Lagos: Walking Towards The Sunset In The West Algarve (self-guided)

Itinerary

Day 1: Day 1

Stop At: Faro Airport, 8006-901 Faro, Portugal
Arrival to Faro and transfer to Lagos
Duration: 1 hour

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: 7 nights in a twin/double room

Day 2: Day 2

Stop At: Ponta da Piedade Lighthouse, Lagos Portugal
Taxi to start & walk back. A wonderful walk along the cliff tops with stunning views all around. The highlights of the area are the spectacular rocks, coves and caves that have been relentlessly carved and shaped by the pounding waves. You can look down on the famous grottos. Looking inland you can see the remnants of old farmhouses and land divisions that marked the territory here when it was once the only source of income. Porto de Mós and Ponta da Piedade cafés provide welcome refreshments.
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: 7 nights in a twin/double room

Day 3: Day 3

Stop At: Barão de São João Sports Area, Recinto do Polidesportivo 8600, 8600 Barão de São João, Portugal
Taxi to Barão S. Miguel – return from S João by bus or taxi.

This is an inland walk taking in the traditional villages of Barão de São João and Barão de

São Miguel. These charming villages nestle in a rural and peaceful countryside with a mix of fields and forests giving nature lovers a real treat.

Inserted in the Natural Heritage of Lagos, the National Forest of Barão de S. João is located in the heart of the Western Algarve, a transition of the agricultural world, still alive with small farms and shepherds, to the forest.
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: 7 nights in a twin/Double room

Day 4: Day 4 - Free Day

Stop At: Marina de Lagos, Edifício da Administração, Lagos 8600-315 Portugal
This is an ideal opportunity to relax and enjoy the attractions of the Algarve. You can walk/tour independently, or visit local places of interest. From Lagos there is a wide variety of sightseeing available (we can advise and/or recommend options according to your interests). Keen bird-watchers may wish to visit Sagres to the West, or the Ria Formosa, in the East Algarve.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: 7 nights in a twin/double room

Day 5: Day 5

Stop At: Alvor Boardwalk, Praia de Alvor, Alvor, Portimao 8501-906 Portugal
Taxi pick up to start, return on foot.

Leaving Lagos, we walk east along the coast, past old saltpans, taking us towards the estuary of Alvor before quiet inland paths and lanes bring us back into Lagos.

This a lovely walk with much biodiversity. Each spring and autumn the estuary of the Alvor River becomes a staging post for thousands of migrating birds. The estuarine ecosystem is also rich in many other ways, and supports numerous animals, plants and insects. Its profound importance to wildlife, both resident and migrant, has been recognised by its designation as a Natura 2000 site, giving it special environmental and conservation protection.
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: 7 nights in a twin/double room

Day 6: Day 6

Stop At: Alvor Boardwalk, Praia de Alvor, Alvor, Portimao 8501-906 Portugal
Taxi there & train back.

The scenery is gentle, serene and cosy in the Alvor estuary. This protected natural haven contains a wide array of habitats. The walk uses quiet paths and lanes to take us through a variety of landscapes from salt marshes, farmland, pastures and orchards to Mediterranean type forests. It’s great for birdlife observation, particularly.

To the north you’ll clearly discern the lush green Monchique mountains silhouetted in the horizon; a bit to the south, hidden by the large unspoilt dunes, there’s Lagos Bay; meanwhile, contemplate the ever changing shades of blue and green along the secluded inner lagoons, as well as the beautiful Rocha Delicada (‘Delicate’ or ‘Elegant Rock’), an ochre promontory formed during the Miocene period. Embedded in its calcareous rock face, it is possible to detect some marine fossils from this remote period, mainly composed of oyster, scallop and clam specimens.

The attractive village of Mexilhoeira Grande offers cafés and restaurants for a welcome cooling drink. If there is time before the train enjoy a stroll through the village.
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: 7 nights in a twin/double room

Day 7: Day 7

Stop At: FARMACIA BENSAFRIM, R. João de Deus 19, 8600 Bensafrim, Portugal
This is a magnificent walk through hills with fabulous views, peaceful farmland, green forests & pretty water courses.

Travel by taxi to Bensafrim to start walk & return from Bensafrim by bus.
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: 7 nights in a twin/double room

Day 8: Day 8

Stop At: Faro Airport, 8006-901 Faro, Portugal
Individual departure or extra days

At convenient time departure to Airport or Train station.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.