What to expect

Guided Walks
Enjoy five fully guided walking days, immersing you in the diverse landscapes and charming towns of the Algarve and Andalucia.

Local Coastal Cuisine
Savor delicious local cuisine with included tapas in Spain and a delightful grilled fish lunch with drinks on Tavira Island.

Charming Towns
Discover the unique coastal charm of the Portuguese towns of Olhão and Tavira, with their distinctive character and scenic waterfronts.

Two Country Tour
Experience the distinct allure of both the Portuguese Algarve and Southern Spain, enjoying the best of what each region has to offer.
About this trip...
Grade: Easy to Medium
Airport transfers
Private Room
Half Board – breakfast and dinner daily
1 x grilled fish lunch with drinks Tavira Island with drinks (meat option available)
1 x tapas lunch with drinks in Ayamonte
Drinks included with evening meals
Welcome drink
5 fully guided walking days
1 x boat tour Ria Formosa in Tavira
1 x ferry boat trip to Ayamonte
1 x ferry boat trip to Olhão
Accompanying Solos Tour Leader
- International flights not included. Let us help you book them! Learn more.
- Travel insurance
- Tips & drinks
- Meals when not included in the itinerary
- Activities when not included in the itinerary
What you'll be doing

Day One: Arrive Faro

Day Two: Altura to Monte Gordo Walk
- Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
- Walking Distance approx. 4.66 miles
- Ascent approx. 33 feet
- Descent approx. -33 feet
- Highest Point approx. 33 feet
- Terrain: Boardwalks, good dirt roads, some short tracks with soft sand.

Day Three: Vila Real de Santo António and Ayamonte
We start the day with a walk through the Monte Gordo pine forest. The walk finishes in Vila Real de Santo António, a charming town with a fascinating history and architecture, in the estuary of the Rio Guadiana, which separates Portugal from Spain. From here, we’ll take the ferry across the river to the town of Ayamonte in Spain. We’ll tour the city and enjoy a meal of traditional tapas.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Walking Distance approx. 3.4 miles & approx. 3.0 miles
- Ascent approx. 33 feet
- Descent approx. -33 feet
- Highest Point 33 feet
- Terrain: Good dirt and paved roads.

Day Four: Day at Leisure
Take a well earned rest and relax in the hotel, or take a stroll around Monte Gordo.

Day Five: Exploring Tavira
This morning, we’ll travel by train to discover Tavira, a lovely and quaint old-Portuguese charm, with over 30 churches, cobbled streets, and bougainvillea lined balconies. In the historic and charismatic old town, the castle and typical houses provide much cultural interest. The River Gilão, with its working fisherman’s riverfront, runs to the azure lagoons of the Ria Formosa. We’ll take a boat tour along the Ria Formosa and stop at Tavira’s Island, for a grilled fish lunch, with a sea view (optional grilled meat dish, lunch with drinks included).
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Walking Distance approx. 3.6 miles
- Ascent approx. 112 feet
- Descent approx. -105 feet
- Highest Point approx. 82 feet
- Terrain: Good dirt and paved roads. Very uneven cobblestone pavement in and out of Tavira historical center.

Day Six: Castro Marim Nature Reserve
Today we’ll take a transfer to the Castro Marim Nature Reserve – a unique landscape in the Eastern Algarve. A true realm of serenity, far from the hustle and bustle of the beach resorts, this is a haven for countless bird species such as the flamingos who regularly visit this charming patchwork of green-blue marshes and crisp white saltpans. Our walk through the salt pans will take us into Castro Marim, one of the oldest communities in the Algarve, and an important centre of Arab power until 1242.
- Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner.
- Walking Distance approx. 4.54 miles
- Ascent approx. 98 feet
- Descent approx. -85 feet
- Highest Point approx. 115 feet
- Terrain: Good dirt and paved roads. Very uneven cobblestone pavement in and out of Castro Marim castle.

Day Seven: Discovering the beauty of Olhão
After breakfast, we catch the train from Monte Gordo to Olhão - a picturesque coastal town inspired by Moroccan architecture that attracts artists, writers and photographers. We have free time to discover the town and take lunch (not included). The city centre has a collection of white houses with roof terraces and minarets that form a patchwork of layering cubes. The waterfront avenue near the Ria Formosa is lined with glorious tile-fronted, 19th-Century townhouses, with verandas and wrought-iron work. The highlight is the colourful atmosphere at the Municipal Market, which fulfils its traditional function by day and is the setting for lively nightlife bars.
- Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
- Walking Distance approx. 4.41 miles
- Ascent approx. 33 feet
- Descent approx. -33 feet
- Highest Point approx. 33 feet
- Terrain: Good dirt and paved roads, very uneven cobblestone pavement in and out of Olhão historical center.

Day Eight: Depart Faro
Today we check out of our hotel and say goodbye before transferring to Faro Airport.
Trip Reviews
Accommodations
Dates & Prices
Essential Information
Whether you'd like us to arrange your flights or prefer to book your own, we're here to make the process easy. Our team can secure flights from the location that suits you best, or provide all the arrival and departure details you'll need if booking independently.
Shortly before your holiday, you will be invited to join an optional WhatsApp group to connect with your fellow travellers and your Tour Leader.
It is important that you have the correct footwear. It is essential to wear walking boots that are comfortable and preferably lightweight, with some ankle support and a good grip. If you already have a pair of boots that you are happy walking in (including during hot/wet weather and on hard ground), then bring these along. However, if you are bringing new footwear, do make sure they are well broken in before you arrive. The weather, even in summer, can be unpredictable. We would therefore recommend you travel with clothing suitable for all conditions, and suggest you use the following checklist as a guideline of what to take:
- Walking boots with good ankle support
- Waterproofs – jacket and trousers
- Walking poles – recommended as they provide good support for the knees, particularly on downhill sections of walks and when conditions are wet/slippery
- Lightweight trousers and shorts with pockets
- Shirts or t-shirts for walking in
- Walking socks – several pairs
- Lightweight fleece or jumper
- Hat & gloves
- Daysack/rucksack for walking
- Umbrella – it can be used also for protection from the sun as well as rain
- Lightweight drinking bottle to carry water whilst walking
- Small first aid kit – plasters, insect repellant, etc
- Good, high factor sunscreen, sunhat and sunglasses – the sun’s strength is often multiplied in mountainous areas.
Guided walks are included as part of this trip. Your dedicated walking guide will brief you in resort on the daily walking programme.
The walking programme is graded by difficulty, and you can expect to walk varying distances with a range of ascents and descents. Some walks may be challenging, with uneven or rough terrain underfoot and sections at higher altitude. Please refer to the day-by-day itinerary for full details of each walk.
A good level of physical fitness is required to fully enjoy this trip.
It is important that you consider whether your chosen trip is suitable for your level of fitness, mobility and any medical conditions or additional needs. If you are unsure, please contact our team before booking. We will be happy to discuss the trip requirements and your individual circumstances to help you decide whether the trip is suitable for you.
We are committed to treating all customers fairly and will consider any reasonable adjustments where possible. Please let us know before booking if you have a disability, medical condition or any additional requirements that may affect your trip. This allows us to assess whether we can safely and appropriately accommodate your needs and to ensure you have the best possible trip experience.
Care should be taken at all times, particularly on uneven or wet terrain. If you normally use walking poles, we recommend bringing them with you. Sturdy walking boots or walking shoes are essential.
Please note that the route and content of the walking programme may need to change during the trip, at the discretion of the specialist walking guide or local organiser, if local conditions require.
If you have any concerns during your trip, please speak to your specialist walking guide or Solos Tour Leader.
For further information, please refer to our website Terms and Conditions
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