing one of the Algarve's finest viewpoints, following a lovely path through Bordeira beach, the beauty of pristine valleys, the picturesque villages of Vilarinha and Pedralva.

Continue through a forest of pine and eucalyptus as you follow the Rota Vicentina, then a meandering trail through flower meadows leading you along a path and down to the pretty village of Vila do Bispo.

elevation

Day 3: Vila do Bispo - Cape Sao Vicente - Sagres (20km/12.4mi)

Surrounded by foaming Atlantic breakers, Cabo de Sao Vicente marks the most south-westerly point of Europe. The walk out to the edge of the continent should prove to be one of the highlights of your week! You are spoilt with amazing coastal scenery on this wild and unpopulated route that follows sandy paths and gorse-strewn meadows to the very edge of the Iberian Peninsula. At the Cape there is a lighthouse, museum and small bar, offering wonderful photo opportunities.

elevation

You stay at Hotel Navigator.

hotel details



Hotel Navigator, Sagres

TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Safe
Tea/coffee


This property is 2 minutes walk from the beach. Set on a hill overlooking Mareta Beach, Navigator offers spacious apartments with balcony and an outdoor pool bordered by a large sundeck.

Day 4: At Sagres

Sagres is best place in Europe for observing migratory seabirds, such as scopoli’s shearwater, great black-backed gull and other terns. You can also enjoy dolphins watching from the coast.

Alternatively, 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. Or, head straight to Martinhal Beach for a stroll on the sand and a drink at one of the bars!

Day 5: Sagres - Salema (19km/11.8mi)

Follow the fishermen trail to wonderful and peaceful beaches such as Figueira, Ingrina, Barranco and Martinhal. The trail will lead you to the quaint fishing village of Salema with narrow streets and whitewashed houses. Salema allows you to experience picturesque holidays in a secret Algarve. Here, privacy and sea views prevail, in a landscape that illustrates the perfect holiday postcard with the blue sea contrasting with the white tones of the villas.

Transfer from Salema to Lagos.

Upon arrival in Lagos, you will be greeted by the impressive view over Meia Praia Beach. The fort of Ponta da Bandeira watches over the entrance of this important port, where the adventure of the Portuguese discoveries began six centuries ago.

elevation

You stay at Hotel Dom Pedro.

hotel details



Hotel Dom Pedro, Lagos

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Pool
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Safe
Tea/coffee


This property is 3 minutes walk from the beach. The Dom Pedro Lagos is an aparthotel located at a short walk from the popular Meia Praia Beach. Guest can enjoy the terrace perfect for late afternoon drinks, an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant with rich local cuisine prepared with seasonal ingredients.

Day 6: Salema - Ponta da Piedade - Lagos (18km/11.2mi)

Transfer in the morning to Salema. Then, along your walk, cross a confluence of several streams in Boca do Rio. Then, continue your walk until you reach the beach of Luz, a lovely stretch of fine sand which gently slopes into the usually calm sea. Further on, reach Ponta da Piedade, one of the most outstanding places in the Algarve. Rocks carved by the wind and tides for thousands of years form caves and tunnels in an incredibly beautiful spot. It is a beautiful beach with its own picturesque charm.

Transfer from Ponta da Piedade to Lagos.

elevation

Day 7: Leave Lagos

On this last day, you will be transferred to Faro airport.

Extending your holiday

If you'd like to extend your trip with extra nights at the start or end, or if you'd like to arrange a stop off point en-route, then we recommend: Hotel Mira Sagres, Vila do Bispo; Hotel Faro, Faro.

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.



Hotel Faro, Faro

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Pool
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe


A modern 4 star hotel which boasts a superb location overlooking the fishing harbour and marina, just a short stroll from Faro's historic centre encircled by it's ancient Moorish city walls. There are fantastic views of the Ria Formosa National Park from the hotel's panoramic rooftop restaurant and bar. Other facilities include a small rooftop swimming pool and a fitness centre with sauna.

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These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from NZ$480.

These flight inclusive prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from NZ$480.

TRAVEL DETAILS

Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.

REVIEWS

Overall, it was a great experience- for all the reasons given earlier.



One small point is that the local rep company had made a bit of a mess of the hotel bookings. We were booked in under our first names, which led to some confusion when we gave our surnames. And they appeared to be under the impression that we were travelling in a group with another couple on the same holiday, the Fletchers. This led them to book a four bed room in the aparthotel in Lagos, which had to be changed. Lea was very responsive in sorting put these issues, but they need never have arisen.

Jonathan Sibson, 17 Oct 2023

 

I found Headwater and the local Tour Company in Portugal to be helpful, responsive and, in the main, efficient. There was some temporary confusion as to which hotels I would be staying at in two of my destinations but this was resolved satisfactorily. I felt well supported throughout my time in the care of the local agent Alex who was always available with helpful suggestions but never overbearing. The GPS app was generally reassuring but there was the odd occasion when the route became unclear. However, any deviation was clearly indicated by the app meaning it was always possible to re-find the right path fairly quickly. Occasionally the GPS signal would be lost but never for long. I would advise older people (I am 65) to inquire about the degree of difficulty of the route terrain as parts of the path involved steep (and occasionally) slippery ascents and descents, rather more strenuous than I had expected from the rating shown. Hotels all quite acceptable - friendly and comfortable

Mr Connell, 14 Jun 2022

 


Self-guided walking

6 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 2
Moderate

16.0Kg CO2e

Headwater
Navigation App

6 nights from NZ$3630

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE

Call: +44 1606 720199

 

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