Walking holidays in the Algarve
| country: | Portugal |
| location: | Algarve |
| trip type: | Introductory / moderate walking holidays |
| departures: | 2008: 18 Oct |
| price: | From £655 (7 days) excluding flights. Includes 7 nights 3* twin/double accommodation with en suite, all meals (including picnics), transfers, transport by minibus and experienced walk leader |
the amazing things you'll be doing
The Algarve has so much to offer yet much remains hidden from those who choose to explore by car. The sheer variety of the landscapes, the historical treasures and the unique flora and fauna are just a few of the many delights waiting to be discovered.
The very best of the Algarve - (4-14 people)
Beginning in the heart of the countryside north of Faro we will walk westwards following ancient tracks and footpaths taking our time to just enjoy the sheer beauty of the landscape. On our way we will visit craftsmen still practising their arts whether it be stripping the trees of the cork bark or producing medronho - the Algarve's most characteristic alcoholic drink from the fruit of the strawberry tree. Our week will end with two days walking deep in the heart of the 'Cape St. Vincent Natural Park' - designated to protect the Western coastline from the developers. The coastline here is simply stunning and the whole area is home to a wide variety of rare plants and birds.
Highlights include:
Day and Half Day and Weekend Guided Walks
We offer a selection of short walks especially designed for the 'stroller'. If you are visiting the Algarve then why not take this opportunity of coming on one of these walks with an experienced guide who will take you to places not readily reached by car. None of our walks is difficult and outdoor shoes or trainers will be more than suitable. Our guided walk programme changes with the seasons but we offer walks in all parts of the Algarve. Our guides are experts in local knowledge, flora and fauna.
The very best of the Algarve - (4-14 people)
Beginning in the heart of the countryside north of Faro we will walk westwards following ancient tracks and footpaths taking our time to just enjoy the sheer beauty of the landscape. On our way we will visit craftsmen still practising their arts whether it be stripping the trees of the cork bark or producing medronho - the Algarve's most characteristic alcoholic drink from the fruit of the strawberry tree. Our week will end with two days walking deep in the heart of the 'Cape St. Vincent Natural Park' - designated to protect the Western coastline from the developers. The coastline here is simply stunning and the whole area is home to a wide variety of rare plants and birds.
Highlights include:
- Forget your prejudices, 90% of the Algarve remains free of developments and golf courses
- Rich and varied geology = a wide variety of plants and flowers
- A beautiful, unspoilt coastline
- Walk with Julie Statham author of ‘Walking in the Algarve (Cicerone press)
Day and Half Day and Weekend Guided Walks
We offer a selection of short walks especially designed for the 'stroller'. If you are visiting the Algarve then why not take this opportunity of coming on one of these walks with an experienced guide who will take you to places not readily reached by car. None of our walks is difficult and outdoor shoes or trainers will be more than suitable. Our guided walk programme changes with the seasons but we offer walks in all parts of the Algarve. Our guides are experts in local knowledge, flora and fauna.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | A circular walk through the very heart of the Algarve, passing traditional hamlets, ancient lime kilns and all the way fantastic views over the countryside in all directions, 14km/8.5miles. |
| Day 2: | A walk along ridges scented with wild herbs and through citrus groves to the old Moorish capital of Silves, 16km/10miles. |
| Day 3: | A morning walk though the historic centre and castle of Silves and in the afternoon a circular walk along the banks of the Arade and Odelouca rivers, 8km/5miles. |
| Day 4: | A change of scene and a walk along the cliff tops passing medieval forts, roman ruins on the way to the fishing village of Salema, 16km/10miles. |
| Day 5: | A beautiful circular walk on the West Coast along hidden beaches and up onto the cliff tops with panoramic views, 13km/8miles. |
| Day 6: | 'The End of the World' and Cape St Vincent is the final destination of the walk today, a timeless cliff top landscape, 16km/10miles. |
how this holiday makes a difference
 We actively encourage our clients to be environmentally aware of all their actions and act in a proper, responsible manner at all times. Information, tips and recommendations on the life and customs of the local people are given to all clients. As much as we can our office recycles waste and we use recycled products when ever possible.All possible steps are taken to ensure that we operate all our tours in an environmentally responsible manner by example, using local guides when ever possible. We always use local services and accommodation as well as visiting rural restaurants and local shops selling local products. We are aware that travel in any country has some effect on the area and with this in mind we strive to lessen the impact, promote local employment through use and at all times show a positive attitude towards the environment and encourage others to appreciate its importance. We also pay our guides, local services and accommodation the market price for their services |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've lead the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |