Walking Portugal's Wild Algarve

Name: Walking Portugal's Wild Algarve
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.9 (53 reviews)

53 reviews

Activity

Walking & Trekking

Overview

Discover hidden wonders of the Algarve and the most pristine coastal trails in Portugal

Passing wild beaches, whitewashed villages and towering cliffs, the Rota Vicentina is one of the great hiking routes in Europe. We’ve handpicked the very best walks from this extensive network, visiting some of the few remaining undeveloped shores of the Algarve. The adventure starts in picturesque Monchique, where medicinal waters and a thermal spa make the town an ideal place to ease into the trip. Transferring to the coast, we walk on quiet cliff trails (used by local people to access the beaches and best fishing spots) and end in the town of Sagres. The refreshing coastal breezes and inviting landscape make walking in this remote corner of Europe truly reinvigorating.

Key Information

Trip Code: TSV
Ways to Travel: Guided Group
Countries: Portugal
Carbon Footprint: 28kg CO2e per person per day

What's Included

All breakfasts, five picnic lunches, one dinner and one wine tasting
All accommodation
All transport and listed activities
Tour leader throughout
Group arrival and departure transfers available

5 days of Walking & Trekking

Pace:

Leisurely: 2mph-3mph (3kph-4kph)

Terrain:

Low altitude; mix of sandy and rugged clifftop trails.

Day 2: 7.9 km / 4.3 miles
Day 3: 8.2 km / 5 miles
Day 4: 11 km / 6.8 miles
Day 6: 10.5 km / 6.2 miles
Day 7: 10 km / 6.2 miles

Highlights

Walk the finest trails on the Rota Vicentina, one of Europe’s great hiking routes
Sip local wine with new-found friends during a vineyard tasting experience
Visit a family-run mill to sample premium olive oil, a speciality of Monchique
Take a scenic clifftop walk to Cabo de Sao Vicente, the most southwesterly point in Europe
Stay in three beautiful Algarve communities: Monchique, Aljezur and Sagres

Itinerary

First Destination: Monchique
Next Destination: Sagres

Meals included:Dinner

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Meals included:Breakfast

First Destination: Monchique
Next Destination: Sagres

This trip starts in Monchique in the heart of the Algarve, approximately a one-hour drive from Faro. This small town is a quiet, peaceful place but the central square has a welcoming atmosphere with fountains and flowers. We stay in the Caldas de Monchique area, home to alkaline thermal springs that have been popular since Roman times.

Say olá to you your leader and fellow travellers around 6pm, where we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventure ahead.

Your leader will ensure a big welcome by arranging a group dinner at a local restaurant for your first taste of Portuguese hospitality.

Want to explore the Algarve further? Additional pre-tour hotel nights are bookable through your sales representative.

Accommodation: Hotel Villa Termal Caldas de Monchique – Pure (or similar)

Meals included:Dinner

We have a morning transfer (approximately 20 minutes) to São Romão Church, where we start with a relatively short hike of the Alferce Loop, which has superb views throughout. There’s an optional visit to the Moorish castle ruins of Castelo de Alferce, which stands on a hilltop in the eastern border of Serra de Monchique, offering a strategic defensive position and expansive views. Archaeological work here reveals a long history of occupation, from the Bronze Age to the Islamic Medieval period (8^th-10th centuries CE).

In the afternoon, we explore Studio Bongard Ceramics in Monchique. This tranquil space features ceramic sculptures, blending exotic and rustic elements and allowing visitors to explore the gallery, studio and gardens.

Accommodation: Hotel Villa Termal Caldas de Monchique – Pure (or similar)

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Monchique is in a region strongly marked by agricultural and forestry, which has resulted in a mosaic landscape of vegetable gardens, orchards and quercine tree groves. We hike the areas surrounding the town, giving us a chance to experience this fertile landscape.

Later, we visit a traditional olive oil mill for a tasting. The olive oil produced in Monchique is celebrated and this particular mill has been producing some of the best since 1953. Today, three generations of the family are actively involved in the operations of the mill, helping to produce a premium olive oil.

In the afternoon, we transfer (approximately 45 minutes) to Arrifana.

Accommodation: Hotel Vale da Telha (or similar)

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, we transfer (approximately 35 minutes) to Carvalhal Beach, the start of today’s walk. The cliff face on this stretch of the walk is particularly interesting as it’s composed of schist and greywacke – the consolidation of sand, clay and volcanic ash which accumulated on an ocean floor more than 300m years ago.

