Guided Walking at Praia da Luz

• Our experienced leaders offer the choice of two different walks each day
• Choose the option which best suits your interests and fitness
• We provide flexible holidays. Choose easier walking one day and harder the next or just explore independently or relax around the resort
• Our leaders are friendly and welcoming making your holiday fun and sociable

Easier Walks      Harder Walks

Generally through gently undulating scenery with occasional short but steep ascents on the coastal paths.

Day 1: Arrival day

For those arriving on the flights to Faro airport, the onward journey to Praia da Luz is by coach. On the first evening your leaders will explain more about the walks and there will be plenty of time to meet with your fellow guests. 

Day 2: Salema to Luz  

Today we head for the coast. Our walk along the coastal path connects the fishing villages of Salema, Burgau and Praia da Luz. Boca do Rio has a fine beach and a small harbour dotted with colourful fishing boats. Burgau is one of the most unspoilt villages on the Algarve coast and still retains its original charm and character. The rock strata between Burgau and Praia da Luz is particularly varied and very colourful, from white limestone to red sandstone. These different rocks support a wide variety of flora and in spring there are impressive displays of wild flowers. Orchids are common on the limestone sections while other plants prefer the coarse sandy soils.

Easier Walk: 5¾ miles with up to 594 feet of ascent and 528 feet of descent

Harder Walk: 7 miles with up to 858 feet of ascent and 790 feet of descent 

Day 3: Silves and the Windmill

Today’s walks will introduce you to Silves and the gentle hills to the north of the town. Of particular interest are the cathedral, archaeological museum and the impressive Moorish fortress. The sandstone towers and walls of the fortress dominate the town and a walk around the walls is a good way of viewing Silves and the surrounding countryside.

Easier  Walk: 5¾ miles with up to 643 feet of ascent and 643 feet of descent

Harder Walk: 8 miles with up to 808 feet of ascent and descent 

Day 4: Carrapateira and Pontal

Today we head to the west Atlantic coast to the coastal village of Carrapateira. Our walks take us along spectacular coastal and country scenery. The village of Carrapateira is  famous for its multicoloured cliffs at the Pontal headland. There is a rich variety of coastal scenery as we head south to the beautiful Praia do Amado (The Lover’s Beach), popular with surf enthusiasts. We head inland towards Carrapateira, exploring secluded valleys which are home to a rich variety of birds.

Easier Walk: 6¾ miles with up to 280 feet of ascent and descent

Harder Walk: 11 miles with up to 775 feet of ascent and descent  

Day 5: Free day

Today no walks are organised, allowing you to explore the local area or just relax in the hotel or at the beach.  This is an ideal opportunity to relax around the hotel, walk independently, or visit local places of interest.

• Cabo de Sao Vicente
• Sagres Fort .
• Lagos

Day 6: Foia, Monchique and Caldas de Monchique

Today we head into the hills of the Serra de Monchique. Both parties will have the opportunity at the start of the day to visit the summit of Foia, which at 902 metres is the highest peak in the Algarve. A road servicing the radio masts and restaurant makes it possible to drive all the way to the top. From the summit there is a magnificent view of the entire Algarve coast to Cape St Vincent in the distance. We’ll also visit Caldas de Monchique which was an important spa, even in Roman times, and the town was an elegant resort in the 18^th century. The heavily sulphurous water, which is said to have rejuvenating powers, can be bought very cheaply. 

Easier Walk: 5¾ miles with up to 430 feet of ascent and 1,290 feet of descent

Harder Walk: 8¼ miles with up to 430 feet of ascent and 2,700 feet of descent  

Day 7: Figueira to Sagres

These walks explore the coastline in the Cabo de São Vicente Natural Park. Figueira, which still retains its old farming village atmosphere, remains virtually unspoilt and is well known for its rich variety of wild flowers. We walk along cliff-tops and then descend to beautiful beaches, and return to the cliff-tops once more. Our final descent is at Martinhal Beach, where we walk along the beach and into the village of Sagres, which is the most southwesterly community in Europe.

Easier Walk: 5½ miles with up to 645 feet of ascent and 710 feet of descent

Harder Walk: 9¼ miles with  up to 940 feet of ascent and descent 

Please note that the itinerary outlined is provisional and could be subject to change. A finalised itinerary will be available at the resort and every evening your leaders will talk to you about the next day’s walks.

Local transport

On some days the walks start and finish at the hotel. On other days we’ll use the hired transport to explore the surrounding area. The cost of transport to and from the walk is payable locally; please allow €90.