--- title: "Walking Tour in Algarve: exploring the Portuguese Southwest Coast" url: https://walkingtoursportugal.com/tour/self-guided-walking-tour-in-algarve-exploring-the-portuguese-southwest-coast/ type: tour date_published: 2024-11-26T06:57:43+00:00 date_modified: 2026-06-02T06:50:01+01:00 language: en-US description: "A self-guided hiking holiday in the Portuguese southwest Coast, walking by the best trails of the Rota Vicentina, in the Algarve, Portugal." featured_image: https://walkingtoursportugal.com/wp-content/uploads/LLR_tour_costavicentina-117-1024x683.jpg --- # Walking Tour in Algarve: exploring the Portuguese Southwest Coast Duration 7 days, 6 nights Altimetry 200 › 500 m, daily average Distance 17 › 24 km, daily average Level All, Beginner, Experienced, Intermediate # Walking Tour in Algarve: exploring the Portuguese Southwest Coast A self-guided walking tour along the Algarve’s Southwest Coast designed to showcase the peaceful Vicentine Coast Natural Park and its natural beauty. This trip is for: Couples, friends and solos Price from: 1490€ Algarve, All Start location: Aljezur [** Book Now](https://cms.llride.com/lp/f5906selfwalkingsouthwest/) Start Planning Highly recommended! Great communication. Answered all of our questions in a timely manner. Our 7 day self guided trip (5 days of hiking) was both beautiful and challenging. The hike we did-Algarve Southwest Coast-is recommended for experienced hikers. You will encounter some steep ascents/descents so be sure to match hikes with your experience. Luis was extremely helpful and available when we had questions. The provided app with maps and restaurants/sights suggestions worked well. The hotels were excellent. Highly recommended! Andy B,  USA ## Highlights This tour in a nutshell ### This is a 7-day self-guided hiking holiday in the Algarve region, exploring the rugged coastline and white sand beaches of the Portuguese southwest Coast. A memorable journey along the Rota Vicentina, a network of trails renowned for their stunning coastal scenery and the tranquility of the Vicentina Coast Natural Park. Immerse yourself in the tranquil ambiance of the Vicentina Coast Natural Park, where charming fisherman villages, panoramic ocean vistas, a plethora of birdlife, and captivating natural beauty await you. Venture into one of Southern Europe’s last remaining stretches of pristine wilderness: You’ll be hiking on coastal cliff-top trails, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the rugged coastline, and discovering secluded beaches, hidden coves, and idyllic stretches of coastline like Amoreira, Amado, Arrifana, Castelejo, and more. Indulge in the region’s rich culinary heritage at charming hotels nestled amidst the whitewashed villages. Savor the freshest seafood and delectable local dishes that showcase the region’s culinary traditions. Your journey culminates at Europe’s southwestern most point, the iconic Cape of São Vicente, near to where Portuguese navigators set sail to discover new worlds in the 15th century. Stand in awe of the dramatic cliffs and stunning ocean views, and feel the echoes of history that linger in the air. ▾ ### Gallery A closer look at the region Self-guided Walking Tour in Algarve: exploring the Portuguese Southwest Coast Self-guided Walking Tour in Algarve: exploring the Portuguese Southwest Coast – copy Self-guided Walking Tour in Algarve: exploring the Portuguese Southwest Coast – copy – copy Self-guided Walking Tour in Algarve: exploring the Portuguese Southwest Coast – copy Self-guided Walking Tour in Algarve: exploring the Portuguese Southwest Coast – copy – copy ## Day to day What you’ll be experiencing everyday ### Day 1: Meeting at your hotel/airport in Faro, transfer to Aljezur and private briefing Today, our guide will meet you at Faro airport or at the hotel you’re staying, to transfer you to Aljezur. There, we’ll provide you with a detailed briefing and go through the hiking tour’s Routebook. Check in at your hotel in central Aljezur, and enjoy the rest of your day, exploring the village. Hotels: [Vicentina hotel](https://walkingtoursportugal.com/vicentina-hotel-aljezur-southwest-coast/) (upgrade