This whole coastal region is believed by many to have a special energy, and it was here the fado artist and singer Amália Rodrigues sought refuge and inspiration for her songs. Along the walk, we may also spot traces of nocturnal mammals, including the Egyptian mongoose (locally known as escalabardo), weasel, beech marten (papalvo), badger, genet and rabbits. Before reaching Odeceixe, we take a break on Ponta em Branco (White Summit) so named for the colour of the sediments that form its top, marking the border between the Alentejo and Algarve regions. This is considered one of the most scenic points in the entire region with views over Odeceixe Beach, with the mountaintop of Fóia and Monchique as a backdrop. We then stop at the vineyards of Vicentino for a wine tasting before transferring to our hotel near Arrifana Beach. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the swimming pool or a drink on the sunny terrace before dinner.

Accommodation: Hotel Vale da Telha (or similar)

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Today is a free day to choose from the many optional activities available in the area. You may decide to go on a guided visit to Arrifana Beach, Ponta da Atalaia, Monte Clérigo and Aljezur (payable locally). Alternatively, you may book a surfing class in this popular surfing destination. While your tour leader will not accompany you on your free day, they can help you book the optional activities. A self-guided walk around Arrifana is also possible (7.5mi/12km loop).

Accommodation: Hotel Vale da Telha (or similar)

Meals included:Breakfast

Today we travel further south and transfer (approximately 30 minutes) to the village of Carrapateira, the start of today’s short circular walk. Along the circuit, we come across various viewpoints with superb vistas of the sandy beaches of Bordeira and Amado plus the ruins of an ancient Islamic fishermen’s settlement. On the first part of the trail, we walk through undulating dunes carpeted by lush vegetation and aromatic wild plants including thyme, yellow amaranths, rosemary, lavender, crowberries, blue pimpernel and sea lavender. We then walk along the limestone cliffs for most of the trail and may get the opportunity to spot cormorants, a wintering bird and expert angler that consumes almost 2lb (1kg) of fish per day. In the afternoon, we transfer (approximately 20 minutes) to the village of Sagres, at the extreme western tip of the Algarve. Although primarily known as a surfing destination, Sagres has a lot more to offer. You may decide to spend the rest of the day in one of the pristine sheltered beaches.

Accommodation: Memmo Baleeira Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade to a sea-view room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Surrounded by foaming Atlantic breakers, Cabo de Sao Vicente marks the most southwesterly point of Europe. The final walk from Sagres out to the edge of the continent should prove to be one of the highlights of the week. Surrounded by coastal scenery, we follow a wild trail along sandy paths and gorse-strewn meadows to the very edge of the Iberian Peninsula. Setting off from our hotel, we head to the start point of our walk, near Beliche Beach. We set out across towering cliffs and ravines covered with native vegetation. We pass by the golden beach of Beliche then, after a short section inland, Telheiro Beach, a place of extraordinary geological interest thanks to the rock composition of the cliffs. The last section of the path continues along the clifftop before a memorable arrival at Cabo de Sao Vicente, where we find a lighthouse, museum and small bar offering wonderful photo opportunities. It’s only a five-minute transfer back to Sagres, where we can choose to visit the imposing sea fortress at sunset or relax with a cold drink on the waterfront, watching fishermen mending their nets.

Accommodation: Memmo Baleeira Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade to a sea-view room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

You’ve walked some of the most pristine coastal trails in Portugal; but now, our adventure comes to an end and we begin our return journeys home.

Alternatively, if you’d like to treat yourself to a bit of post-hiking relaxation, speak to your sales representative about booking additional nights in the beach town of Faro.

Meals included:Breakfast

Dates & Prices

Skip the hassle: We’ll handle your trip from start to finish, with competitive flight prices, deposit-only payments, and full ATOL protection available.

Call us on 0203 733 5948

Your Group, Your Adventure

Want to choose your travel companions? Gather your family and friends and let us create a Private Adventure just for you.

View Details

Accommodation

Coast and spa hotels

We use three unique hotels, all with a swimming pool and two with spa facilities. The hotels we normally use are listed below.

Upgrade to a sea-view room on Day 6 and Day 7 of the itinerary – speak to your sales representative for more details.

Monchique: Hotel Villa Termal Caldas de Monchique – Pure (nights 1-2)

Walking Portugal’s Wild Algarve

This 22-room boutique property with mountain and valley views sits within the Villa Termal Caldas de Monchique Spa Resort. That provides easy access to plenty of excellent amenities, including an outside pool, several green areas and the Thermal spa. There’s also a restaurant serving a mix of traditional Portuguese and contemporary cuisines plus a selection of bars.

Aljezur: Hotel Vale da Telha (nights 3-5)

Walking Portugal’s Wild Algarve

Modest but well suited for our adventures, Hotel Vale da Telha has a relaxed atmosphere and modern rooms with balconies. When it’s time to relax, head to the pool area, where you’ll find shaded loungers on a spacious wooden sundeck.

Sagres: Memmo Baleeira Hotel (nights 6-7)

Walking Portugal’s Wild Algarve

Enjoy vistas of the Atlantic Ocean with a stay at this four-star design hotel. There are 144 rooms and suites along with an outdoor pool, plus a spa, heated indoor pool, Turkish bath and sauna.

