In the south of Portugal, the Algarve region enjoys a privileged climate, at the crossroads of Atlantic and Mediterranean influences. A veritable prow of Europe, its history and culture are steeped in Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek, Roman, Arab, African, South American and even Asian traditions. This historic past is inscribed on the walls of the whitewashed villages or in the narrow streets of the towns of Faro, Lagos, Sagres and Tavira. From the wild hinterland to the cliffs and coves of the Vicentine coast, via the Monchique massif and the islands of the Ria Formosa, discover a surprising and enchanting region, as much for its diversity as for its beauty and authenticity.
Optional transfer from the airport to Tavira (30 to 40 min - not included). Tavira is one of the prettiest towns in the Algarve, nestled on a hill on the banks of the little Gilão river. Depending on your arrival time, you can visit the old town, founded by the Phoenicians and fortified by the Moors in the Middle Ages. The narrow streets and squares reveal the Lusitanian charm of the facades and gardens.
Meals included: None
Night: Tavira
+33 (0)4 86 65 00 20
contact@intura-travel.com
Transfer (20 min) to the village of Cabanas located on the coast, close to the border with Andalusia. From the São João da Barra fort constructed in the XVII century, the trail runs alongside the lagoon of the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Sandbanks and barrier islands form a unique ecosystem between land and sea, governed by the rhythm of the tide. Thousands of birds love this area during their migration between Europe and Africa. The village of Cacela Velha, built on a fortified rocky outcrop, enjoys exceptional views over the entire coastline as far as Spain and the superb beach on the island of Cabanas (swimming is possible depending on the season and the tide). Transfer back to Tavira
Transfer (30 mn) to the village of Santa Catarina in the wooded hills of the back country. From hills to valleys, this walk allows you to discover the rural way of life of the Algarve: olive groves, almond trees, arbutus trees, a few vines, cork oaks, carob trees and beehives for honey. The scents of aromatic plants such as rosemary, Iberian lavender and grand cyst enhance the walk. The « norias », wells and mills, bear witness to activities of the past. Private transfer (1h30) to the Caldas de Monchique.
The granite massif of Monchique soars at an altitude of 900 metres on the edge of the ocean, giving it a unique microclimate and ecosystem. After passing through cork and eucalyptus forests, the granite chaos of Mount Picota offers a 360° panoramic view of the entire western Algarve. The village of Monchique is worth a visit at the end of your walk. Take a stroll through the narrow streets to discover the little church with its 16th-century portal or its ghostly Carmelite convent, or relax on the terrace of a café and sample the medronho, the arbouse brandy typical of the region. Taxi transfer (10 min) from Monchique to Caldas de Monchique.
Morning transfer (45 min) to the start of your walk, a picture postcard beach. The itinerary continues to the west along the wild coastline to the small port in Sagres via beaches and inlets, enticing you for a swim. You pass through the village to get to the Sagres fortress, an important maritime monument where a huge wind rose bears witness to the great scientific navigational research of the 15th Century, encouraged and financed by Henry The Navigator, Prince of Portugal.
A private transfer will take you to Carrapateira (20 min), a fishing and surfing village in the heart of the Vicentine Coast Natural Park. You cross a flowered dune ridge to reach the small river of Bordeira and the long beach of the same name. The hike continues along the eroded coast, where - amazingly - some storks still manage to nest by the sea, a phenomenon unique to Vicentine. You return to the village of Carrapateira where you can include a visit of the small “Terra e Mar” museum dedicated to traditional farming and fishing. 
Transfer to Vila do bispo (10 min), a barnacle fishing village. This walk takes you through wild heathlands, home to aromatic herbs, and along the multicoloured cliffs to the « promontorium sacrum » the southwestern most point in Portugal to Cape Saint Vincent. You are on the edge of the world! During the migrating season, hundreds of birds swarm the skies and each year a bird watching festival takes place in Sagres. Inside the lighthouse, you discover a small maritime museum, well worth a visit and wraps up this hike in style. Private transfer (1h30) to Faro.
End of the trip after breakfast. Optional transfer to Faro airport.
