Rota Vicentina: The Wild Algarve Hiking Tour in Portugal

Rota Vicentina: The Wild Algarve

8 Days & 7 Nights 4 Read 11 reviews

Walk the Rota Vicentina to Cabo Sao Vicente
Experience an unspoiled, wilder side of the Algarve
Breath in the fresh sea-salt air as you cross wild and rugged beaches
Explore the authentic whitewashed villages of Odeceixe and Bordeira
Spot varied birdlife abundant in this area such as the Alpine Swift and Peregrine Falcon

Walk the Rota Vicentina to Europe’s most south-westerly point, Cabo Sao Vicente, and discover an unspoiled and wilder side of the Algarve. Starting in the whitewashed fishing village of Odeceixe, follow well-marked trails along rugged clifftop coast paths and through lush green valleys and forests. Explore authentic Portuguese villages steeped in tradition, spot plentiful birdlife nesting on the cliffs and enjoy views over pristine sandy beaches. At the end of each day enjoy overnight stays in charming “casas” and small boutique hotels and feast on delicious freshly caught seafood.

What To Expect

Travel restrictions and resources, to and from any destination

Perfect for those who would like a varied walk exploring a more unspoiled and authentic side of the ever popular Algarve, using both coastal and inland trails. The walking is moderate with a few steep ascents and descents from cliff-top paths although the sea views make up for the effort! Stay in a mix of boutique B&B’s and casa-style guesthouses offering warm Portuguese hospitality.

Tour Type:

Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!

Activity:

Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&B’s, inns, and guesthouses.

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Coastal Walking

Activity Level & Terrain

This trip is graded moderate overall, with the average daily distance being 17km and a couple of longer days of around 20km. You will be walking for between 3 to 7 hours a day on undulating terrain, with some short ascents and descents, and sometimes on quite rugged clifftop paths. We do not recommend this trip for anyone with vertigo due to the fact that some of the clifftop paths have steep drop offs.

Navigation

All trails are well way-marked and you will be provided with a map and route notes. You will also have access to the Macs Adventure Smartphone App enabling you to follow the route using your phone's GPS so you will have no problems finding the way.

Accommodations

Stay 1 night in a 4* hotel, and 6 nights in traditional casa-style guesthouses and small hotels with a focus on a personal service and welcome. Below is an example of the accommodations we use on this trip. These accommodations are subject to availability and therefore alternatives of an equal standard may be offered.

Single Rooms & Solo Walkers

If you require single rooms we would be happy to accommodate you although there is a single room supplement payable.

We also welcome solo walkers on this tour, again a supplement is payable.

Meals

Breakfasts are included each day. Lunches and dinners are not included and you can take your pick from some of the restaurants in the villages and towns you will stay in most of which will serve a variety of delicious seafood dishes!

Included

1 Nights accommodation in a 4* hotel, 6 nights in boutique casa-style guesthouses and small hotels
7 Breakfasts
Luggage transfers
Transfers as per itinerary
Maps, route notes, GPX tracks, access to our smartphone app & info pack
24/7 emergency telephone support

Excluded

Travel insurance (required)
Travel to Odeceixe and from Sagres
Lunches
Dinners
Drinks and snacks
Drinks and snacks

Extras

Additional nights before, during and after the walk

When To Go

We offer this tour during the nicest months of the year to walk in the Algarve from March to June, and then from September to November. We do not offer this tour in July and August due to high temperatures making it too hot for enjoyable walking then. If you walk in the springtime you can expect to see the inland areas covered with wildflowers and enjoy pleasant temperatures. The autumn months of September to November are also very mild. For keen birdwatchers, the autumn migration period from late August to mid-November brings lots of seabirds. For nesting birds such as the Alpine Swift visit during the spring.

Getting to the Start

By Air: Odeceixe is between Lisbon and Faro Airports and easily accessed from both. You can take a bus from Odeceixe to Lagos (1h) with Redes Expressos Buses and then another bus from there to Faro with Eva Bus (2h).

To get to Lisbon Airport, you can take a direct bus with Eva Bus or Rede Expressos which operate twice daily and take 4-5 hours.

By Taxi Transfer: We can also arrange a private transfer from Odeceixe to either Faro or Lisbon Airport for you at an additional cost. Again, please ask us for more details should you require this.

Getting from the End

By Air: The closest airport to Sagres is Faro. To get to the airport from Sagres, take the bus to Lagos with Eva Bus (1h, operates hourly) and then another bus to Faro with Eva Bus (2h). From the centre of Faro shuttle buses operate to the airport (15min).

Private Transfers: We can also arrange a private transfer to take you from Sagres back to Faro Airport at an additional cost.

Luggage Transfer

Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.

General Information

The distances and ascents/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example. proper rain gear, sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has detailed advice and a kit list on what to take.This includes good waterproof gear, walking shoes/boots, and lots of other useful bits and bobs.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.

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