Walking the Eastern Algarve
Spanning a vast space between Olhão to Vila Real de Santo António and the Spanish border, the crowd-free Eastern Algarve is characterised by rolling countryside, vineyards, lagoons, white-washed villages, and the salt pans of Ria Formosa Natural Park. Admire the 13th century Moorish castle as you stroll the cobbled streets of Tavira and learn about the history of Vila Real de Santo António – the Algarve fishing town on the banks of the Guadiana River, which marks Portugal's border with Spain.
What you’ll love
- Spotting wildlife at Ria Formosa Nature Park
- Spending time on the beautiful beaches of Tavira
- Follow the Ecovia trail, passing orange groves and saltpans
- Exploring villages in the foothills of Serra do Caldeirão
- Enjoying coastal walks with Atlantic Ocean views
What’s included
- Return flights from London Gatwick, including baggage and transfers (flights available from other airports - price may vary)
- A choice of 2 guided walks per day with local leaders (on walking days)
- HF Holidays Tour Manager
- 7 nights' accommodation in Tavira
- 7 breakfasts & 7 dinners
- All in-destination transport
Trip Notes
Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
Welcome to Hotel in Tavira. Unpack and settle in.
Option 1 - Pedras D’el Rei To Tavira
Distance: 5.5 miles (9km)
Total ascent: 30m
Our first full day explores Ria Formosa Nature Park – one of the most important wetland areas in Southern Portugal. Stretching for over 60km along the Algarve coast, this magnificent estuary is a magnet for hundreds of bird species migrating from Northern Europe to Africa plus a host of rare reptiles. This walk trails the golden sands of Ilha de Tavira – a stunning offshore island cherished for its wildlife-watching opportunities. After catching the ferry to Quatro Águas, we’ll admire the snow-coloured salt pans as we make our way back to Tavira.
Option 2 - Livamento to Tavira
Distance: 10 miles (16km)
Total ascent: 50m
Option 2 follows the same route as option 1 but lengthens things by starting in the inland village of Livramento. This is a walk to explore the Ria in all its glory following the park’s network of paths that snake between salt marshes, lagoons, and tidal flats towards the Ilha de Tavira.
Option 1 - Casa Baixas Circular walk
Distance: 5.5 miles(9km)
Total ascent: 220m
This popular trail passes through the traditional villages that typify Tavira’s countryside. Along the way, we’ll enjoy far-reaching views over the Serra do Caldeirão – a gently undulating mountain range that forms the border between the Algarve and Alentejo regions. Keep your eyes peeled for sightings of the impressive Bonelli’s Eagle flying overhead. With a wingspan of up to 180cm, it’s one of the largest birds of prey on the Iberian Peninsula.
Option 2 - Casa Baixas to Cacopo Linear Walk
Distance: 8 miles (13km)
Total ascent: 300m
Today’s longer route enjoys all the same highlights as option 1 but continues to the town of Cachopo. Alongside honey, wool, and cheese, this mountain hamlet is famous for its handmade copper cooking pots and traditional schist granaries. Dating from the 12th and 13th centuries, these structures are made from local slate and blend seamlessly into the sun-kissed landscape. Equally visit-worthy is the Santo Estevão Mother Church in Cachopo a whitewashed chapel that has been a place of pilgrimage since the 1500s.
Option 1 - Fuseta to Quinta de Marim
Distance: 5.5 miles (9km)
Total ascent: 30 m
Our walk today follows the Ecovia, a Path that extends from the east to the west of the Algarve, alongside the Ria Formosa, orange groves and saltpans. This is an area renowned for its rich birdlife, sea salt quality and tranquillity.
Option 2 - Fuseta to Olhao
Distance: 7.5 miles (12km)
Total ascent: 30m
This walk follows the same trail as option 1, before lengthening the route to arrive in Olhão, with its historic narrowed streets, cubist houses, street art murals and one of the oldest, most famous markets in the Algarve.
Each week there is a free day when no guided walks are offered. This is an ideal opportunity to relax around the hotel, walk independently, or visit local places of interest. Options include:
Tavira
Spend the day in and around the town of Tavira or relax on the beaches of Tavira Island – an 11km stretch of golden sand washed by the Atlantic Ocean. Separated from the mainland by a water channel, this paradise isle can be reached by ferry boat or water taxi. The ferry runs seasonally from Quatro Águas just under a mile from the centre of Tavira. Alternatively, you can use the tourist train which runs every hour. The circular trip lasts approximately 40 minutes taking you into the old town of Tavira and out along roads that border the salt marshes.
Option 1 - Altura to Vila Real de Santo António
Distance: 6.5 miles (10.5km)
Total ascent: 10m
Our walks today explore the wonderful sandy beaches and charming fishing villages between Tavira and the Guadiana River – the watery border between Portugal and Spain. Option 1 begins in the coastal resort of Altura and continues through Monte Gordo to the town of Vila Real de Santo António perched on the banks of the Guadiana. On arrival, there’s free time to explore the upmarket marina area, take in the views from Faro del Vila Real de Santo António lighthouse, or stop for lunch in one of the many fine restaurants.
Option 2 - Cacela Vehla to Vila Real de Santo António
Distance: 10 miles (16km)
Total ascent: 10m
Option 2 begins in the stunning coastal town of Cacela Vehla. Located within Ria Formosa Nature Park, this seaside beauty spot is most famous for its impressive sea-facing fortress which offers excellent views overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. After leaving Cacela behind, this route visits the picturesque seaside village of Manta Rota before rejoining the same path as option 1.