Essential Information

This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.

The Rota Vicentina is home to some of the best coastal walks in Europe – the remote, quiet trails and temperate climate making it a haven for hikers and ramblers. The average walking distance each day is approximately 8mi (13km) and the walking pace allows time to rest and enjoy the views. The routes are mostly undulating and do not include any long challenging climbs; however, the terrain can make the walking quite exerting at times as we mainly take sandy trails near beaches and rugged clifftop paths while along the coast. Some of the trails are exposed but there is always the option to walk away from the exposed parts if you would prefer.

Walks usually take between four and six hours including picnic lunch stops (depending on the pace of your group) and require a good level of fitness.

Key information

Start hotel: Hotel Villa Termal Caldas de Monchique – Pure in Monchique, 8550-232 Monchique, Portugal
Phone: +351 282 910 910
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening at 6pm in the hotel reception.
Airport: Faro Airport (FAO)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately a one-hour drive from the airport. Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.

If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

There’s a group departure transfer to Faro Airport (FAO) that’s scheduled to align with a flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.

Portugal

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Portugal. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/portugal
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/portugal
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/portugal/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Portugal.html

The picnic lunches will include a mix of sandwiches, cheeses, cured meats and fruit.

During the week, we get the opportunity to sample delicacies and traditional dishes from this region, including fresh seafood and fish. The local speciality from the sea is gooseneck barnacles (also known as perceves); taken from the bottom of submerged cliffs, they are harvested by hand using a dangerous and traditional method, which involves one of the two collectors dangling from a rope attached to the clifftops! Away from the sea, the dried hams, salamis and cheeses are excellent. Good quality meat is also always on the menu. Vegetables are plentiful but, although vegetarian dishes are available in traditional restaurants, the choice may be limited.

Southwest Portugal has a Mediterranean climate with a strong Atlantic influence, resulting in mild temperatures throughout the year. Winters are short and are never very cold but offer enough rain to fertilise the soil for the nine months when the sun is king. The recommended period to walk the Rota Vicentina is from September until June, when our departures are scheduled. In winter, temperatures do not fall below 11C (52F) during the day and this is normally the rainiest period of the year. From March, sunny days alternate with rainy days and temperatures start to rise. The reborn landscape and the intensity of the colours and aromas make spring one of the best seasons to visit. Heatwaves can push up temperatures in July and August and it gets too hot for walking. In autumn, temperatures are generally quite mild, with the ocean reaching pleasant temperatures for swimming. Please note, coastal areas of Portugal are known to be quite windy throughout the year. We highly recommend you check the weather forecast close to the arrival date and bring adequate rain gear.

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

Reviews

Add new review

Gordon Robb

Added November 2025

What a wonderful way to spend a week in November

Our first, but definitely after a fabulous week, not our last visit to the Algarve

Most Inspirational Moment

See and hearing the huge waves crashing into the sundrenched cliffs and pristine beaches. Although seeing genuine local artisans at work and sampling the local produce was a close second.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Francisco and Rafael couldn't have looked after us better. Nothing was too much bother for them and their love and knowledge of Portugal and the Algarve in particular was so impressive.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Leave enough room in your case for the olive oil, pottery and wine you'll want to take home.

tim lopez

Added November 2025

November 1-8

We were a group of nine mostly strangers to each other who bonded during this wonderful adventure. Francisco and Raphael could not have been better trip leaders. They were very gracious, helpful. knowledgeable and fun to be with. We did not just hike but about new Flora, Fauna, and Portuguese...

Most Inspirational Moment

The views of the coastline from the trails are awesome and memorable

Thoughts on Group Leader

The local group leaders were very attentive to every aspects of our journey including lodging, safety on the trail, food... They shared a unique and proud perspective of the region.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip is for you if you are looking for the right balance between walking and discovering a new culture. The month of May offers comfortable temperature for walking as well as the beauty of numerous wild flowers along the trails

Read all reviews

Walking Portugal's Wild Algarve

Activity Level

Comfort Level

Activity

Overview

Discover hidden wonders of the Algarve and the most pristine coastal trails in Portugal

Key Information

What's Included

5 days of Walking & Trekking

Highlights

Itinerary

Dates & Prices

Skip the hassle: We’ll handle your trip from start to finish, with competitive flight prices, deposit-only payments, and full ATOL protection available.

Your Group, Your Adventure

Accommodation

Coast and spa hotels

Essential Information

Key information

Getting to the start hotel

Catching your return flight

Portugal

Reviews

What a wonderful way to spend a week in November

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

November 1-8

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Another great Exodus trip

Wonderful trip!

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Excellent Walking Trip

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Wild about the Wild Algarve

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

A different perspective on the Algarve

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Excellent from start to finish

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Fabulous guides and trip

Advice for Potential Travellers

Would go back in a heartbeat

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

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