Praia da Rocha: Walking the Trails of the West Algarve

Self-Guided Walking

From 675.00 pp

Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

Availability: January - December

Grade: Moderate (4/8)

Walking the Trails of the West Algarve is an exciting Self-Guided walking tour in a walker’s paradise destination. The climate is perfect for hiking for most of the year, and the countryside teems with wildlife, bright-coloured flowers, and picturesque villages. The coastline boasts impressive rock formations, cliffs, secluded beaches, and amazing blue seascapes. The base of our tour is Praia da Rocha, one of the most scenic and famous beach resorts in the Algarve.

Highlights

  • Spectacular hikes in the cliffs, hidden caves, and grottoes following scenic Ocean trails
  • Tranquil and surprising walks in the lush green hills.
  • The protected area of Alvor Estuary is rich in wildlife and especially interesting for birdwatching.
  • A fantastic itinerary of walks developed and perfected by local resident Portuguese tour leaders, very knowledgeable of the region.
  • The hospitality and warmth from the local population.
  • The amazing Portuguese gastronomy and wines.
  • Includes all the information and services you need, from detailed route notes to a 24h hotline.

Tour Description

Walking the Trails of the West Algarve is an exciting Self-Guided walking tour in a walker’s paradise destination. The climate is perfect for hiking for most of the year, and the countryside teems with wildlife, bright-coloured flowers, and picturesque villages. The coastline boasts impressive rock formations, cliffs, secluded beaches, and amazing blue seascapes. The base of our tour is Praia da Rocha, one of the most scenic and famous beach resorts in the Algarve.

The walks in this exciting self-guided tour offer an interesting mix of coastal and countryside scenery so that you can experience this special part of the Algarve.

 

Walking West Algarve Alvor

Walking West Algarve. Walk among the lush greenery of woodlands, against a backdrop of ocean blue and always in amazing locations full of wildlife!

There are unexpected inland walks in places where life revolves around the seasons, mostly on non-touristic paths, off the beaten track. It gives us an insight into the traditional Algarvian way of life as we walk through ancient farmland, smallholdings, and fragrant orchards, along the beautiful River Arade and its fertile banks, leading to Silves, the ancient Moorish capital of the Algarve.

Another highlight is the sheltered Alvor estuary, a natural haven with a wide array of habitats and rich biodiversity. The walks use quiet paths and lanes through a variety of landscapes from salt marshes, farmland, pastures, and orchards. It’s great for birdlife observation, so pack your binoculars!

 

Walking in the unknown West Algarve

Walking in the West Algarve. Walk Along the fertile valley of the River Arade, perfumed with the orange blossom scent, enjoying the impressive natural landscape.

The scenic village of Ferragudo is an excellent example of a typical fishing village, with an array of colourful fishing boats and whitewashed houses lined in cool blue.

This West Algarve self-guided walking tour does have something for everyone, and you’ll be spoilt by the variety and beauty of the hiking locations.

The light and weather on the West Algarve are fantastic, even during the winter months, making it a lovely region for walking and nature activities. In the small cobbled streets of picturesque villages, you’ll find whitewashed houses, cafes, and a tranquil way of life.

 

Walk on the beach

Walk on the beach, with some of the most beautiful views of the coastal Algarve landscape.

Whichever part of the West Algarve your walking trails leads you, you will find a welcoming, friendly people, excellent local wines, and delicious food, from the freshest of fish to regional dishes packed with flavour.

To get under the skin of the West Algarve and to see it at its best, enjoy our cherry-picked walks, for they combine all the ingredients for a perfect walking holiday while giving a real sense of place.

Our self-guided walking tours are thoroughly designed and include all the information you need, from detailed maps and route notes to a 24h hotline. The accommodation, airport transfers, and transports are included in the walking program.

 

 

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Faro
Fly to Faro and transfer by road to Praia da Rocha, taking approximately 1h.

The tranquil beaches of Algarve

The tranquil beaches of Algarve during winter, blessed with vibrant colours and blue waters as far as our eyes can see.

Day 2 – Rocha Delicada Walk

This walk is centred on the Alvor estuary. This protected natural haven contains a wide array of habitats. The walk uses quiet paths and lanes to take you through a variety of landscapes from salt marshes, farmland, pastures, and orchards. It’s great for birdlife observation, so pack your binoculars.

Contemplate the ever-changing shades of blue and green along the secluded inner lagoon, as well as the beautiful Rocha Delicada (‘Delicate’ or ‘Elegant Rock’), an ochre promontory formed during the Miocene period.

Embedded in its calcareous rock face, it is possible to detect some marine fossils from this remote period, mainly composed of oyster, scallop, and clam specimens.

The walk finishes near the attractive village of Mexilhoeira Grande.

Walking time: 2h; Distance: 8km/4.97mi; Ascent/Descent: +/-21m; Min/Max Elev.: -3m/24m 

Walk West Algarve

Walk West Algarve. With a wide variety of flora and, in spring, there are impressive displays of wildflowers.

Day 3 – Estômbar Walk

The walk starts in the traditional Algarve village of Estômbar, in the West Algarve. Along the fertile valley of the River Arade, perfumed with the orange blossom scent, the walk follows quiet tracks and paths, allowing you to enjoy the impressive natural landscape.

