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Secret AlgarveDiscover little-known hills & unspoiled beaches
Nights: 7
Starting point: Albergaria Bica Boa (inn), Monchique. This rustic inn is set in pleasant grounds on the outskirts of the town. There are just four rooms, ensuring an intimate and peaceful atmosphere. Day 1: you have a choice of two walks for your day at Monchique. The first takes you through the 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 enjoy far-reaching views that extend in clear weather all the way to the coast. (10.5km, 4hrs or 14.5km, 5hrs) Accommodation: Albergaria Bica Boa, as above. Day 2: today you may like to walk to whichever summit you didn't get to explore yesterday. Alternatively, an easier option explores the beautiful valley which stretches beneath the Bica Boa. (6.5km, 2.5hrs) On your return to the hotel, you are transferred to Odiáxere. Accommodation: Quinta das Achadas (2* quinta), Odiáxere. The accommodation of Jill and Julio Pires' homely and highly praised quinta is spread across several attractively restored buildings which cluster around a wide terrace. There is a salt-water pool, jacuzzi and shaded cabana area where you can relax. Day 3: for your day at Odiáxere, we recommend you take a taxi down to the coast and walk along the sandy beach to Lagos, a handsome old port where you can pause for a seafood lunch (pay locally). From here, you follow cliff-top paths westwards above secluded coves to the delightful resort of Luz, where you can take a taxi back to Odiáxere. (Pay locally for both taxis.) The route can be shortened by 4km by starting the walk from Lagos itself. (15km, 5.5hrs) Accommodation: Quinta das Achadas, as above. Day 4: the day starts with a taxi transfer to Luz, after which you head west along the undulating coastal path which leads across 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. (12km, 4.5hrs) Accommodation: A Maré (inn), Salema. This is a simple but very friendly inn located in the heart of Salema, just 50 metres from the beach. There are tables and chairs dotted about the terraced gardens. As the inn has no restaurant, your stay is on a bed and breakfast basis, leaving you free to take your pick of the restaurants on the seafront. Day 5: though long, today's walk is thoroughly rewarding, revealing Algarve's stark beauty as it explores the region's wildest coastal and inland scenery. Initially, you walk along the coastal path before turning inland through a secluded valley. You pass through two small inland villages, then return to the coast, crossing a headland and skirting an attractive beach before heading across a windswept plain dotted with abandoned farmhouses. The day ends with a section over the extensive sands of the dune-lined Martinhal Beach. For a shorter day, pay locally for a taxi to avoid the first 4km. Time your arrival in Sagres right and you may get to see the day's catch being unloaded from the fishing boats before being sold at auction. (18.5km, 7hrs) Accommodation: Pousada do Infante (4*), Sagres. This high-quality hotel is the perfect place at which to end your discovery of Algarve. Set high on the cliffs to the east of Sagres, it boasts views of the town's fortress. All the bedrooms have a balcony, and there is plenty of space throughout the hotel in which to relax, including pleasant lounges, terraces and a cliff-top swimming pool. Your stay is normally on a bed and breakfast basis - choose to dine at the Pousada's own restaurant or at one of the restaurants in the town (pay locally in both cases). Day 6: this walk is a fitting end to your holiday as it leads to Cape São Vicente, the very edge of Europe. As you head out of Sagres, you can pause to visit the town's dramatic fortress (worth it just for the views over the coast) before following cliff-top tracks that lead across wild and striking scenery, giving glimpses of (and access to) more spectacular beaches. At the cape, take time to gaze out across the Atlantic before retracing your steps (or taking a taxi - pay locally) back to Sagres. (16km, 5.5hrs) Accommodation: Pousada do Infante, as above. Walking chart: the chart gives the distance and an approximation of the ascents and descents involved each day. If comparing holidays, please note the scale of each chart as this can differ.
Recommendations for extra nights: the Pousada do Infante (Sagres) is a lovely base for a day of relaxation, and, if your two nights in Sagres fall between Sunday and Wednesday, your extra night is free (ie extra nights that fall on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday are free; offer valid throughout our operating season 2008). Alternatively, choose the Bica Boa (Monchique) so as to be able to do all three walks around Monchique. Other information: if you would like to see the brochure page, you can download this (and the pages for any other holidays you are interested in) by using our brochure creation system for the summer and spring/autumn/winter editions of our Walking and More programme. Similar holidays: Mountains & Villages of Mallorca (grades 1 & 2), Algarve's Coast & Hills (stay 7 nights at Quinta das Achadas with a hire car and walking routes provided), Pyrenees to the Sea (grade 2), Alps to the Mediterranean (grade 2), The Mountains of Sicily (grade 2), The Amalfi Coast & Villages (grade 2) Prices & travel 2008:
Recommended destination airport: Faro Extra night prices 2008 (extra nights can be booked at any hotel):
* 3rd night free Tue-Thu (applies if your standard 2-night stay falls completely between Sun & Wed i.e. 3rd night is Tue, Wed, or Thu) > Notes on prices > Any queries? Let us call you back  |
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Walking
in the unspoiled corners of Algarve is to discover another, more beautiful
face of this popular region, away from the crowds and the high-rise hotels.
Warmed by the southern sunshine, you follow trails in the panoramic, wooded
hills of the Monchique Sierra, and then descend to some of the finest
coastal paths of the Iberian Peninsula, passing sandy bays as you head
to Cape São Vicente, the very edge of Europe. The contrasts in scenery are startling. You stay in some friendly
hotels, three of which have pools (the fourth is right by the sea), finishing
in real style at Sagres' 4-star Pousada.
Albergaria Bica Boa 
