7 DAYS SOUTH PORTUGAL TRAILS, TASTE & TRADITION

Welcome to the Algarve
Begin with a private transfer from Faro Airport to your hotel, ensuring a relaxed and seamless arrival.
In the evening, savor a refined dinner inspired by regional cuisine, paired with carefully selected local wines. During the meal, a short, intimate presentation introduces the Via Algarviana and the rich biodiversity of the Algarve interior-an inspiring preview of the landscapes and experiences that await in the days ahead.

Barrocal Villages & Countryside Trail
After breakfast, enjoy a comfortable transfer from the hotel to the starting point of the PR5 ABF Entre Aldeias Albufeira trail. Follow a scenic 7 km route through the Barrocal landscape, crossing fertile plains, shaded paths lined with carob, almond, olive, and pomegranate trees, and traditional Algarve villages with their distinctive chimneys and fascias.

Pause along the trail for a carefully prepared gourmet picnic, enjoyed in a peaceful natural setting. In the afternoon, visit Porches for an authentic local crafts demonstration before returning to the hotel.

Coastal Wetlands & Wine Evening
Today’s exploration leads to Mexilhoeira Grande for a walk through the remarkable landscapes of the Ria de Alvor. Following a 7.5 km circular trail, walk along wooden paths and sandy tracks framed by saltmarshes, lagoons, and barrier islands, where the shifting tides create one of the Algarve’s most distinctive coastal environments. As the route extends towards Rocha Delicada, wide views open across the estuary, dunes, and sea beyond.

After the hike, return to the hotel to refresh before visiting Cabrita Wines for an intimate tour with one of the winemakers and a memorable dinner paired with estate wines.

Schist Hills & Borderlands Arrival
Depart Albufeira for Furnazinhas and set out on the 7.8 km Barrancos Trail, a rewarding walk through the rugged inland landscapes of Castro Marim. The route explores ravines, schist formations, and quiet hamlets, with panoramic views over the surrounding hills and glimpses of traditional wells, orchards, and village life. Along the trail, pause to sample local products, including regional sweets and medronho liqueur. After the hike, continue to Vila Real de Santo António for check-in and time at leisure.

Festival do Contrabando
Drive 30 minutes to Alcoutim to experience the lively Festival do Contrabando (Smuggling Festival) along the Guadiana River. Celebrating the shared heritage of the Portuguese-Spanish borderlands, the festival revives the era of contraband through period markets, street performances, music, and historical reenactments, making it one of the region’s most distinctive cultural events. Explore the festive streets with your local guide, enjoy immersive encounters throughout the town, and take part in a symbolic river crossing. A traditional lunch highlights local flavours before returning to Vila Real de Santo António.

(Remark: Please note that the 2027 festival dates have not yet been officially confirmed; the tour dates are based on the festival’s historical scheduling pattern and are currently projected accordingly.)

Vila Real Culture & Heritage
Discover Vila Real de Santo António on a guided walk through its elegant streets and historic centre, where stories of maritime trade, riverside life, and borderland heritage bring the town to life. Later, meet a local artisan for an intimate demonstration of traditional fishing techniques, offering insight into practices passed down through generations.

Farewell to the Algarve
Depart Vila Real de Santo António and transfer to Faro Airport for your homebound flight. Bid farewell to the Algarve as your journey comes to an end, taking with you memories of scenic trails, distinctive local flavours, and the cultural traditions of southern Portugal.