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Walking in Portugal - Remote Coastal Trails

Portugal - Trip code POR Walking and Trekking
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200Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

Based in the small town of Sagres, this walking holiday explores an unspoilt corner of Portugal. Follow beautiful coastal paths to discover impressive cliff tops and quiet sandy beaches, sampling the delicious local seafood and crisp wines in the evening.

Why we love this trip
  • Cabo Sao Vicente - Walk the long distance Rota Vicentina path to the most south-westerly point of Europe
  • Ponta de Piedade - Dramatic rocky coastline, rock arch and turquoise seas
  • Seven Hanging Valleys trail - Explore the spectacular coastal scenery of secluded beaches, hidden coves and limestone stacks
  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 7

    Dinner: 1

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

    Driver(s)

  • Transport

    Bus

    Minibus

    Public Bus

    Taxi

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    Accommodation

    7 nights comfortable hotel

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    Walking grade:

    Leisurely and Moderate

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    Group Size:

    Trip maximum 16
    Explore Average 11

Itinerary

Day 1 - Join trip in Sagres

Our trip begins in the coastal town of Sagres, a small tranquil town with a picturesque harbour and several nearby beaches. This historically important port, linked to the early Portuguese explorers. It was here that Prince Henry the Navigator built his navigation school during the 'Age of the Discoveries'. Our base for the week is Casa Azul, a short walk from Mareta Beach and the centre of Sagres town.

For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 7pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Sagres at any time. If you would like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive at Faro Airport (FAO) which is around one hour 30 minutes' drive to the hotel. Should you miss the meeting, your leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up. If your flight arrives early in the day there is s a choice of local restaurants and bars, and a town beach within a short walking distance of our hotel.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: None

Day 2 - Walk from inland village of Bordeira to Carrapateira

For our first walk we travel by taxi or minibus to the village Bordeira, approximately thirty minutes away. After a short introduction on the local culture and native plants of theregion, we make our way through grassy hills, enjoying the tranquil setting before descending to the wild Atlantic coast. We stop for lunch near the beach, then continue onwards to explore the headland. The views of the dramatic rocky coast are breathtaking and make for some fantastic photo opportunities. From here we head inland again and end the walk at the lovely village of Carrapateira where we can relax in a local café before heading back to Sagres by taxi.

Today's leisurely 13 kilometre/8.1 miles walk is expected to take around 4 hours with 150 metres/492 feet of combined ascent and descent

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 3 - Coastal walk from Burgau to Ponta da Piedade lighthouse

We arrive to the coastal village of Bergau by taxi for the start of our walk along this dramatic coastline.We spend today traversing along the coastal path, admiring the turquoise waters and native plant life. We make a lunch stop over looking the beautiful coastal town of Luz before continuing our route east. There will be a swim opportunity at Porto Mos, or the chance to enjoy a drink at the beach bar. En route today, we see the fascinating rock formations, including the photogenic rock arch at Ponta da Piedade, just south of Lagos, before ending our walk at the lighthouse. The view of the cliffs, lighthouse, and coast are absolutely magical. After spending some time absorbing the view, we return to Sagres by taxis.

Today's moderate 13 kilometre/8.1 miles walk is expected to take around 4 hours with 180 metres/590 feet of ascent and descent, along a coastal path.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 4 - Cliff walk along Rota Vicentina to Cabo Sao Vicente

After breakfast we travel the short distance to the cliffs near Vila do Bispo village by taxi. From here we follow the long distance marked coastal trail 'Rota Vicentina' along dramatic cliffs famed for their unique geological formations formed by millions of years of geological processes including erosion, tectonic activity and sedimentation. Sea stacks, arches and folded rocks are a regular feaure as we head to the lighthouse at Europe's most south-westerly point Cabo Sao Vicente - the subject of many local photographs. From here we return to Sagres in taxis. Sunset in this area is a stunning spectacle and worth making the effort to see. In the evening we'll have dinner in a local restaurant and try the Caldeirada - a traditional hearty Portuguese fish stew. Alternatives will be available for those who do not eat fish.

Today's moderate 15 kilometre/9.3 miles walk is expected to take around four hour and a-half with 150 metres/492 feet of ascent and 260 metres/853 feet of descent along a marked trail.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 5 - Free day; opportunity to visit Lagos

Today is a free day to relax on the beach or discover the lovely, historic town of Lagos, exploring the 15th century fortress, or seeing the fish auction that takes place there during the early afternoon. Alternatively there is the option of a boat trip to see the Benagil Caves from Arcacao de Pera.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 6 - Hike the scenic Seven Hanging Valleys trail

Today is a more challenging walk along the Seven Hanging Valleys trail. Prepare to be captivated with spectacular coastal scenery today, unique to the Algarve region. After approximately 1 hour's drive to Albandeira Beach, we join the trail traversing along the coastal cliffs, famous for its natural arches, limestone stacks and numerous caves. We continue the trek around beautiful secluded beaches and pristine waters below, whilst spotting a variety of local birdlife above. There will be elements of scrambling during a few short sections of the route. The trail rises to pas Alfanzina lighthouse before arriving at Carvoeiro, our end destination.

Today's moderate 10 kilometre/6.8 miles walk is expected to take around four hours with 400 metres/1312 feet of ascent and descent, with some steep sections.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 7 - Coastal walk from Igrina to Sagres

This morning, we take taxis to Ingrina, a sheltered sandy beach well known for surfing. From here we take the coastal route hugging the headland, and appreciate the wild coastland. There will be plenty of opportunity to spot local bird and plant life during our walk today. Stopping at a remote a beach for a short rest, we can watch the surfers and relax before continuing on the coastal path, enjoying our final views of the enchanting Atlantic ocean. There is a chance to swim in the beautiful waters at Praia do Marinhal, our final destination, or it is only a 10 minute walk back to the hotel for those that are ready.

