Upgraded - Walking in the Algarve

This escorted walking holiday from Explore Worldwide is based in Tavira, a town with cobbled streets and tiled houses by the River Gilao. The pace is relaxed, with daily walks mostly on flat, scenic routes. Highlights include a day on Ilha de Tavira’s beaches, passing sand dunes peppered with old anchors from the tuna fishing days.

The itinerary moves inland for a tranquil walk alongside the Guadiana River to Odeleite village, complete with a traditional Portuguese lunch, before a visit to Castro Marim’s Templar Castle. Other days explore the riverside paths to the Pego de Inferno waterfall and cork oak forests near Sao Bras de Alportel, including a local olive oil mill tour.

A final morning includes a visit to Olhao’s fish market and a ferry ride to Culatra Island, where cars are absent and wooden walkways thread through sand dunes. The tour’s mix of nature, history and small communities captures a less-travelled side of the Algarve.

New to Portugal? Our Portugal guide has the practical essentials: money, plugs, visas and when to go.