Discover the Unexplored

This self guided walking holiday takes you to some of the most unexplored places along South West Europe’s coastline and countryside.

Staying in comfortable 2/3 star guesthouses along the way, you’ll walk through undulating wheat fields, forests of cork trees, meandering rivers and country roads where farm animals and horse drawn carts are still a common sight and above all else hospitable and friendly local people. All this will contrast with the magnificent and wild coastline which is part of the Natural Park.

“We appreciate this low-impact tourism – a way to enjoy the environment without hurting it. A perfect vacation, thank you.” Lynne and Elliot – USA and Amsterdam

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Discover the Unexplored

Price:
439E - 525E per person Group size dependant
Holiday Type:
Self Guided guesthouse to guesthouse
Standard:
Mid Range/Good Value
Duration:
7 nights
Walking Days:
6 days walking
Meals:
1 welcome dinner.
Difficultly:
Easy/Moderate
Routes:
Average 13km to 25 km a day
Group Size:
2 people minimum
When:
All year except July/August

The Programme

Day 1:
Transfer from airport. Briefing. Welcome dinner.
Day 2:
Vila Nova Milfontes – Almograve – 9 miles/15km - After breakfast a coastal walk of 15 km will take you along sand dunes and cliffs leading you to the small fishing village of Almograve.
Day 3:
Almograve – Zambujeira do Mar -13 miles/20 km - Continuing south the route passes by the tiny fishing port of “Lapa da Pombas”, passing Cabo Sardão/Cavaleiro, where cliff-nesting storks can be watched from the light house. Then on to the bay of Zambujeira do Mar where fresh bream and sea bass can be sampled in the local restaurants. Overnight in Zambujeira do Mar village.
Day 4:
Zambujeira do Mar – Odeceixe – 13 miles/23km - A coastal path starting at the beach leads us onto Carvalhal bay, past the former residence of the famous “fado” singer Amália Rodrigues. Next it drops down over the river into the town of Odeceixe, the first town in the Algarve (15 km); and here we will stay the night in a Guesthouse.
Day 5:
Odeceixe – São Teotónio – 9 miles/15km - Heading into the interior, through traditionally farmed agricultural land, a walk of 15 km takes us to the market town of São Teotónio where we will rest overnight in a guesthouse.
Day 6:
São Teotónio – Odemira – 13 miles/23km - Following the path east from S. Teotónio, leads through fields where cork oaks grow and black pigs graze. Eventually it brings us onto the tributary of the river Mira, this we follow into the county town of Odemira to spend the night in a guesthouse in the heart of the town.
Day 7:
Odemira – Vila Nova de Milfontes – 9miles/15km - Following the river Mira, a 15 km walk along its banks into the village of Troviscais, (we will pick you at this small village, completing the circuit with a transfer back).

What's included?

  • 7 nights accommodation in a twin/double room with en suite facilities.
  • Maps and notes
  • Daily luggage transfers.
  • 1 welcoming traditional dinner.
  • Mobile phone
  • 24-hour assistance.
  • Personal Insurance.
Not included:
  • Transfers from and to airport.
  • Other meals not mentioned.

Highlights

  • Walking Through Rural Portugal
  • Sparsely populated region
  • Traditional villages
  • Heritage
  • Interaction with local people and habits
  • Spectacular views: cliff tops, deserted beaches, dunes…
  • Fauna: storks, turtles, badgers, kestrel, kingfishers, otter…
  • Flora: endemic, Atlantic and Mediterranean species…
  • River Mira: forms large lakes where a wide range of birds feed and breed
  • Mediterranean and cork oaks woods
  • Typical gastronomy: fresh fish (monkfish, squid, sea bass, codfish…); black pig and delicious Alentejo wines
  • Family-run Guesthouses and Warm Hospitality