Exploring the Algarve
September 28 – October 8, 2026
The Algarve, renowned for its dramatic cliffs, picturesque beaches, and charming fishing villages, offers a perfect backdrop for exploration. As we trek along the coastal trails, we will be treated to awe-inspiring views of the Atlantic Ocean, where the shimmering waters meet, golden sands adorned with unique rock formations. Each step reveals hidden coves and tranquil spots, perfect for a moment of reflection or a refreshing dip, making this journey not just a physical challenge, but also a feast for the senses.
Our walking consists of trails from 5 to 10 miles per day, which is always optional depending on how you feel that day. You always have the choice of walking all or part of the way or staying in town to enjoy the beautiful hotels and quaint Portuguese villages.
This was my husband’s and mine first vacation in 10 years! It was just what we needed, we appreciated the blend of alone time as well as spending time with the others in the group. We loved all of the chosen hotels and the freedom we felt while walking this sacred path.
Itinerary
Day 1
This evening, we meet our fellow travelers for a delicious Portuguese dinner as we start our journey in Faro, the capital of Portugal‘s Algarve region. Known for its white-washed old town, cobbled streets, and historic cathedral enclosed within ancient city walls, Faro is the perfect start of our journey.
Faro sits on the edge of the Ria Formosa Lagoon, A protected natural park of canals, marshes, and island sand bars that shelter abundant bird life and pristine beaches. With a relaxed, casual atmosphere, Faro blends authentic Portuguese culture with a working marina, an international airport, and easy access to all of the treasures of the Algarve.
Day 2
Today is a gorgeous hike called the Seven Hanging Valleys. The round-trip hike is approximately 8 miles in length. Options are to walk the entire round-trip or one way and take a cab back. The Seven Hanging Valley trail is a spectacular cliff-top walk, tracing golden limestone bluffs high above the turquoise Atlantic.
The path weaves through forested ravines and “hanging” valleys, revealing hidden coves, sea arches, and dramatic sinkholes where waves thunder below. Along the way are viewpoints that overlook caves and secluded beaches. This trail is known as one of Portugal’s most beautiful hikes. The rest of the day is yours to explore. Second night here in Faro.
Day 3
This morning, we have a private transfer to Albufeira, a seaside town known for its long sandy beaches backed by golden cliffs and a white-washed old town that slopes down to the sea. Albufeira has a split personality, offering family-friendly squares and cobbled streets in the old town alongside the neon strip, famous for its nightlife.
This morning, we have a treat, a 2 1/2 hour boat ride, cruising the coast in search of hidden coves and playful dolphins. After the boat ride, we will have lunch at a seaside Café and the rest of the day is yours to explore this quaint town.
Day 4
This morning we have the option of walking the Falesia Beach Trail, 5 miles that includes expansive ocean views and the striking geology of a long continuous cliff that rises from east to west. The maritime landscape around is painted in broad strokes of vivid ocher, green, and blue, making it both inspiring and energizing.
Other options this morning include hanging out on the beach, relaxing, shopping, and walking in the old town.
Later in the afternoon, we will meet and have a private transfer to Lagos. Lagos is a historic seaside town known for its golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, and clear Atlantic waters. Its old city walls, lively cafés, and working Marina lend to a relaxed, but vibrant atmosphere. Night here in Lagos.
Day 5
After breakfast, we begin our 8-mile walk to Praia da Luz. Our walk starts with wandering through the old streets of Lagos, where we see the remains of the ancient walls surrounding the town. We follow the coast to Ponta da Piedade, a group of rock formations with carved out rock pillars, natural tunnels, and hidden caves. The colors of the cliffs are a sharp contrast to the turquoise sea, and it is said to be one of the most beautiful natural scenes in the Algarve. We continue on the trail until we arrive at the town of Praia da Luz AKA Luz. Dinner and night here.Day 6
Walk from Luz Bay to Salema Village, 8 miles. Today, we trace the Fishermen’s Trail to enter the Algarve’s wilder, rugged west. A highlight is the chance to pause in charming Burgau, a fishing village with quaint cobbled streets and prettily whitewashed houses.
From here, we continue along clifftops with spectacular views, taking in the ruined Almádena 17th-century coastal fort above it. The route rises and falls with the occasional steep climb, before finishing at Salema, another quaint, laid-back beach town with a fantastic range of restaurants, all featuring freshly caught fish of the day, such as sardines, mackerel, and Sea Bream. Salema is our home for 2 nights.
