Amazing Eastern Algarve – Touring Tavira

SUMMARY

Dates:Tuesday October 18th to Tues October 25th 7 nights/8 days walking

Guide:Local english speaking Portuguese guide Liliana.

Walking Grade: 2 Goats . These are low level walks exploring the local area with plenty of time to stop.

Base:Hotel Maria Nova, Tavira – nearest airport Faro

Price:£1220 per person per holiday inclusive B+B, all dinners with wine, airport transfers, local transport and experienced local English speaking guiding

Not included is travel to Portugal where the nearest airport is Faro or it is possible to travel from the UK by train. Lunches and personal expenses are not included.

This is the holiday for those looking for late summer sun and spectacular walks in and around one of the Algarve’s prettiest towns. Walks will be through rolling hillsides, along golden sandy beaches, across salt pans and in the Cabanas natural park. Being by the sea there will be ample opportunities to swim and to simply relax taking in the sea views. Being based in Tavira we have plenty of time to explore and experience the local history, culture and foods.

DETAILS

We choose Tavira because of the spectacular mix of walks in Natural Reserves and beautiful landscapes both in the interior and coastal East Algarve. We walk on Tavira Island in the Natural Park, taking in one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and to pretty coastal villages such as Santa Luzia, Cabanas, and Cacela Velha. Inland we wind our way between hills and valleys to the low peak of Zimbral, with wide rewarding views.

We’ll also enjoy dinners at local restaurants, giving the opportunity to sample the wonderful Portuguese cuisine.

More about Tavira

Tavira is an ancient Moorish town that has retained its unique character and heritage.

The town extends along the banks of the Gilão River and is a delightful mix of traditional Portuguese architecture with deep-rooted Moorish influences.

It is arguably the Algarve’s prettiest town and exudes an authentic Portuguese charm. A true joy to explore with its plethora of historic buildings and decorative churches, all of which are set around charming plazas and pretty cobbled streets.The Roman bridge in Tavira also known as Ponte Antiga (Ancient Bridge) is one of the Tavira symbols.

ITINERARY

Our itinerary may change depending on the weather. Our local guide will discuss walks with you each evening. The walks are carefully designed to offer an optional shorter route on many of the walks so there is flexibility to walk the full walk or choose a shorter distance.

Day 1 – Arrival in Faro

Approx 30 minute transfer to Tavira. If time allows an introductory walk will be offered around the town.

Day 2 – Zimbral Walk 14.6km Ascent/descent 200m/400m

A wonderful walk through open rolling hillsides. Spectacular views allow a tremendous appreciation of the region.
We walk through fascinating villages and descend to finish in a low fertile valley full of orange orchards and smallholdings.

Day 3 – Santa Luzia and Tavira Island walk 15.3km minimal ascent/decent

A remarkably varied walk on the Ria Formosa Natural Park.
Our walk takes us through Tavira’s salt pans which date back thousands of years.
We take a relaxing break in the fishing village of Santa Luzia with its glorious waterfront and then the beach regarded by many as one of the finest in the world with its vast stretches of golden sand and sparkling blue waters.
The walk will feature a fascinating boat ride between Tavira and Tavira Island.

Day 4 – Free Day

This is an ideal opportunity to relax and enjoy the attractions of Tavira and its surroundings.
You can walk/tour independently, or visit local places of interest. From Tavira, there is a wide variety of sightseeing available ( we can advise and/or recommend options according to your interests ) In their free time, keen bird-watchers may wish to visit Castro Marim in the fens and marshes of the “Reserva Natural do Sapal“, famous for their flamingos, or enjoy other local sightseeing tours.

Day 5 – Manta Rota to Cabanas Walk 14km with minimum ascent/descent

Classic coastal walk following the inner shoreline and visiting the iconic village of Cacela Velhabefore arriving in Cabanas for a well-earned rest in one of the many cafés lining this spectacular waterfront. From here we will return to Tavira.

Day 6 – Santa Catarina Cerâmica walk 12.3km Ascent 200m Descent 300m

An inland walk through one of the most beautiful and interesting valleys in the Algarve.
Santa Catarina is one of the centres for the production of carob, almond, fig, olive oil, and medronho.We will also pass tiny brick and tile works whose hand-made craft dates back to before Roman times.

Day 7 – Fuzeta to Tavira Walk 12km minimal ascent/descent

A lovely walk following the Algarve’s Ecovia. We pass by old estates with oranges, figs, and almond orchards and through the salt pans of Fuzeta where we are able to appreciate the rich birdlife of the area.

Day 8 – Departure

Transfer to Faro Airport.