Today's leisurely 10 kilometre/6.2 miles walk is expected to take around 3 hours, with an ascent and descent of 150 metres.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 8 - Trip ends in Sagres

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Sagres.

There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Sagres at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like an airport transfer today, you need to depart from Faro Airport (FAO) which is around 1 hour 30 minutes' drive from the hotel.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Climate and country information

Portugal

Climate

Overall, spring, early summer and autumn are ideal times for a trip to Portugal - though the weather varies enormously from region to region. The northern high plains has both extremes, stiflingly hot in summer, bitterly cold and swept by freezing winds in winter. The Atlantic coast, in contrast, has a tendency to damp and mist, and a relatively brief, humid summer. The Mediterranean south is warm virtually all year round. The islands have very different weather patterns due to their positioning and can have sudden rain falls throughout the year so waterproofs are recommended even in the summer.

Time difference to GMT

0

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Roman Catholic

Language

Portuguese

Budgeting and packing

Optional activities

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for locally and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.


Sagres - Dolphin Watching €35 per person
Sagres - Sagres Fort €3 per person
Sagres - Wellness Spa at Pousada Sagres - treatments must to be prebooked, prices available from Pousada Sagre hotel.
Boat trip from Lagos to Ponta Piedade €25
Public bus to Lagos €4
Benagil Caves Boat trip €25 pp.


Sagres - Bike hire: €10 per day for a city bike, €14 per day for a mountain bike
Sagres - Public Beaches: Mareta Beach, Beleeira Beach, Martinhal Beach

Clothing

Bring light and comfortable clothing that can be layered according to the temperature. It can become cool, especially at night, so bring warmer layers. Tops made from wicking materials which keep you drier, a warmer fleece is recommended as a mid layer, and walking trousers are preferable to trousers of heavier material such as jeans.

-Breathable wind and waterproof jacket (you may also wish to bring waterproof trousers)
-T-shirts
-Long sleeved tops
-Sunhat
-Shorts (if you prefer to walk in them)
-Long trousers (will be walking through shrubland on day 7)
-Swimwear and towel
-Midlayer Fleece/pullover
-Socks (liner and thicker pair)
-Insulated jacket

Footwear

We recommend you bring walking/hiking boots with ankle support- leather or fabric are both fine. Make sure that your boots are worn-in and comfortable before the start of the trip. Also trainers or sandals for relaxing and general wear. We suggest that on international flights you either carry your walking boots in your hand luggage or wear them - should your luggage be lost or delayed, your own boots are the one thing that will be irreplaceable.

Luggage

20kg

Luggage: On tour

Bring one main piece of luggage and a 20-30 litre day sack is recommended. You will need to carry what you need for the day which may include a raincoat, jumper, camera, sun-cream, water and picnic lunch. On hot days you will carry fewer clothes but more drinking water.

Equipment

-Sunglasses
-Sun cream
-Small Torch (with spare batteries and bulb)
-Camera
-Walking poles (if you usually use them and recommended for the Seven Hanging Valleys walk )
-Personal toiletries
-Personal first aid kit - On each walk a first aid kit is carried but you should have your own blister kit, supply of plasters, aspirin and other essentials.
-Insect repellent
-Small waterproof dry bag (for items such as your mobile phone)
-Reusable water bottle (minimum 1 litre) - Get 15% discount on a Water-to-Go bottle www.explore.co.uk/about-us/responsible-travel/water-to-go-discount-with-explore
-Lunch bag/Tupperware (for packed lunches)

Tipping

Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. You may however, want to recognise a leader that has done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It is a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we would recommend £15 to £20 per person per week as a guideline.

Local crew
Although voluntary, tipping is a recognised part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. Accordingly, you should allow approximately £20 of local c urrency for tipping. In order to make things easier for you, the Explore Leader may organise a group's tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the trip.

Portugal

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£15.00 - 20.00
Dinner price
£25.00 - 30.00
Beer price
£3.00 - 4.00 depending on your location, well touristed areas are usually slightly more expensive.
Water price
£2.00
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Euro.
Recommended Currency For Exchange
Take the majority of your spending money in Euros cash.
Where To Exchange
We recommend that you change any currency into Euros prior to arrival. Bureau de Change are generally only found in major cities and large airports.
ATM Availability
Cash-point machines are available in all major towns. Bankcards with the Cirrus logo are accepted.
Credit Card Acceptance
Visa and Mastercard are generally accepted in larger restaurants and some shops.
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Bus, Minibus, Public Bus, Taxi

Accommodation notes

Casa Azul is perfectly located in Sagres town. This smaller guesthouse has bright rooms each with a private bathroom, balcony and refrigerator. Although no on site swimming pool, Mareta Beach is only a 5 minute walk away.

Food and drink

The Algarve's cuisine is a delightful blend of fresh seafood, hearty flavours and traditional Portuguese dishes. Local specialities include sardinha assada (grilled sardines), caldeirada (a flavorful fish stew), and alheira (a type of sausage). We take the opportunity to enjoy an authentic experience by dining in a traditional tasca (tavern) and having a steaming bowl of caldeirada, a rich stew brimming with fish, vegetables, and spices.
To complement the meal, don't miss the opportunity to try vinho verde, a refreshing, slightly sparkling green wine- the famous vinho verde, that's a perfect pairing for the region's seafood.

Portugal

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
It is generally possible to drink the local tap water, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day. 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page.  The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information

Portugal: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.

You should confirm all visa related questions with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.


If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Portugal

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory but Tetanus is usually recommended as a precaution. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

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