The Algarve’s mild temperatures and hours of sunshine - even in winter - ensure that this walk along Portugal’s unspoilt Vicentine coast, with its surf-lashed beaches, rocky headlands and sheer cliffs, is a favourite with hikers.
- Enjoy coastal walking with stunning views
- See sand dunes and rich biodiversity
- Walk to Europe's most south-westerly point
- Stay in charming rural accommodation
This walk takes in the final coastal stages of the 230-kilometre-long Caminho Histórico, a long distance footpath from Santiago do Cacém to Cabo de São Vicente. Trails link historic towns and villages, with sections of coast, mountain, forest, river valley and montado, offering hikers plenty of variety.
The route is waymarked along its length and is ideally done between September and June. Each stage extends over a maximum of 25 kilometres, but some sections are notably shorter. Spreading it over several days gives you ample time to enjoy the characterful rural accommodation, visit various local places of interest, and sample the excellent regional gastronomy of both the Alentejo and the Algarve.
For a longer walking holiday, you can combine this trip with our Alentejo's Fisherman's Trail itinerary.
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1: Arrive Faro & transfer to Aljezur
On arrival at Faro airport, you're met by a local guide who gives you a short briefing and transfer to the coastal village of Aljezur.
The rest of the day is free to explore - this region is famed for its gastronomy, so you should try some local specialities during your stay!
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Day 2: Walk from Monte Clérigo to Arrifana
Your first day of hiking starts with a short transfer to the beach of Praia de Monte Clérigo. The coastal trail leads south past the promontory of Ponta da Atalaia, with two offshore islands and the ruins of Moorish fortresses, before climbing to impressive cliffs through a highly specific ecosystem: a Mediterranean-like scrub rich in aromatic plants that flourish in the coastal dunes.
Continue along the unspoilt Vicentine Coast to the attractive village of Arrifana, whose wide beach and Atlantic breakers make it a hotspot for surfers.
Spend the afternoon relaxing.
Walking distance: 13 km | Ascent: 400 m | Descent: 100m
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Day 3: Coastal path to Carrapateira
You continue south along the coast where Atlantic waves pound rocky headlands and dramatic cliffs separated by quiet sandy beaches. Imposing views include the Pedra da Agulha (Needle Rock), an impressive sea stack just north of Praia do Canal.
Continue across the wildest section of the route to Carrapateira, a surfing spot on a small headland that looks deceptively similar to Cabo São Vicente further south. The whitewashed fishing village dates from the Muslim occupation, but its imposing 17th century fortress was built to defend it from Barbary pirates. Just to the north, the vast Praia da Bordeira is regarded as one of Portugal’s finest beaches.
Walking distance: 19 km | Ascent: 300 m | Descent: 100m
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Day 4: Coastal path to Pedralva
Today’s walk leads first to Praia do Amado, another beach that’s highly popular with surfers. Your overnight stop lies a couple of kilometres inland at the hamlet of Pedralva which, after being virtually abandoned some years ago, has been brought back to life as a charming rustic guesthouse. This innovative development retains many original features - but now boasts modern facilities.
Walking distance: 16 km | Ascent: 200 m | Descent: 200m
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Day 5: Coastal path to Vila do Bispo
Today’s walk crosses a relatively flat area of forest and cultivated land before passing the beaches of Barriga, Cordoama and Castelejo. Eventually you turn inland to Vila do Bispo, the quintessential Algarve village with typical whitewashed houses and narrow cobbled streets. There’s a 16th century church and a daily market that sells local produce such as fruit and fresh fish. The town stands at the centre of an area with some 300 menhirs - the greatest concentration in the Algarve.
Walking distance: 21 km | Ascent: 400 m | Descent: 100m
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Day 6: Coastal path to Sagres
The final day’s walk leads through stunted vegetation due to the onshore wind to where Europe’s south-westernmost point juts into the Atlantic: Cabo São Vicente. The lighthouse here has an excellent museum that relates the history of this small maritime nation whose navigators explored the entire world.
The trip ends in Sagres, where a strategically positioned fortress protects nearby coves that provided shelter to shipping, but was raided in 1587 by English privateer Francis Drake.
Walking distance: 25 km | Ascent: 300 m | Descent: 100m
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Day 7: Transfer to Faro & fly to the UK
Transfer to Faro airport and check in for your international flight back to the UK.
Price and Other Information
- Duration and price excluding international flights: 7 days from £1,025 per person
- Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 7 days from £1,285 per person
- Single room supplement: On request
- Walking grade: Moderate
- Guiding: Self-Guided
- Max alt: Low
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When to go: View Dates & Prices
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Route map:
View map 
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What’s included
- Hotel x 6 nights
- 6 breakfasts
- Airport transfers
- Luggage transfers
Next Steps
Dates & Prices
Choose your preferred departure date from the 5 options below, then make a no obligation booking request, or enquire if you would like to ask us a question.
| Year | Daily Departures† | Price From (Exc. Flights) | Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| All prices are per person. † Daily departures subject to availability. | |||
| 2024 | From 27 Apr to 26 May | £1,185 | Book or Enquire |
| 2024 | From 27 May to 26 Jun | £1,185 | Book or Enquire |
| 2024 | From 27 Jun to 26 Sep | £1,395 | Book or Enquire |
| 2024 | From 27 Sep to 28 Oct | £1,185 | Book or Enquire |
| 2024 | From 29 Oct to 15 Dec | £1,025 | Book or Enquire |
If you can’t see the holiday or departure date that you are looking for please contact us. We may be in the process of finalising further departures and are often able to arrange a holiday for you according to your own requirements.
