Coastal Trek and Trail

Overview

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. 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

Itinerary

• Day
  1

  Sagres - Arrival

  Arrival to Faro (FAO) airport, If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer (please advise3 days a head by latest), the distance to Sagres around one hour 30 minutes' drive, Meeting in the hotel at 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'. His fortress, Fortaleza de Sagres rebuilt in the 18th century, can also be seen from our hotel. Our base for the week is Hotel Navigator, overlooking the sea and a short walk from Mareta Beach and the centre of Sagres town. The spacious apartment rooms are simply furnished, all have a kitchenette, sitting area and small balcony. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Sagres at any time, The tour leader will be at the hotel reception at 19:00 for the first meeting,. If you miss the meeting, your tourleader will inform you about the essential information as soon as you catch up, night at the hotel

• Day
  2

  Sagres / Carateira / Bordeira (walk)

  For our first walk we travel by taxi or minibus to the village Carrapateira, approximately forty minutes away. From here we follow a trail along the coast, then head inland to the pretty village of Bordeira where we can relax in a local café before heading back to Sagres by taxi or minibus. Around 13 kilometre walk is expected to take around four hours with 100 metres of ascent and 70 metres of descent, Night at the hotel

• Day
  3

  Seven Hanging Valleys trail

  Breakfast, departure for a challenging walk along the Seven Hanging Valleys trail with spectacular coastal scenery. It's a one hour's drive to Marinha Beach where we join the trail, walking along the coastal cliffs looking out to natural arches, secluded beaches, limestone stacks and caves at Benagil beach. The trail rises to pass Alfanzina lighthouse before arriving at Carvoeiro beach. At the end of the walk, you can relax at Carvoeiro beach or take an optional boat trip with amazing views into the Benagil sea-cut caves.

• Day
  4

  Rota Vicentina / Cabo Sao Vicente (Cliff walk)

  After breakfast, short distance to the nearby town of Vila do Bispo and onto the local beach, Praia Castelejo by taxi. From here we follow the long distance marked coastal trail 'Rota Vicentina' along dramatic cliffs 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. Today's moderate 14 kilometre walk is expected to take around four hours with 150 metres of ascent and descent along a marked trail, night at the hotel

• Day
  5

  Day Free

  Today is a free day to relax by the hotel pool, explore the local area around (possibility to join a dolphin observation tour by Boat), night at the hotel

• Day
  6

  Burgau / Lagos (Coastal walk)

  We arrive to the coastal town of Burgau by taxi or minibus for the start of our walk along this dramatic coastline to the resort town of Lagos. En route we see the fascinating rock formations, including the photogenic rock arch, at Ponta da Piedade just south of Lagos. After sometime exploring the lovely old centre of the town and taking refreshment Today's moderate 16 kilometre walk is expected to take around four-and-a-half hours with 100 metres of ascent and descent, along a coastal path, night at the hotel

• Day
  7

  Igina / Sagres (Coastal walk)

  Breakfast and departure to Ingrina, a sheltered sandy beach. From here we walk back to Sagres along the unspoilt coastline with the opportunity to stop for a swim in the sea along the way. Today's easy 10 kilometre walk is expected to take around three hours, along a flat coastal path, night at the hotel

• Day
  8

  Sagres – End of the Trip

  Breakfast, check out of the hotel, the hotel offer a luggage storage facilities . If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer, you need to depart from Faro Airport (FAO) which is around one hour 30 minutes' drive from the hotel