South Coast Walks & Historical Sites
Bring intriguing coastal trails and history alive in South Hampshire
The world's more beautiful on foot...
Call us on 01707 331133
Or, email us at info@ramblersholidays.co.uk
Call us on 01707 331133
Or, email us at info@ramblersholidays.co.uk
Explore the treasures of this most westerly corner of Europe
The Algarve
Mar
Apr
May
Oct
Nov
Dec
What does this mean?
Tour codes: 26170
Full and half day walks at a moderate pace over hilly terrain.
Most of these holidays have an element of sightseeing as well.
Half day walks will probably involve about 3 hours of walking, with full day walks having around 5 hours. Expect ascents and descents of up to 600m.
Overview
If you are looking at this one week holiday why not make your stay two weeks by joining us on Algarve Odyssey.
The western Algarve offers a glorious mix of coastal, mountain and inland landscapes. The varied geology produces a rich diversity of scenery from granite mountains to dramatic limestone escarpments and sea cliffs, all greatly complemented by the local flora and fauna.
We stay in different centres on different holiday dates due to accommodation availability, please see individual dates for more information. During our November to March holidays, we stay in Praia da Rocha, a typical coastal resort within Portimao, the largest city in the Western Algarve. Praia da Rocha is surrounded by long scenic golden beaches and warm turquoise waters. During our April to October holidays, we stay in Portimao, a picturesque town on the estuary of the Rio Arade with a scenic promenade, historical buildings and beautiful sandy beaches with red cliffs. Our festive holiday date is based in the beach town of Armacao de Pera, situated in the central Algarve and filled with local shops, restaurants and set along an incredible long sandy beach. We’ll enjoy walking to local restaurants for dinner, giving us the opportunity to sample the wonderful Portuguese cuisine and wines.
We'll enjoy spectacular coastal views and beautiful Algarvian villages. We walk up the valley of the Rio Arade to historic Silves, passing through rice paddies and ancient estates with their fine houses and their orange and lemon groves. There will be time to explore the delightful old city. Another day will be spent on the most dramatic coastal walk in the country, the renowned "Seven Valleys", finishing in the beautiful coastal town of Carvoeiro. Carob and olives are cultivated on farms and small holdings, along with oranges and other citrus fruit, pomegranates, almonds and an abundance of other produce. We visit local villages where working life continues as it has for centuries and life slows to a relaxing pace.
We’ll enjoy a fantastic coastal walk between Alvor and Portimao, taking in the dramatic headland and the extensive Alvor estuary. A coastal walk will take us from Lagos to Burgau, encountering some typical Algarve coastal villages as we go. We head to the end of Europe, walking in the Parque Natural de Costa Vicentina, the most south-westerly point of Europe, and the last sight of land for explorers setting forth on their historic voyages.
Click the button below for a detailed Holiday Information Sheet containing all the particulars about this trip.
NOTE: Itineraries and Holiday Information Sheets can vary by a specific date chosen
There's the Algarve, and then there's the real Algarve! If you wish to see the latter, come and join us on this two-centre holiday which features the best parts of the Via Algarviana long distance path. Walk to the end of Europe!
Full and half day walks at a moderate pace over hilly terrain.
Most of these holidays have an element of sightseeing as well.
Half day walks will probably involve about 3 hours of walking, with full day walks having around 5 hours. Expect ascents and descents of up to 600m.
Departure dates
A week discovering Sao Miguel, the green island paradise of the Azores Archipelago
Full and half day walks at a moderate pace over hilly terrain.
Most of these holidays have an element of sightseeing as well.
Half day walks will probably involve about 3 hours of walking, with full day walks having around 5 hours. Expect ascents and descents of up to 600m.
Departure dates
Madeira's volcanic origins are evident by the rocky shore line and rugged mountainous interior. Famed for its levadas and flowers, Madeira is an excellent walking destination with a steady year-round climate.
Full day walks with moderate amounts of ascent and descent.
The paths are mostly good, but there may be some steep and rough ground.
Walks will last up to 6 hours and could involve as much as 750m of ascent and descent. Some walks will be less demanding.
Departure dates
Follow the path of the Douro River as it meanders through an enchanting landscape of ever changing colours.
Full and half day walks at a moderate pace over hilly terrain.