to superior room in “premium” option) ### Day 2: 1st Hike – Aljezur – Arrifana – 23km, 500m accumulated height Start your hike towards the top of Aljezur, where the ruins of it’s medieval Castle stand sentinel, a symbol of resilience and historical significance. Its panoramic views offer a glimpse of the villages’s whitewashed houses, in a maze of streets and alleys, with Southwest Algarve’s green nature as backdrop. Hike along the scenic trails of the Rota Vicentina which will lead you to the picturesque beaches of Arrifana and Monte Clérigo. Follow the coastline towards Arrifana beach, where breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean await. Settle into the charming hotel ‘Herdade do Monte do Sol’ and recap your first day. Hotels: [Herdade Monte do Sol](https://walkingtoursportugal.com/herdade-monte-do-sol-charm-rural-houses/) (upgrade to superior room in “premium” option) ### Day 3: 2nd Hike – Arrifana – Carrapateira – 22km, 330m accumulated height Today, you will embark on a coastal hike, exploring the Rota Vicentina trails. We’ll begin from Arrifana and head towards the secluded beach of Canal Beach, nestled beneath the cliffs of Arrifana. After soaking up the beauty of Praia do Canal, you’ll venture inland along macadam trails, weaving through a verdant forest until reaching Ribeira da Bordeira. From here, you’ll cross a paved road that will guide you to Carrapateira, where you’ll check in at your lodging, Casa Fajara. Hotels: [Casa Fajara](https://walkingtoursportugal.com/casa-fajara-rustic-boutique-house-hotel/) (upgrade to superior room in “premium” option) ### Day 4: 3rd Hike – Carrapateira – Amado – Pedralva 17km, 250m accumulated height On today’s picturesque coastal hike, you’ll be venturing through two of Portugal’s most captivating beaches – Bordeira and Amado. Pack your swimsuit for a refreshing dip along the way, as the Atlantic Ocean will beckon you with its inviting turquoise waves. After taking in the sun-kissed scenery of the Amado beach, you’ll journey inland towards Carrapateira, following the meandering Bordeira stream until youreach the charming village of Pedralva. This beautifully restored village offers a rustic retreat, perfect for unwinding after the day’s adventure. Hotels: [Aldeia de Pedralva](https://walkingtoursportugal.com/aldeia-da-pedralva-natue-village-experience/) (upgrade to superior room in “premium” option) ### Day 5: 4th Hike – Pedralva – Vila do Bispo 17km, 213m accumulated height Continue your journey through this coastal forested area, down south. Enjoy the climb and the views from the top of the wind turbine park. Descend into Vila do Bispo, following the route towards Praia do Castelejo, to check out an amazing viewpoint over Praia da Cordoama. Hike back to Vila do Bispo and check-in at Pura Esteva, your hotel for the night. Make sure to try our one of Vila do Bispo’s traditional restaurants. Hotels: [Pura Esteva](https://walkingtoursportugal.com/pure-flor-de-esteva-guesthouse/) (upgrade to superior room in “premium” option) ### Day 6: 5th hike – Vila do Bispo – Sagres 24km, 331m accumulated height Starting from Vila do Bispo, you will follow the dirt roads leading to Ponta Ruiva’s beach, the last one on your hiking adventure along the Portuguese Southwest Coast. You’ll finally reach the southwesternmost point of mainland Europe, Cabo de São Vicente, standing defiant, with its weathered cliffs plunging into the relentless Atlantic waves. From there, hike towards Sagres fortress to see its lighthouse. Finally, check in at your hotel situated atop Baleeira beach. Hotels: [Memmo Baleeira](https://walkingtoursportugal.com/memmo-baleeira-hotel-sagres/) (upgrade to superior rooms in “premium” option) ### Day 7: Check-out from your hotel and transfer from Sagres to Faro airport/hotel Breakfast at the hotel. At the scheduled time, you’ll be transfer to Faro, either to the airport or an accommodation/hotel within these cities’ limits. ▾ ### Map Where you’ll be hiking --- *Fonte: [Walking Tours Portugal](https://walkingtoursportugal.com/tour/self-guided-walking-tour-in-algarve-exploring-the-portuguese-southwest-coast/)* *Última actualização: June 2, 2026*