This was our sixth Exodus trip (and overall one of the best). The walks were interesting with spectacular scenery and varied wildlife (both flora and fauna), and we learnt a new definition of the term ‘more or less flat’. The hotels were all good, the first two full of character and the final one in a great location with magnificent views over Sagres harbour and with extraordinarily helpful staff. The hotel breakfasts offered great variety and were excellent fuel for the mornings’ walking. The non-walking activities were well-chosen and interesting. There were visits to a ceramics workshop and an artisan olive oil presser which were fascinating and the tasting at the high tech Vicentino winery very near the Alentejo coast offered a different dimension. The wines were very good, with a noticeable salty tang.
The walks were on paths that were generally good or very good, other than about 1km on day 6 which is over broken rock, but trail shoes or boots should have good treads as some short sections were quite loose and eroded (and could have been slippery if the ground had been wet). We were a little late for the best of the wild flowers on the dunes but they were still very varied and attractive. We saw storks nesting on rock pinnacles just offshore (apparently the only place in the world where they nest on sea stacks) and were lucky enough to see three peregrine falcons on one of the coastal walks.
Overall, this was a great week with friendly and amusing companions from Canada, Scotland and England and superlative guides. If we did it again, we would probably go in the late Spring rather than the early Summer, both to have slightly more varied wild flowers and (perhaps!) to avoid walking in 34 degrees in the hills, but we would thoroughly recommend the trip.
Walking & Cycling in the Algarve
Algarve Holidays
The southernmost region of Portugal, the beautiful Algarve, is known for whitewashed fishing villages, stretches of golden sand and turquoise-fringed bays. It is also blessed with a warm, sun-drenched climate nearly all year round. The rugged coastlines here stretch for more than 37mi (60km), from the Moorish old town of Faro in the west to the fishing village of Cacela Velha in the east − discover this enchanting area of Portugal for yourself on our Algarve cycling and walking holidays.
On our Walking Portugal’s Wild Algarve trip, discover hidden shores that have remained largely untouched by tourism. Beginning in the picture-perfect town of Monchique, this Algarve walking holiday takes you along quiet cliff trails towards idyllic beaches, authentic villages and sleepy fishing towns.
Another Algarve holiday that allows you to explore Europe’s most southwesterly point at Cabo de Sao Vicente is our Self-Guided Walking the Algarve’s South West trip. Take a tranquil walk through the Carrapateira and Sinceira valleys, walk among eucalyptus trees and citrus orchards to Vila do Bispo and end the adventure overlooking Sagres’ impressive fortress, for an Algarve walking holiday to remember.
Algarve Walking & Cycling
Peter Jones Walking Portugal's Wild Algarve
Karen Valley Walking Portugal's Wild AlgarveA great trip with fantastic guides and superb walks
Erik Staub Walking Portugal's Wild AlgarveRafael and Francisco from Algavarian Roots made this a memorable hiking,cultural and special experience. They were a fountain of knowledge and the visits to the olive making facility, the winery and the distillery added to the trip. Great hikes in various locations from the Monchique highlands to the coastal trails. But it was the caring guides who did it all. Driving safely, briefing us and Rafael helping and looking out for my wife on the steeper parts. They both were proud of this region and they and their families were connected to the land.
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