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Tour Details

Walking Portugal's Coast and Beaches

Go beyond the Algarve and explore the most pristine coastal trails in Portugal

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Tour Code : TSV

The journey is provided by

Destinations : Portugal

Tour Starts : Vila Nova de Milfontes

Tour Ends : Sagres

Group Size : 4 - 16

Ages : 16+

Activity :

8 days from

NOK 22 495

Overview

Go beyond the Algarve and explore 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 handpicked the very best walks from this extensive network of trails, which spans the tranquil Alentejo region and along the few remaining undeveloped shores of the Algarve. Starting from the picturesque town of Vila Nova de Milfontes, we walk on quiet cliff trails used by locals to access the beaches and best fishing spots, and end in the town of Sagres. We stay overnight in three different villages, each chosen to provide easy access to the trails. The refreshing coastal breeze and inviting landscape make walking in this remote corner of Europe truly reinvigorating. Did you know you can travel by train to this trip? Find out more here

Highlights

Dramatic cliffs, gold-sand beaches and quiet trails
Excellent bird-watching opportunities and year-round mild climate
Stay overnight in authentic whitewashed villages, including Sagres
Reach Cabo de San Vicente, the most southwesterly point in Europe

Key Information

Seven nights in three- and four-star hotels
Five days of guided walking and one free day
Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
All transport by private cars or minibus
Option to travel by train to your adventure
Arrive into Lisbon for the chance to add a pre-tour stay in the vibrant capital

Included

All breakfasts and five picnic lunches
All accommodation
Tour leader throughout
Group arrival and departure transfers available

Not included

Travel insurance
Visa and vaccinations
Single accommodation (available on request)

Itinerary

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Day 1: Start in the seaside town of Vila Nova de Milfontes
This trip starts in the seaside town of Vila Nova de Milfontes, in the heart of the beautiful Alentejo coastline approximately two hours from Faro and 2hr 30min from Lisbon. Still largely undiscovered by foreign visitors, the town is delightfully Portuguese, filled with cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and scenic views across the Mira River. It is also the start point of incredible coastal trails leading to vast stretches of wild, deserted beaches. Despite the remote location, it has an extensive selection of restaurants and a lively nightlife, making it a perfect base for the first two days of the trip.
Day 2: Rewarding coastal walk to Almograve; transfer back to Vila Nova de Milfontes
We start the week with a relatively short coastal hike offering superb views throughout. Leaving from the hotel, we cross by boat and admire views of the Mira River meeting the ocean, with the small, white-washed town and lush hillsides in the background. There are stretches along today's trail where native vegetation displays all its diversity and other areas where it has been wiped out by a most aggressive exotic plant – the acacia. At times, farmland stretches right to the ocean, at others the imprint of human habitation is local, non-commercial fishing or small Stone Age quarries hidden among the dunes. Between March and October, you can spot the many types of swift – alpine, pallid and common – that nest along this coast. Interestingly, swifts spend more than 90 percent of their life in the air as they feed, mate and sleep in flight – they are so well adapted to flying that landing on the ground may be fatal. The walk ends in the small village of Almograve, perfect for an unhurried afternoon stroll or peaceful pause before we return by private transfer to Vila Nova de Milfontes.
Day 3: Walk from Cabo Sardão to Zambujeira do Mar along dramatic high cliffs
Small fishing harbours, dunes, the scent of pine tree forests and the sight, seen nowhere else in the world, of storks nesting on the cliffs make today's walk truly special. We start with a short transfer (approximately 20 minutes) to Cabo Sardão lighthouse, which was peculiarly built the wrong way round. The entry door is facing the ocean and the lighthouse is facing inland! This is the start of today's trail, which follows high cliffs exposed to the constant salty ocean waves and winds, and a favourite nesting spot for more than 20 bird species. These include: the jackdaw; shag; common kestrel; white stork; and the peregrine falcon, the fastest recorded animal in the world, reaching speeds of up to 185mph (300kph) when diving. We have time to stop and watch these birds, especially during spring, when it is possible to quietly observe their mating rituals and the careful building of their nests. We pass Lapa das Pombas, a tiny non-commercial fishing harbour, before concluding the walk in the sleepy seaside village of Zambujeira do Mar and its wonderful beach. In the afternoon, we transfer to Arrifana where we stay for the next three nights.
Day 4: Coastal walk to Odeceixe; admire fascinating rock and cliff formations and some of Portugal’s best beaches; transfer to Vale da Telha
This morning, we transfer from Arrifana to Carvalhal beach (approximately 35 minutes), the start of today's walk. The cliff face on this stretch of the walk is of particular interest. It is composed of schist and greywacke, which results from the consolidation of sand, clay and volcanic ashes accumulated on the bottom of an ocean more than 300m years ago This whole coastal region is believed by many to have a particular energy, and it was here the fado diva 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 mountain top of Fóia and Monchique as a backdrop. We transfer to the cosy hotel near Arrifana beach and enjoy a refreshing dip in the swimming pool, or a drink on the sunny terrace, before dinner.
Day 5: Free day; enjoy an optional circular walk to Arrifana beach or other activities such as surfing and horse riding
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 or a horse-riding excursion along the spectacular coastline. 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).
Day 6: Circular walk around Carrapateira; enjoy ocean views and the sandy beaches of Bordeira and Amado; transfer to Sagres
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 sheltered pristine beaches.
Day 7: Final cliff walk to Cabo de Sao Vicente, the southwesternmost point in continental Europe; afternoon optional visit to Sagres Fort
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. You may decide to book an optional dolphin-watching excursion along the coast (weather and season dependent).
Day 8: End Sagres
This trip ends in Sagres in the morning of Day 8. If you'd like to spend a little more time in this beautiful part of Europe, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Photos

Important Information

The trip destination

Seven nights in three- and four-star hotels
Five days of guided walking and one free day
Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
All transport by private cars or minibus
Option to travel by train to your adventure
Arrive into Lisbon for the chance to add a pre-tour stay in the vibrant capital

Food

All breakfasts and five picnic lunches are included. 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 of this region, which will include fresh seafood and fish. The local speciality from the sea is gooseneck barnacles (also known as perceves); taken from the bottom of submerged cliffs, it is 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.

Weather

Southwest Portugal has a Mediterranean climate with a strong Atlantic influence, guaranteeing 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.

Is this trip for you?

This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate).

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. 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.

Prices / Dates

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AVAILABLE DATES	PRICE (1 ADULT)	PRICE (1 CHILDREN)	Single room supplement	TRAVEL STATUS
Sat, 11 May 2024 / Sat, 18 May 2024	NOK 22 495	On request	NOK 3 685	Available
Sat, 14 Sep 2024 / Sat, 21 Sep 2024	NOK 23 180	On request	NOK 3 685	Available
Sat, 12 Oct 2024 / Sat, 19 Oct 2024	NOK 22 495	On request	NOK 3 685	Available
Sat, 02 Nov 2024 / Sat, 09 Nov 2024	NOK 22 495	On request	NOK 3 685	Available

AVAILABLE DATES	PRICE (1 ADULT)	PRICE (1 CHILDREN)	SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT	TRAVEL STATUS
Sat, 11 May 2024 / Sat, 18 May 2024	NOK 22 495	On request	NOK 3 685	On request
Sat, 14 Sep 2024 / Sat, 21 Sep 2024	NOK 23 180	On request	NOK 3 685	On request
Sat, 12 Oct 2024 / Sat, 19 Oct 2024	NOK 22 495	On request	NOK 3 685	On request
Sat, 02 Nov 2024 / Sat, 09 Nov 2024	NOK 22 495	On request	NOK 3 685	On request

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