Algarve Coastal Trails

After flying into Faro, a transfer (included) will take you to your hotel. After check-in and your in-person welcome briefing, enjoy exploring this historic, colourful city, which is renowned for its picturesque beaches, dramatic coastline and buzzing nightlife. With its ancient Moorish city walls, 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 at an additional cost if required.

After a breakfast, begin your 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 many varying 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.

Ascent/Descent: 300m/185m

As you walk along the coast today, you will come across many 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, as well as the sea along the coast. You'll see the incredible variety of seabirds' en route, and have opportunities to stop in a local café to sample some fresh fish while looking at the fantastic coast.

You'll finish at Salema, a laidback 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.

Ascent/Descent: 200m/220m

Begin your day with a short transfer 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 through other white-washed inland villages as you make your way back to Salema on the coast.

Another option is to have a day of rest in Salema, exploring the nearby coves and beaches, and a relaxing lunch in a local café. Alternatively, why not opt for a shorter 9km walk.

Long option ascent/descent: 300m/235m - 17km

Short option ascent/descent: 200m/200m - 9km

Your walk today takes you along the unspoilt coastline with clifftop trails, secret beaches and lagoons. It is indeed a landscape of rare beauty. The trail passes the beaches of Ingrina and Zavial, where it's possible to stop at a beach bar and admire the views, and perhaps have a swim and a lunch of fresh seafood.

As this is the most challenging walking day, there is a shorter 10.5 km walk available, starting from Zavial (via a short car transfer) instead of Salema, which can be found in our app.

On arrival in Sagres, the most south western town on the Algarve, you really feel like you are walking to the ends of the earth and where the land, very distinctly, meets the sea. Try to give yourself time to wander around Sagres this afternoon or evening with its picturesque harbour and pretty plaza.

Long Option Ascent/Descent: 400m/285m - 17km

Short Option Ascent/Descent: 200m/130m - 11km

Starting from Sagres, walk along the high cliffs towards the lighthouse at Cabo de Sao Vicente, the south-western most point in Europe and the final destination for today’s walk. En route there will be opportunities to 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.

At the end of the trail, give yourself time to explore the lighthouse which was built over the remains of a 16th century Franciscan convent in 1846. This lighthouse guards one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes and is one of the most powerfully lit lighthouses in Europe. A transfer back to Sagres is included.

Ascent/Descent: 200m/170m

The tour finishes after breakfast and an included transfer will take you back to Faro Airport.