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Algarve's Coast & Hills
This wild and beautiful side of Algarve reveals itself to be a land of orange tree groves, of quiet gold-sand beaches, and a pervading sense of history with ancient forts and tales of famous wayfarers. Your acclaimed country house hotel (quinta) is well-positioned for exploring both westwards along the unspoiled coastline of the natural park and into the hills of the little-known interior. During autumn, winter and early spring, surprisingly few visitors come to the area and its exquisite coast. Even fewer explore the interior, despite it being such great walking country. In spring, the fields and headlands are lit up with masses of flowers, creating swathes of coloured meadows, but no matter what the month, there is no shortage of colour: the chestnut woods of the Monchique hills look arguably at their best in autumn, while the orange trees that coat the lower altitudes hang heavy with glistening fruit in December, and February sees the almond groves seemingly covered in a blanket of snow, so dense is the blossom. There is no shortage of walking routes either, and we suggest several walks that can be combined with visits to Algarve’s historic towns and villages. The Quinta das Achadas, OdiáxereSet in the heart of the Algarve countryside, the spacious accommodation of Jill and Julio Pires’ relaxed and highly praised quinta is spread across several attractively restored buildings which cluster around a wide terrace. Amid the lush gardens of palms and flowering shrubs are a salt-water swimming pool, a jacuzzi and a shaded seating area. Jill and Julio are outstanding hosts, and will help you get the most out of your stay. We include a generous breakfast each day, and dinner on your first and one other night. One of the best places to eat on other evenings is nearby Lagos, a historic harbour town with extensive gold sand beaches and excellent seafood restaurants. Your hosts will be happy to make other suggestions for restaurants in Odiáxere itself and the surrounding villages. Suggested walksWe provide walking notes for the following routes, all of which are less than an hour’s drive from your hotel, giving you easy access in your hire car: Coastal walks: of our three coastal walks, our favourite starts at the delightful resort of Luz, which is well worth a visit. From here, you head west along an undulating coastal path over the cliff-tops and around the limestone headlands which are coated with flowers in spring. You pass through the pretty fishing village of Burgau, then cross the beautiful sands of the Praia da Almadena to reach the broad estuary of the Boca do Rio, home to many species of bird, and finally Salema, from where you can catch an inexpensive bus back to Luz. The second walk, this time a circular route, begins inland and leads to the beach of Praia do Zavial, while the third is considerably shorter, though still very pleasant, and can be combined with a visit to the potteries at Porches, which is famed for its hand-painted earthenware. Alternatively, you could visit Sagres and its fortress (and wind compass) built by Henry the Navigator, or Cape St Vincent, right on the western edge of Europe. The Romans believed that the sun sank into the sea here each night, and it is certainly a very dramatic spot. (12km, 4.5hrs or 12km, 4hrs or 8km, 3hrs) Inland walks: choose a walk through delightful villages and along an escarpment with sweeping views over the surrounding landscapes, or a route which reveals rural Algarve at its best – trails through citrus groves lead to a scenic – and very pretty – path along a ridge. While you are in this direction, we recommend that you spend a couple of hours in Silves, a town of great importance during Moorish rule which is still dominated by an impressive fortress whose fortifications afford far-reaching views across the hills. (10km or 12km) Hill walks: we suggest three routes from the ancient, whitewashed village of Monchique in the sierra of the same name. The first takes you through the bustling, cobbled streets of the town, past a ruined 17th-century Franciscan monastery and through attractive mixed woodland to the summit of Foia, one of the two peaks which tower above Monchique. The second takes in the rounded summit of the other peak, Picota, winding through cork woods and a lush valley before ascending through eucalyptus groves and open land to reach the rocky ridge which leads to the peak. From the summits of both you are rewarded with startling views that extend all the way to the coast in clear weather. The third is an easier walk that explores the beautiful valley which stretches beneath Monchique. Combine any of these with a visit to Caldas de Monchique, a spa town set in a wooded ravine. What was once a casino that catered for the holidaying Spanish bourgeoisie in the 19th century is now an excellent handicrafts centre. (10.5km, 4hrs or 14.5km, 5hrs or 6.5km, 2.5hrs) Flower walksDuring the last week in March and throughout April, when golden broom and French lavender carpet the region, we offer a special version of the holiday with a focus on flowers. The walks are more or less the same (we have shortened some so that you can spend plenty of time admiring the flowers), but the route notes are even more detailed than usual, and we also provide a specially compiled CD to help you with identification. Along the coastal walks, it is common to see rock roses, sea pinks, blue pimpernels, tassel hyacinths, sea asters, orchids and blue lupins, while on the hill routes you should be lucky enough to spot peonies and little blue scillas. When researching the routes, we spotted 40 species in the first 500 metres of one of the inland walks near Silves, including sombre bee, yellow bee, tongue and mirror orchids. Prices & travel 2008:
*Included travel: 7 days' category E car hire; driving time from airport 0h50 > Any queries? Let us call you back > Booking form (if you want to book the 'flower' option, select this on the drop-down)  |
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One of many quiet beaches 