Most of these holidays have an element of sightseeing as well.
Half day walks will probably involve about 3 hours of walking, with full day walks having around 5 hours. Expect ascents and descents of up to 600m.
Departure dates
Itinerary & Travel
Whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the outlined itinerary and advertised programme, local conditions can change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. This may mean that routes and timings need to be amended or the order of days may change, sometimes at short notice.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we may unfortunately need to withdraw a tour that is currently confirmed to operate and we therefore reserve the right to cancel your booking. We would always do our utmost to give you plenty of notice should we have to do this. Selected elements of this tour, including local attractions and restaurants, may change at late notice. Please ensure you have valid insurance cover before you travel.
Accommodation
Below is the accommodation featured on this holiday across all departure dates. Please refer to the Itinerary for more detail about each night's accommodation for each departure date.
The beach town of Armacao de Pera is situated in the central Algarve. Previously a fishing village, it is now a haven for beach lovers. Although this typical coastal resort has high rise hotels along the promenade, the sandy beach stretches for 3km with secretive coves carved into the dramatic sandstone cliffs. Armacao de Pera’s history is still relevant with its traditional fishing boats dotted along the coast, pretty beach front church and impressive 16th century fort. There are an abundance of local restaurants, bars, cafes, and traditional shops that can be discovered within the town and just a short walk from our hotel.
Selected for its ideal beachfront location is the modern four-star Holiday Inn Algarve. There are three highly rated restaurants serving international, Portuguese and Indian cuisine. Relax with a drink or two in the elaborate bar which boasts incredible beach views from its large windows. Enjoy the live music in the bar twice a week, perhaps have a dance! There is a small gym to enjoy and perhaps relax in the swimming pool with an extraordinary view of the ocean.
We stay in standard twin-bedded rooms. Single rooms are usually twin bedded for sole use. Room facilities include:
Portimao is the largest city in the Western Algarve and was traditionally a centre for ship building, sardine fishing and fish processing. Now, its scenic promenade, historical buildings, beautiful sandy beaches with its warm waters and red cliff backdrop make Portimao an attractive tourist destination. There are many services including banks, shops, museums, cafes, bars and restaurants, just a short walk from our hotel! The picturesque beaches of Praia da Rocha are a short bus ride away.
During our April to October holidays, we stay in the 4 star contemporary Hotel Jupiter Marina hotel located on the riverside of Portimao, only half a mile from the scenic marina and Praia da Rocha beach. This modern hotel has been selected for its superb location close to the beach and within walking distance to local restaurants and Portimao's many amenities. This modern hotel includes a restaurant and rooftop bar, ideal for enjoying an evening beverage with a panoramic view of the Arade River. Perhaps take a swim break in the rooftop infinity pool, or sit back with a book in the quiet inner courtyard. Or treat yourself to a relax in the spa area's indoor pool, Turkish bath, sauna or gym!
We stay in classic twin an double rooms decorated in relaxing natural pastel colours with modern furnishings. Rooms include:
Praia da Rocha is a typical coastal resort on the edge of Portimao, the largest city in the Western Algarve. Praia da Rocha is surrounded by long scenic golden beaches and warm turquoise waters. Praia da Rocha's lively streets include a variety of services such as banks, shops, museums, cafes, supermarkets, bars and restaurants. Portimao is only a short bus ride away, so maybe spend some time visiting its scenic promenade, historical buildings, beautiful sandy beaches with its warm waters and red cliff backdrop.
During our November to March holidays, we stay in the recently renovated Hotel Jupiter Algarve in Praia da Rocha. This modern hotel has been selected for its superb location close to the beach and within walking distance to local restaurants and Praia da Rocha's many amenities. The hotel offers scenic panoramic views of golden beaches and Praia da Rocha. Perhaps take a refreshing swim in the outdoor or indoor swimming pools. Or relax in the spa area, maybe treat yourself to a steam bath, sauna or a workout in the fitness centre. The hotel includes a highly rated restaurants with large panoramic windows, Enjoy a beverage at the modern bar listening to its evening live music, perhaps even join in with the dancing!
