Tavira, 8-day Self-guided walking tour in the Algarve, Portugal

Day 1: Arrival in Tavira

Individual arrival to Faro Airport or Faro Train station.

Day 2: Walk Cacela Velha and Cabanas

An easy walk, close to the coast, starting in the beautiful old village of Cacela Velha, following tracks and quiet lanes to the picturesque old fishing village of Cabanas.

Here fishermen still continue their craft, mixing harmoniously with the visitors crossing to the island and the golden beaches. Here too we can rest, enjoy good food and drink whilst enjoying the sunshine by the colourful waterfront. We continue back to Tavira, through the saltpans where we may see an abundance of wild life along with the traditional craft of salt extraction.

Day 3: Cerâmica walk

A beautiful walk going down a fertile valley, dotted with the occasional small family operated traditional tile factories. We pass through small holdings where vegetable plots share space with olive, carob, almond and fig trees. This rich valley also has an abundance of orange and lemon orchards whose flowers perfume the air while the profusion of wild flowers delights the eyes. The walk takes us past the local beauty spot of Pêgo do Inferno and then brings us right back into Tavira and the hotel.

Please be aware that you may encounter dogs on the loose, which are used to guard the properties in rural areas.

Day 4: Free day

This is an ideal opportunity to relax and enjoy the attractions of Tavira and 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). On 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: Altura to Vila Real de Santo António

A very enjoyable walk along the coast to the frontier with Spain. We start in the resort village of Altura and meander along small paths through the pine woodlands and along pristine beaches until we reach the estuary of the Rio Guadiana that separates Portugal from Spain.

The walk finishes in the charming town of Vila Real de Santo António with a fascinating history and architecture.

The adventurous may wish to take the ferry across the river to the town of Ayamonte in Spain to enjoy some tapas in the many cafés of this attractive town.

Day 6: Fuzeta to Tavira

A fascinating walk to the west of Tavira. We start in Tavira and end in the fishing village of Fuzeta with its bustling waterfront, crossing saltpans full of bird life, small hamlets with colourful houses and gardens, grand villas and tiny small holdings. We can stop en route at little cafés fronting the tranquil waters of the Ria or even lunch on wonderful fish and shell fish fresh in that day.

Day 7: Santa Luzia & Tavira Island

A real treat as we walk along one of finest beaches in the world and visit the small fishing village of Santa Luzia with its abundance of fishing boats bobbing in the gentle waters of the channel. Not just a day’s walking but a real day’s holiday as well!

The cafés and restaurants here vary from simple to gourmet level and can offer all the local specialities.

This circular walk from and returning to Tavira crosses to Tavira Island via local ferry/water taxi and returns to the mainland on a floating pontoon bridge.

Day 8: Individual departure or extra days

At convenient time transfer to Faro Airport or Faro Train station.