Explore Southern Portugal’s stunning Algarve on this self-guided walking tour
The Algarve is more than a place for a great beach holiday. This magnificent and varied region is the perfect location for a hiking holiday. Of course, you can (and should) swim too, as fantastic beaches and bays are just as much a part of this part of Portugal as wild nature and historic fishing villages.
After your arrival, the beautiful old town of Lagos awaits you with numerous shops, cafés and restaurants - get in the mood for the tour, which begins with two round trips, with a cool drink. On the west coast you hike over wild rock formations and breathtaking bays to beautiful Figueira and on the way to the impressive coast "Ponta de Piedade" you feel the power of the Atlantic with all your senses.
From Lagos, the route continues via the bathing mecca of Carvoeiro to Albufeira and on to Faro. If you feel like a shopping spree, you are guaranteed to be in good hands in the capital of the Algarve. But the city also has a lot to offer. The longest stage of the tour leads 19 kilometres through the Ria Formosa Nature Park, from where you can take a boat to Tavira. Finally, another round trip awaits before it's time to say "Adeus, Portugal!".
Note: This hike is also suitable for your four-legged friend!
Highlights of the Algarve Coastal Walking Tour
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Algarve Coastal Walking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Lagos
The little coastal town of Lagos welcomes you with its Mediterranean flair in the lively alleyways of the historic centre. The bustling crowd at the harbour and the dreamy sandy beach will get you in the right mood for a stupendous holiday.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Lagos
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Circular walk wild west coast
Black, red and yellow rock formations, sparse plateaus, long drawn-out sandy beaches and breathtaking headlands offer the perfect backdrop for a very special hike. From tranquil Sagres deserted trails lead you on gently undulating terrain along the coast through the fragrant Macchia. Over rocky steep trails and through glistening bays you finally reach the little village of Figueira.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Lagos
Distance: 14km, ascend 400m, descend 400m
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Circular walk Ponta da Piedade
In the coastal village Burgau you start a fabulous tour totally under the banner of the sea: high cliffs, jagged rocky landscape, cozy bays and gurgling grottos are testimony to the tireless power of the deep-blue waves. The sound of the waves and the distinctive fragrance of the Atlantic accompany you to the lighthouse situated high up above the spectacular rock cliffs of Ponta da Piedade.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Lagos
Distance: 16km, ascend 400m, descend 400m
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Lagos – Albufeira
From Ferragudo you proceed on an impressive cliff path over steep cliffs, hollowed out limestone formations and hidden sandy beaches all the way to Carvoeiro, where you reward yourself with a break in a beach bar. Afterwards you continue through the seven hanging valleys, a marvelous coastal trail leading through seven bays past countless rock sculptures all the way to the Praia da Marinha.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Albufeira
Distance: 15km, ascend 500m, descend 500m
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Albufeira – Faro
Always along the beach through dunes and lagoons on winding paths through the nature reserve on the coast, where you get to marvel at numerous bird species, the mudflat and the ocean from the viewing towers. On the renowned Ludo-Trail you cross the bridge over to the island of Faro, a long, drawn-out sandy strip, which invites you to an extensive rest and pitstop.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Faro
Distance: 11km, ascend 50m, descend 50m
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Faro – Tavira
A short train journey takes you into the fishing village Fuzeta, the start of the tour. Glistening salt basins, little villages with colorful houses and blooming orchards line your path. At the shores of the slowly flowing river Ria Formosa you proceed on the edge of the lagoon through the nature park until the island of Tavira. Past the ‚Anchor Cemetery‘ via the fine sandy beach all the way to the Northern end of the island, from where you take a boat into the ‚Venice of the Algarve‘, the historic little town of o Tavira.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Tavira
Distance: 19 km, ascend 150 m, descend 150 m
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Circular walk Vila Real de Santo António
You embark on an idyllic route along the coast to the Eastern end of the Algarve to the Spanish border. Over gentle dunes, through fragrant pine forests and on deserted beaches you proceed to the Rio Guadiana estuary, which separates Portugal from Spain. Day Finish of the route is the charming little hamlet of Vila Real de Santo António, which will delight you with its historic background and enchanting architecture.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Tavira
Distance: 15 km, ascend 100 m, descend 100 m
Meals: None
Day 8 Departure or Extra Days
Depart from Portugal or extend your stay for extra days.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Algarve Coastal Walking Tour Price and Dates
This self-guided tour is always run as a private tour for your group only, where the pricing depends on your travelling dates, as well as the types of the rooms that you need.
2025 Departures:
The departures are available every Thursday and Saturday, from January 11th to October 24th, 2025. Additional departures on Friday are available in spring, summer and mid-autumn.
- Single room: from $1,575 USD*
- Sharing a double room: from $950 USD*
*-Pricing for this tour depends on the dates of your trip. Please click the booking button below to get the exact pricing for your trip dates. The prices listed are per person.
Book NowAccommodation on Algarve Coastal Walking Tour
This tour is based in hotels. Hotels on this trip are 2 and 4-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. Rooms may have fireplaces or access to amenities such as hot tubs, steam rooms, or private decks to lounge on.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel Marina Rio in Lagos ★★★★
This hotel is close to city’s attractions and provides quiet and relaxed atmosphere and modern amenities.
Hotel Sol e Mar in Albufeira ★★★★
This hotel is located in the center of Albufeira, close to main highlights of the city and numerous restaurants and attractions.
Hotel Faro & Beach Club in Faro ★★★★
This stylish hotel has modern rooms and is located in a downtown of Faro.
Maria Nova Lounge in Tavira ★★★★
This beautiful hotel overlooks the town from above. Beautiful rooms and many modern conveniences are provided.
What’s Included in the Algarve Coastal Walking Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Luggage transfers and transfers mentioned in the program are included.
Also Included
- Carefully elaborated route description
- Welcome briefing (German, English)
- Detailed travel documents 1x per room (German, English)
- App for Navigation and GPS-data available
- Service hotline
Not included
- Flights to and from Salzburg or Munich
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
- Transfers to and from the trailhead
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Airport transfers between the Faro Airport and tour starting or ending towns
Frequently Asked Questions about Algarve Coastal Walking Tour
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