The Routes
Note that, rather than a continuous point-to-point hike, these tours have been created from our favourite coastal hikes in the Algarve’s Authentic East. Depending on which of our hiking holidays you chose, your tour may not include all of the hikes listed below or just the best parts of them. The hikes for each itinerary have been carefully selected to offer the best scenery and most enjoyable walking experience.
Some tours begin in the historic fishing town of Olhão, where whitewashed houses line the waterfront and traditional markets bustle with life. A short ferry ride across the shimmering waters of the Ria Formosa brings you to the tranquil island of Culatra. Here, sandy trails wind through a peaceful fishing village and untouched dunes, offering breathtaking views over the Atlantic.
Returning to the mainland, the Ludo Nature Trails offer a stunning coastal wetland home to flamingos and an array of other birdlife. Walking through saltpans, pine forests, and serene lagoons, you’ll experience the raw beauty of the Ria Formosa Natural Park before heading back to Tavira, one of the Algarve’s most picturesque towns.
Following the coast, the tour heads east from Altura toward Vila Real de Santo António, a charming riverside town on the Portuguese-Spanish border. Along the way, golden beaches, shifting dunes and pine woods create a mesmerizing landscape, with plenty of opportunities to pause and take in the fresh sea air. After a rewarding day’s walk, a scenic train journey brings you back to Tavira.
Some itineraries include an inland walk, where the landscape transforms into rolling hills and fertile valleys. Walking from Quinta do Marco toward Tavira, the trail passes through fragrant orange groves, olive orchards, and traditional farms, offering a glimpse into the Algarve’s rural charm before descending toward the coast once more.
Back by the sea, a gentle walk from Pedras d’El Rei guides you past orchards and a winery before winding through the salt flats and marshes of the Ria Formosa. At Fuseta, you encounter fishing boats resting on calm waters. A scenic train ride returns you to Tavira, where the day ends with time to explore its historic streets and relaxed riverside setting.
Included in all tours is a memorable ferry crossing to Ilha de Tavira, a stunning barrier island with golden sand dunes and epic beaches. From here, the route passes the famous Anchor Cemetery and then hop aboard a narrow-gauge railway to the mainland. Then, through the picturesque fishing village of Santa Luzia, famous for its octopus fishing, before meandering through the saltpans back into Tavira.
Terrain Overview
This route offers a diverse mix of coastal and countryside terrain, creating a varied yet accessible walking experience. Well-maintained coastal trails, sandy island paths, and wooden boardwalks wind through the Ria Formosa Natural Park, where saltpans, lagoons, and dunes form a unique and ever-changing landscape. Mostly flat, these sections occasionally feature soft sand, adding a gentle challenge.
Further inland, quiet dirt tracks meander through rolling countryside, passing olive groves, citrus orchards, and traditional farmland. Gentle ascents and descents add variety without being strenuous, while cobbled village streets and shaded woodland trails contrast with the open coastal stretches.
Some sections involve beach walking, with firm sand in most areas but softer patches in places. Wooden walkways and bridges help navigate tidal areas, ensuring a smooth journey. Short ferry and train rides connect different stages, making transitions seamless.
Designed for walkers of all levels, this route blends coastal beauty, nature trails, and cultural exploration. With mostly gentle gradients, well-marked paths, and stunning views throughout, it offers an immersive and rewarding walking experience.