On the way, the walk crosses the ecological park Sítio das Fontes, one of Algarve’s hidden gems, teeming with birdlife.

Throughout the park, you’ll find the largest limestone springs in the Algarve and an old mill house.

The walk ends in Silves, a historical city, and the ancient capital of the Moorish Algarve, where we suggest a stop for lunch and a walk around this picturesque town.

Walking time: 2h30; Distance: 9.5km/5.9mi; Ascent/Descent: +46m/-66m; Min/Max Elev.: 1m/46m 

Day 4 – Ferragudo Walk

From Ferragudo´s Light House follow a stunning coastline westwards to Portimão & Praia da Rocha.

We suggest visiting the charming and very traditional village of Ferragudo before continuing into Portimão itself to finish at the stunning Praia da Rocha.

Walking time: 2h15; Distance: 9.3km/5.77mi; Ascent/Descent: +33m/-30m; Min/Max Elev.: -1m/29m

Walk Ferragudo

Walk Ferragudo. Walk-in scenery is majestic, the rock strata are varied and colourful, from white limestone to red sandstone.

Day 5 – Figueira Walk

This imaginatively designed walk follows the inland rolling hillsides just westwards from Portimão.

This area, hidden from normal tourism, gives an insight into the traditional Algarvian way of life as you walk through ancient farmland, smallholdings and the “dry” orchards so typical of this area, to finish in the attractive village of Mexilhoeira Grande.

Walking time: 3h; Distance: 12km/7.45mi; Ascent/Descent: 92m/-113m; Min/Max Elev.: 6m/69m

Walking in the West Algarve Ferragudo

Charming blue houses in the West Algarve, rural and peaceful villages are characterized by the typical white houses with a coloured border around the windows and doors.

Day 6 – Alvor Walk

Today we offer a fantastic coastal walk taking in the superb sandy beaches and dramatic headlands between Alvor and Portimão, including the much-photographed beach at Praia da Rocha, one of the best in the Algarve.

The rock strata are particularly varied and very colourful, from white limestone to red sandstone. These different rocks support a wide variety of flora and, in the spring, there are impressive displays of wildflowers.

Walking time: 2h15; Distance: 9.2km/5.7mi; Ascent/Descent: +/-87m; Min/Max Elev.: 1m/43m

Walking West Algarve Alvor

Walking in Alvor West Algarve

Day 7 – Vale de Lama Walk

A walk through gentle countryside to the salt pans on the Alvor Estuary with its abundant birdlife.

The walk parallels the extensive Meia Praia beach where, at any time, you can drop down to the sea for a rest and a swim. Crown the day with a visit to Lagos with its beautiful waterfront and old historic centre.

Walking time: 2h30; Distance: 10km/6.2mi; Ascent/Descent: +17m/-32m; Min/Max Elev.: -3m/22m

Flamingos in Ria de Alvor

Flamingos in Ria de Alvor. A wide variety of flora and, in spring, there are impressive displays of wildflowers.

Day 8 – Individual departure or extra days
At a convenient time, departure to Faro Airport or Faro Train station.

Info

Hotel Jupiter

Hotel Júpiter

Hotel

Júpiter Algarve Hotel (4****) or similar

Located in Praia da Rocha and just a quick walk from the beach, marina, stores, restaurants, bars, and casino, Jupiter Algarve Hotel is the ideal place for all of those looking for a truly memorable stay.
The hotel rooms feature a themed décor inspired by the Ocean, high-speed wi-fi, LCD TV (national and international channels + free sports tv), personal hygiene products, and 24h room service. The facilities include a SPA and restaurant.

What's included

Accommodation

  • 7 nights in a twin room for two pax (4 stars hotel)
  • Single supplement available with a surcharge
  • Extra nights available on request

Meals

  • 7 buffet breakfasts at the Hotel
  • Half-board available with surcharge (buffet dinner at the hotel without drinks)

Transport

  • Meet & Greet Airport Transfer from airport/train station/bus station to the hotel on the first day
  • Transfers from the hotel to airport/train station/bus station on last day
  • Transports to walking/activities sites, if applicable

Your information pack includes

  • Accommodation vouchers
  • Taxi vouchers
  • Emergency contact numbers
  • General information about your holiday and destination
  • List of the hotel(s)
  • Directions for arriving at your first hotel, if applicable
  • Detailed maps and route notes in your own mobile with App Routes & Maps (or detailed travel documents 1x per room)
  • Travel Advice
  • Complimentary luggage transfer if there is more than one hotel
  • Assistance 24/7

Exclusions

Any services not listed as included

  • Flights to and from Portugal
  • Meals, tips/gratuities, baggage, or personal insurance (except as outlined)
  • Admission fees to castles & attractions or events (except as outlined)
  • Personal expenses
  • Supplements

Insurance

You must be adequately insured to join our Guided group walking holidays and Self-Guided walking holidays. We do not insist that you insure with us but we require that you are adequately insured for the nature of your holiday.

BeCool Travel has partnered with WorldNomads.com to keep you travelling safely. WorldNomads.com Travel Insurance is designed for independent and adventurous travellers, with coverage for overseas medical expenses, cancellation, baggage, and other expenses.

Please consult our Travel Insurance page, where you’ll be able to get more detailed info about insurance requirements and an immediate quote for your trip.