Algarve Coastal Trails

After flying into Faro, a transfer (duration: 1h) will take you to your hotel in Lagos. After check-in and your in-person welcome briefing (duration: 45min), you can enjoy exploring this historic, colourful city, renowned for its picturesque beaches, dramatic coastline, and buzzing nightlife. With its ancient Moorish city walls, a 17th-century fort, and modern marina complex full of bars and restaurants, it's a fantastic city to kickstart your walking tour.

It is also possible to fly into Lisbon and we can arrange a transfer from here (subject to an additional cost).

After breakfast, begin walking by wandering through the old and narrow streets of Lagos, which head down towards the sea. You'll see remains of the ancient walls surrounding the town. Follow the coast to Ponta da Piedade, a group of rock formations with carved-out rocky pillars, natural tunnels, and hidden caves. From here you can admire the varied hues of the amazing sea cliffs and see how the wind and sea have carved out these various shapes. The colours of the cliffs are a sharp contrast to the turquoise sea, and it's one of the most beautiful natural scenes in the Algarve.

Continue along the trail spotting seabirds and flora and fauna along the way. Arrive in the small town of Luz, originally a fisherman’s village but now a charming town protected by the Rocha Negra (black rock) cliff, a product of lava flow 150 million years ago. It also boasts a beautiful beach with golden sand. In Luz there is also a 16th-century fortress, which now houses a restaurant with terrific views over the Atlantic. Perhaps you'd like to eat dinner here tonight on one of the terraces and watch the sun go down.

Elevation: +300m/+984ft

Walking along the coast you'll come across small fishing villages and crumbling fortresses. You'll see the beautiful beach of Luz as you begin your walk. Stop along the way and absorb the sights and sounds of the fishing villages and the sea. You'll see the incredible variety of seabirds en route, and have opportunities to stop in a local café to sample some fresh produce.

You'll finish at Salema, a laid-back place with a beach and a fantastic range of restaurants. Spend the evening wandering through the streets of Salema and pick where you'd like to eat. Each restaurant will feature freshly caught fish of the day, such as sardines, mackerel, or sea bream.

Elevation: +200m/+656ft

Begin your day with a short transfer (duration: 15min) from Salema to Barão de São João, a small inland village, characterised by its coloured window bars and distinctive Algarve chimneys, which have unusual geometrical shapes and lacework patterns. From here, walk along trails through stone pine forests and other white-washed inland villages as you make your way back to Salema on the coast.

Another option is to enjoy a shorter walk (distance: 9km/6mi). Or if you fancy giving your legs a rest, you can enjoy exploring Salema, its nearby coves and beaches, and have a relaxing lunch in a local café.

Long option: 17km/11mi | Elevation: +300m/+984ft

Short option: 9km/6mi | Elevation: +200m/+656ft

Note: for both options we provide alternative tracks to use in case of high water in the area after prolonged rain.

Today's walk takes you along the unspoiled coastline with clifftop trails, secret beaches, and lagoons. It is a landscape of rare beauty. The trail passes the beaches of Ingrina and Zavial, where you can stop at a beach bar, admire the views, and perhaps sample some seafood.

As this is the most challenging walking day, there's a shorter walk available (distance: 11km/7mi). The shorter walk starts from Zavial instead of Salema after a short transfer (duration: 15min) takes you there.

On arrival in Sagres, the most southwestern town on the Algarve, you'll feel like you are walking to the end of the earth and where the land, very distinctly, meets the sea. Allow some time to wander around Sagres this afternoon or evening with its picturesque harbour and pretty plaza.

Long option: 17km/11mi | Elevation: +400m/+1,312ft

Short option: 11km/7mi | Elevation: +200m/+656ft

A short transfer (duration: 10min) will take you to the lighthouse at Cabo de Sao Vicente, the southwesternmost place in Europe. En route to Sagres, you'll discover hidden beaches between the cliffs, admire constant views over the Atlantic ocean, and imagine this area centuries before, when every port had a fortress and from where many ships set sail seeking new continents.

Elevation: +200m/+656ft

The tour finishes after breakfast and a transfer (duration: 1h30min) will take you back to Faro Airport.