Option 1 - Laranjeiras Circular Route
Distance: 5.5 miles (9km)
Total ascent: 245m
This walk takes us along the course of the Guadiana River from the charming waterfront resort of Laranjeiras to Guerreiros do Rio before circling back via the scentic hilltop town of Corte das Donas. Along the way, there’ll be the chance to visit the Roman ruins at Montinho das Laranjeiras and learn about life in the borderlands between Portugal and Spain in the River Museum.
Option 2 - Pontal View Point
Distance: 8.5 miles (14km)
Total ascent: 255m
The longer walk on our final day ticks off several incredible highlights. We’ll hike up to Miradouro do Pontal to gaze out across the Guadiana River into southern Spain, explore the ruins of a once mighty Moorish castle, and follow sections of an old smuggling route once used to transport illicit goods into Spain.
We hope to see you again soon.
Hotel Vila Galé Tavira - Eastern Algarve
The 4-star Vila Gale Tavira is a stylish hotel in a fantastic location. Bedrooms are decorated in a contemporary Arabian style to reflect the Moorish history of the area. There is a large outdoor pool, wellness centre with an indoor pool, sauna and a range of treatments available. The large dining room serves an extensive buffet with a range of international and traditional Portuguese dishes. A short walk through the narrow alleyways of the town will take you to the centre of Tavira's shops and sidewalk cafes.
Rooms
The hotel has 268 en-suite bedrooms, which are simply decorated with a distinctive Arabian theme to reflect Tavira’s rich and fascinating history.
All rooms have either a balcony or terrace, with either views of the central area and the swimming pool (extra surcharge) or overlooking the attractive rooftops of Tavira or over the salt pans.
There is air conditioning which can be adjusted, flat screen TV, direct dial telephone, hairdryer, shaving point, complimentary toiletries, and a safe deposit box (extra charge).
There is 24 hour room service and a laundry service available (extra charge)
About your stay
Hotel Vila Galé has an attractive outdoor pool (unheated) in an area landscaped with attractive shrubs and potted palms. There are loungers and seating where you can have a snack or drink ordered from the nearby bar. In the large bar area there are more comfortable seats.
The hotel has a shop that stocks English newspapers, basic toiletries, some Tavira souvenirs and beach accessories. Wi-Fi is free throughout.
The Health Club, open from 10am until 8pm, is free to our guests and includes a tepidarium with indoor pool (naturally lit), Turkish bath, Jacuzzi, gym and some treatment rooms (extra charge for any treatments booked).
Food & drink
Our holidays at Tavira are half-board with continental breakfast and a 3-course evening meal.
Breakfast
There is an extensive selection for breakfast from a self-select buffet, including breads, pastries and cakes, cold meat and cheese, fruit, English cooked breakfast, teas and coffee.
Lunch (payable locally)
This can be bought locally from the variety of local shops/supermarkets or try visiting the daily covered market across the road from the hotel which offers a wide range of fresh and local produce from the region.
Evening meal
The three course buffet includes soup, tapas, salads, four or five hot main dishes including vegetarian options as well as a separate salad bar and side dishes served with a selection of vegetables. Every night there is a chef grilling meat. The hotel holds some themed evenings which extends to their menus. Vila Galé has its own wine estate and you can order these wines with your evening meal. They can also be purchased to take home.
Your evenings
In Europe, our walking holidays continue into the evening. Enjoy a glass of wine or local beer whilst listening to your leaders outlining the next day's walks. One evening there’s the option to visit a Fado Museum to see an explanatory film which introduces the 12-string Portuguese guitar, before experiencing the emotion of the “Fado”.
Essential information
It's best to be prepared for all weather conditions. To make it easier, here is a list of items you should consider packing.
Essentials
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- Insulated jacket/top
- Walking clothing
- Walking socks (plus spares)
- Sunhat
- Gloves/mitts and warm hat
- Water bottle (minimum 2 litre capacity)
- Headtorch
- High-factor sunscreen (minimum SPF 30)
- Sunglasses with a dark lens
- Rucksack (15-30 litres)
- Mobile phone
- Personal first aid kit (containing your medication, blister plasters, etc.)
- Passport
- Visa (if applicable)
- Copy of your travel insurance policy
- UK Global Health Insurance Card (formerly known as EHIC)
Recommended
- Collapsible walking poles
- Swimwear and travel towel
- Snacks
- Dry bags
- Rubbish bags
- Insect repellent
Optional extras
- Camera
- Sit mat
- Flask for hot drinks
- Durable lunch box
- Gaiters
- GPS device
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
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If you choose land only, you will be responsible for making your own travel arrangements, including your flights and airport transfers at your destination. Any flights booked independently will also not be covered by our ATOL license.
| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
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| 2025 | ||||||||
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06 Feb - 13 Feb 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Gatwick Airport
Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
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Call to Enquire | Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
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20 Feb - 27 Feb 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Gatwick Airport
Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
|
Call to Enquire | Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
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|
06 Mar - 13 Mar 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Gatwick Airport
Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
|
Call to Enquire | Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
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|
20 Mar - 27 Mar 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Gatwick Airport
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £1,579 pp |
from £1,579 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | ||||||||
|
06 Feb - 13 Feb 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary
Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
|
Call to Enquire | Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
||||
|
20 Feb - 27 Feb 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary
Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
|
Call to Enquire | Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
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|
06 Mar - 13 Mar 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary
Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
|
Call to Enquire | Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
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|
20 Mar - 27 Mar 2025 7 nights |
Itinerary
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £1,489 pp |
from £1,489 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
Important information
- With flights holidays: Price includes return flights to Faro Airport, hold baggage and airport transfers
- Regional Flights: Please click BOOK NOW to view Manchester price
- Independent travellers can join our transfers from Faro Airport- please contact us for prices
*If you prefer to make your own travel arrangements, please ensure you’ve selected a land-only option before proceeding to book.
748Kg of CO₂e
Average carbon footprint per person Learn More
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