Day 7
Circular Walk 5.5 miles. This leisurely loop leaves plenty of time to explore Salema, to stroll the rows of traditional fishermen’s cottages and enjoy seafront restaurants. The route takes us a bit inland and returns to the Fisherman’s trail for a cliff-top walk with stunning panoramas and secluded beaches. Dinner and Night in Salema.Day 8
Walk from Salema to Sagres 11 or 7 miles. More rare beauty today along the unspoiled coastline with clifftop trails, secret beaches, and lagoons. Hungry or thirsty? A few beach bars with incredible views are on the route. As 11 miles is a long walking day, it can be cut down to 7 miles with a short transfer.
On arrival in Sagres, the most southwestern town on the Algarve, you will feel like you are walking to the end of the earth where the land meets the sea. Sagres is a small, laid-back surf town with a picturesque harbor and a pretty plaza. We are here for 2 nights.
Day 9
Circular walk from Sagres 5 miles. Spend the day exploring the town or take a 5-mile route to further explore this unique landscape. The Atlantic views here are exceptional, making it the perfect place to conclude our walking journey. Dinner and night here.Day 10
After a leisurely breakfast, we have a transfer back to Faro. The day and evening are yours as many of us will be flying out early the following day.What’s Included
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10 nights accommodations
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11 breakfasts
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4 dinners and 2 lunches with house wines
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All ground transport listed above
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Dolphin Excursion
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Luggage transport on walking days
What’s Not Included
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Airfare
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Transportation to and from airports
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Meals and beverages not listed above
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Personal items
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Activities and excursions not listed above
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Travel insurance, which is highly recommended
Price
Costs listed in USD.
Double / Twin Occupancy
$3,750
Single Occupancy
$4,650
Credit cards subject to 4% processing fee.
Payment plans are available. After the $500 deposit, payment must be made in three payments with final payment due 60 days ahead of the trip.
Cancellation Fees
46-60 days prior to trip: 50% of the trip price will be refunded
31-45 days prior to trip: 25% of the trip price will be refunded
0-30 days prior to trip: no refund
Due to any unforeseen circumstances, Winn Journeys has the right to change the listed itinerary. If a substitution is needed, we will always substitute with something equal or better.
Travel insurance is highly recommended, we use Allianz.
Roommates
We will be happy to work with you to find a suitable roommate for those who are traveling alone and would like to share a room. Per our Terms and Conditions, registration for the tour will be held open until 30 days before the departure date in order to try to match everyone with a roommate. If by that date we have not been able to match you with a suitable roommate, you will be responsible to pay for the single supplement.
Responsibility Clause
Winn Journeys acts as a tour operator. The suppliers providing transportation, sightseeing arrangements and hotel accommodations for the tour program are independent contractors and are not agents or employees of Winn Journeys. All coupons, receipts, and tickets issued are subject to the terms and conditions specified by suppliers. By utilizing the service of the suppliers, you agree that Winn Journeys will not be liable for any change in schedule, strikes, delay, acts of governments, fires, riots, theft, pilferage, epidemics, quarantine, medical or customs regulations, accident, loss, injury, or damage to you or to those traveling with you in connection with any accommodations, transportation or any other services or resulting directly or indirectly from any occurrence or conditions beyond its control, including defects in vehicles, breakdown in equipment, thefts, delay or cancellation of or changes in itinerary for any act, omission, or event during our time together.
Winn Journeys and suppliers contracted for services reserve the right to refuse to accept or retain any person whose behavior is deemed likely to affect the smooth operations of a tour or adversely affect the enjoyment or safety of other passengers. Winn Journeys shall be under no liability to any such person for refund, compensation, repatriation or any other matters arising. Winn Journeys is not responsible for circumstances beyond its control. Trip cancellations resulting from the inability for trip to depart as scheduled, such as cancellations due to acts of war and/or terrorism, war, God, or nature.
Tour Cancellation By Operator: Be clearly advised that from time to time a tour departure may be canceled due to lack of participation. In such a case, the operator’s sole responsibility is to provide a full refund.
Praise!
See what others are saying about journeys with Jennifer…
We loved every minute of our Camino with Winn Journeys and Jennifer. It was well organized and one of the best things we have ever done together as a couple. We have already highly recommended this to many of our friends and we can’t wait to go back and do another Camino!