Mountain Top to Cliff Top

• Unique combination of hill walking and coastal paths within the natural parks of Algarve
• Outstanding landscapes and seascapes
• Unspoilt villages still following a traditional way of life
• Rare flora and fauna

This independent walking holiday offers you the chance to explore the unspoilt Western Algarve. You will spend three nights in the Monchique hills before walking south through National Forest and staying in the historical town of Lagos. There is just enough time to explore before setting off along the coastal paths to Sagres and Cape St Vincent. Much of this walking is in the Vicentina Natural Park, where the famous Algarve coastline remains unspoilt and undeveloped preserving the unique flora and fauna of the region and offering the visitor a fabulous combination of sights and scents.

ITINERARY

DAY 1    Arrival in the Algarve and transfer to Monchique

DAY 2    A walk of 2 halves along the slopes of Mount Foía, through ancient woodland and then down the valley where traditional farming is still practised, 14 km. Overnight in Monchique.

DAY 3    Monchique town to Picota, a 17 km circular walk through some of the most beautiful scenery in the Serrade Monchique with spectacular views down to the coast. Overnight in Monchique.

DAY 4    Transfer and then you walk through totally unspoilt countryside with panoramic views passing the Bravura Lake on your way to the village of Bensafrim where we will meet you, 18,1 km. Overnight in Lagos.

DAY 5    A chance to explore the historical town of Lagos and a half day walk along the coast to the Alvor estuary where local fishermen collect clams and harvest oysters, 10 km. Overnight in Lagos.

DAY 6    A very different scene as you walk through the Budens wetlands home to a wide variety of birds. Then up onto the cliff tops, taking you along the coastal path to Salema passing mediaeval forts and Roman ruins along the way, 14 km. Overnight in Salema.

DAY 7    Through the Vicentina Natural Park, following the coastal path and ancient tracks to Sagres, 16 km. Overnight in Salema.

DAY 8    Transfer back to departure point in the Algarve.

For those who prefer not to stay in Lagos we can offer as an alternative 2 nights in Sagres with walks on the west coast and to Cape St Vincent.

INCLUDED

• 7 night's accommodation in a twin/double room with en-suite facilities and breakfasts
• 2 dinners
• Transport to and from your arrival point in the Algarve
• Movement of luggage during the week
• Comprehensive walking notes

NOT INCLUDED

• 5 dinners, 7 lunches, travel insurance and flights

Arrival point 

Airports - Faro in the Algarve or Lisbon and travel to the Algarve by train.

Cost per person

October to March: 490 euro (Not Christmas and New Year week, please ask us for a price)

April to June & September: 560 euro

Single room supplement: 120 euro

Bookings and inquiries: toursandtracks@mail.telepac.pt

In cooperation with Portugal Walks