Tour Description
The beauty of the Algarve’s west coast is not a secret. There are, however, unique places and experiences unknown by the most, that you’ll have the opportunity to discover with this exciting Self-drive walking tour.
Our base is the cosmopolitan city of Lagos, a short distance away from a wealth of secluded beaches and unspoiled dirt tracks, perfect for keen explorers.
The itineraries show diverse landscapes, on the coast, and inland, and are the result of vast local knowledge.
Lagos waterfront attractive town that was an important Roman settlement
You can travel independently to discover the varied landscapes of the West Algarve, from volcanic hills to dramatic limestone escarpments, from sleepy countryside villages to bustling coastal cities, from fishermen communities to green hillsides with no one in sight.
The city of Lagos faces a large bay and the Meia Praia Beach fine sands. From here departed the Discoveries’ galleons, and it was also a hideaway for privateers like Sir Francis Drake.
A beautiful wall borders the waterfront, and the old town is filled with small boutiques, restaurants, and a wealth of heritage and cultural sites.
Even during the winter months, the weather is mild, making this a lovely region for walking and other nature activities.
Oranges in West Algarve orchard. There is nothing nicer than a freshly picked orange almost straight from the tree.
Inland, up in the lush green hills, you will see a way of life that has disappeared from many European countries, revolving around the seasons. In the narrow cobbled streets of charming mountain villages, with whitewashed houses, you’ll find sleepy cafes and a tranquil way of life.
Lagos Fortress is a charming old fort with small watchtowers and an old wooden draw bridge. It’s located by the town beach.
The coast is wild, surrendered to the power of the Atlantic Ocean, but with a story also very closely bound to nature.
In the Alvor estuary, at low tide, you can see local people seafaring, accompanied by herons, spoonbills, and other bird species.
Whichever part of the West Algarve your walking trails lead you, you will find friendly people, excellent local wines, and delicious food, from the fresh catch of the day to hearty dishes flavoured with herbs.
Enjoy our cherry-picked walks in the West Algarve, as they combine all the ingredients for a perfect walking holiday while giving a real sense of place.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Faro
Individual arrival to Faro Airport and rent-a-car vehicle pick up. Drive to Lagos.
Lagos, a historical and cosmopolitan city that, from early on, was a gateway to the Mediterranean.
Day 2 – Praia da Luz
An eternally classic walk on the west coast of the Algarve. No matter how many pictures you’ve seen, this walk will prove that you have to see it to believe it! On a sunny day, like most in the Algarve, the sun illuminates the sea and it shows off its splendour.
From the top of the hills of Atalaia, 109 meters above the sea, looking west. On a clear blue sky day, you’ll see all the way to Sagres.
To the east, the fort of Ponta da Piedade is waiting to show you the hidden gems perched between the rugged cliffs the sea took thousands of years to carve.
Walking time: 4h30 /Distance: 17km/10.5mi /Ascent, Descent: +260/-72m
Walking Close To Nature West Algarve. The sea and the waterfront represent a different layer of the West Algarve culture, still very closely bound to nature.
Day 3 – Barão villages
This is one of the most complete and beautiful walks of the inland landscape of the Algarve. Unknown to most, 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.
In the villages, first looks are deceiving. The villages are quiet, picture-perfect and the loudest noises you hear come from the birds fighting over plentiful fruit. But look closely and suddenly art emanates from the roofs of houses, colourful stained glass windows, art studios, and an open door gallery that we will show you how to reach.
Walking time: 3h30 /Distance: 14km/8.6mi /Ascent, Descent: +-192m
Walking green hills West Algarve, allowing us to see the Algarve in its most rural form.
Day 4 – Free day
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.
Lagos Fortress. Lagos had an important Roman settlement called ‘Lacobriga’. A variety of ancient Roman & medieval ruins remains, including the old slave market.
Day 5 – Vale da Lama Walk
Each spring and autumn the estuary of the Alvor River becomes a staging post for thousands of migrating birds.
The estuarine ecosystem is incredibly rich and supports numerous animals, plants, and insects.
Economically, the area represents a source of income for the local communities, not only for the ecotourism visits that the area receives but also for the farming of oysters and fish. The enriched mineral waters of the lagoon systems are the life that supports the growth of the oyster beds.
Our walk has it all: the beach, the fish ponds, the dirt tracks, and the quietness. A relaxed day, away from the centre of town.
Walking time: 3h30 /Distance: 14km/8.6mi /Ascent, Descent: +-91m
Self Guided Walking West Algarve, The route itself enables us to explore this quiet tracks and paths so we can appreciate the diverse habitats and wildlife.
Day 6 – Rocha Delicada
The scenery is gentle, serene, and cosy in the Alvor estuary.
Our walk uses quiet paths and lanes to take you through a variety of landscapes from salt marshes, farmland, pastures, and orchards to Mediterranean-type forests.
To the north you’ll clearly discern the lush green Monchique mountains silhouetted in the horizon; a bit to the south, hidden by the largely unspoiled dunes, there’s Lagos Bay; meanwhile, contemplate the ever-changing shades of blue and green along the secluded inner lagoon, 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.
Walking time: 2h /Distance: 8km/4.9mi /Ascent, Descent: +-22m
Walk West Algarve coastal walks taking in one of the most famous and dramatic sections of the Algarve coastline.
Day 7 – Bensafrim walk
Only 15 minutes away from Lagos and the landscape changes dramatically. The small village of Bensafrim, with its terraced whitewashed houses decorated with bright coloured windows and door frames, still embraces the gentle living of a traditional life dedicated to the land, farming, and nature.
These small villages share a bond with Nature, invisible to the naked eye. Nothing is wasted, nature provides most of the resources that are used in unspoken symbioses between humans and the environment.
Our walk alternates between unobstructed views over the vast hills, peaceful farmland, green forests of cork trees, and the ever-present relaxing sound of watercourses that run alongside us.
Walking time: 3h30 /Distance: 13km/8mi /Ascent, Descent: +-170m
Countryside West Algarve The peaceful villages are characterized by the typical white houses with a coloured border around the windows and doors.
Day 8 – Individual departure or extra days
Info
Hotel Aqualuz Lagos
Hotel Aqualuz Lagos
Hotel
Aqualuz Suite Hotel Apartaments (4*) or similar
With its privileged location, 1km away from the closest beach, the Aqualuz Suite Hotel Apartments**** is a modern hotel, embellished with light-coloured furniture and open door areas. The hotel features spa facilities, a courtyard with four swimming pools, and a rooftop terrace. The Club Restaurant serves authentic Algarve cuisine and has an outdoor terrace overlooking the pool. All rooms offer satellite TV, an en suite bathroom with a hairdryer, and air-conditioning.
Insurance
You must be adequately insured to join our Guided walking tour and Self-drive walking tour. We do not insist that you insure with us but we require that you are adequately insured for the nature of your holiday.
BeCool Travel has partnered with WorldNomads.com to keep you travelling safely. WorldNomads.com Travel Insurance is designed for independent and adventurous travellers, with coverage for overseas medical expenses, cancellation, baggage, and other expenses.
Please consult our Travel Insurance page, where you’ll be able to get more detailed info about insurance requirements and an immediate quote for your trip.
