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Our trip starts in the delightful town of Tavira. Our welcoming hotel is within walking distance of the old centre, restaurants and bars.
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. It is home to an abundance of birdlife and sea life, and we’ll see flamingos feeding in the shallow water. Once we reach Pedras del 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. Later we take a ferry back to the mainland (5hrs walking)
Today we drive to the small village of Azinhal. We walk through gentle hills and low-rising vegetation along the banks of the 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 (4 ½ hrs walking)
Today we travel by taxi from Tavira to Santa Catarina da Fonte do Bpo in the Barrocal hills northwest of Tavira. The Barrocal area is the Algarve’s fertile farmland situated between the coastal strip and the mountains of the Serra. We’ll follow a dirt track through cork oak woodland, olive groves and citrus orchards. In the springtime, wildflowers cover the fields and in autumn the area becomes a haven for birds. Today we will enjoy a picnic lunch, getting supplies in Tavira before leaving. Tonight you could try a Cataplana, originating from southern Portugal this flavoursome dish combines a variety of seafood in an aromatic stew, cooked in a copper clam shaped pot (4 hrs walking)
Today is a free day to relax on the local beaches or explore the region more. It is possible to take a more challenging walk along the Seven Hanging Valleys trail. Take a taxi to Praia do Marinha and from here walk to Praia do Carvoeiro along the spectacular cliffs and coastline. At the end of the walk, you will take a boat trip to Benagil with amazing views of sea-cut caves. For an interesting insight into Portuguese traditions you could attend a Fado performance, this 30-minute show starts with a film about the history of Fado, a Portuguese traditional song, followed by guitarists and a singer performing a range of Fado songs (4 hrs walking).
This morning we take a short drive to São Brás de Alportel, the centre of the Algarve’s cork production. We walk into the surrounding wooded hills past fig and olive trees and through the cork oak forests, learning about traditional production methods, there are still five operating cork factories in the area. Returning to Sao Bras there is time to stroll through the old town (4 hrs walking)
This morning we take the train to Olhao. Olhao is the Algarve’s largest fishing port; we’ll visit the morning fish and vegetable market before taking the small local ferry to Culatra island (30 minutes). The sand bar island of Culatra in Ria Formosa National Park is home to a small fishing community living in a cluster of low built houses and cottages. With no cars or paved roads walking around the sparsely developed island feels like stepping back in time, we’ll take the wooden walkway through the sand dune system and relax on the vast empty beaches. Culatra is known for its abundant wildlife, and is a prime spot for birdwatching with a variety of seabird species. We get the boat back to the mainland from the other side of the island at Ilha do Farol (lighthouse), and travel back to our hotel (1 ½ hrs walking)
The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Tavira.
