Walking In Portugal - Eastern Algarve

Our trip starts in the delightful town of Tavira. Our welcoming hotel is within walking distance of the old centre, restaurants and bars. Its location offers great views over the town and river from the rooftop bar and outside pool area. 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 Tavira at any time. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive at Faro Airport (FAO) which is around 30 minutes' drive. Should you miss the meeting, your leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, our hotel is the prefect base from which to explore the cobbled streets on foot discovering the pretty tiled houses and there are plentiful alfresco dining options.

Today we explore the Tavira coast, walking through the old town out to the coastal marshland. This protected area forms part of Rio Formosa Estuarine National Park, a 60km strip of salt marshes, islands and lagoons stretching from Faro to the Spanish Border. Its home to an abundance of birdlife and sea life, and we'll see flamingos feeding in the shallow water. Once we reach Pedras d el Rei we walk over the bridge to Ilha de Tavira. Here we walk along the unspoiled beaches, observing the wetland ecosystem and coastal habitats, past; mudflats, sea rushes and the native curry plant. Our walk continues along the beautiful Praia dos Barrills, a long white sandy beach backed by sand dunes. The most noticeable and unique feature of this beach is the anchor 'graveyard'. Dozens of anchors have been planted in the dunes, an eerie reminder of the regions once thriving tuna fishing industry. The fishermen huts have now been converted into cafes, restaurants and shops. From Terra Estreita Beach we take the boat back to the mainland, where it is a 10 minute walk back to the hotel. There will be time this afternoon time to explore more of Tavira. Take in the view up river from the seven-arched Roman Bridge, although actually Moorish in its origin, throughout the centuries the bridge has provided vital access across the River Gilao. Today's 14 kilometre walk is expected to take approximately five hours along a flat route.

Today we drive (30 min) to the small village of Azinhal. We walk through gentle hills and low rising vegetation along the banks of Guadiana River (which marks the Spanish border) and on to the small old fashioned village of Odeleite. From Odeleite we drive south to Castro Marim. We take some time here to wander along the walls of the Templar Castle and enjoy a coffee overlooking the river and into Spain, before travelling back to Tavira by taxi. Today's 13 kilometre walk is expected to take approximately four-and-a-half hours with a total ascent of 170 metres and descent of 205 metres.