We stay in standard twin and double bedded rooms decorated with modern furnishings and contemporary decor. Single rooms are usually twin bedded for sole use. Rooms include:
Trip Information
This Grade 4 walking holiday includes walks at a moderate pace over undulating terrain and may include an element of sightseeing as well. Walks are generally between 6 miles and 9 miles a day with ascents and descents ranging from minimal to 400m. The Algarve doesn’t have any high mountains so ascents are gradual.
FLEXI-Walking Our walking programme is carefully designed to offer an optional shorter route on many of the walks, giving you the flexibility of walking either the planned route or choosing a shorter distance and catching up with the group later in the day. Please see the itinerary section for more information.
This grade 4 holiday on the south-west coast of Portugal combines easy walking with some local sites of interest and time to absorb the natural beauty of our surroundings. We’ll also immerse ourselves in the local culture and wherever possible sample the local cuisine and wines.
Our two contrasting centres enable you to enjoy some of Portugal’s cultural and scenic highlights. Generally, we will walk at a steady pace and have plenty of time to enjoy the sights and attractions. Many spectacular views are usually seen from the top of the hills making the effort well worthwhile.
On many of the walks, there is the possibility for you to ‘op-out’ at different points, often with a café or bar to relax at and to meet the group again at the end of the walk. With these arrangements, you can walk as little or as much as you like within the day's programme.
Local Transport Costs
All local transport costs in conjunction with the advertised activity programme are included in the holiday cost. There may be occasions where additional visits or excursions are added to enrich your experience, these will be paid for locally by you if you choose to participate. Local transport can be a mix of private hire coaches, taxis, local buses and ferries depending on the itinerary.
Optional Excursions
A range of local excursions and activities may be available to book at your destination through a local operator. We have no involvement in such activities or excursions which are not run, supervised or controlled in any way by us. Your contract will be with the local activity supplier and we accept no responsibility for their actions or omissions.
Holiday Budgeting
When budgeting for your holiday, you will need to consider drinks, any meals not included in the holiday price, non-included entrance fees, optional excursions you may choose to participate in locally and any souvenirs or additional services such as laundry. A general guideline for lunches and drinks is £10-£20 per person per day.
Currency in Portugal
The currency in Portugal is the euro. You may wish to take some euro cash with you until you reach an ATM. Credit cards may not be accepted in smaller towns and rural areas.
Tipping
Although entirely at your own discretion, tipping is an important aspect of tourism and hospitality life and expectations are fairly high. In order to simplify tipping, we strongly recommend that you allow your leader to take care of making sure tips are given to hotel and restaurant staff and to local guides and drivers. This will be done using some funds provided by us together with, if you wish, a contribution from you, which he/she will collect during the holiday.
Tour Leaders
Your tour leader makes the world of difference to your holiday and ours are as passionate about discovering the world on foot as you are. They're resourceful, organised and widely travelled. They will handle all the local administration and other needs that might arise to ensure that you don't have to worry about planning your days and you can enjoy your holiday. Although leading group holidays, they won't forget that every group is made up of individuals. Each tour leader has their own individual style, talents and professional backgrounds and all are trained, qualified, experienced and dedicated to making your holiday as enjoyable, interesting and inspiring as possible.
Leader's Evening Briefing
Each evening, your tour leader will discuss with you the programme for the following day. This will be your opportunity to discuss the details and ensure the planned activities suit your walking ability. If you have concerns on clothing or equipment, this can be discussed then also. If you do not wish to join the organised group programme, please let the leader know.
We fly from London to Faro airport on Portugal's Algarve coast. Transfers from Faro Airport to our hotel will be by road and will take approximately 50 minutes.
On some occasions there may be a slight delay at the airport, as we may have to wait for other regional flights to arrive before continuing on our transfer, and similarly on departure. We will use private coach and minibus during our week.
If you intend joining and leaving the party in Portugal, we assume, unless you have advised us otherwise, that you will meet and leave the party at hotel. If this is not your intention, please let us know in writing at least 5 weeks before departure.
Booking Your Own Travel Arrangements?
If you wish to organise your own flights from a non-UK or provincial airport or travel by rail or car to your holiday destination, 'land only' reductions are often available. Please contact us for details.
Before finalising any independent travel arrangements, please check with us first - especially if doing so 12 weeks or more before your intended date of travel. If you do intend to join your holiday locally please do tell us at least 14 weeks in advance.
If you are joining and leaving your holiday overseas we assume, unless you advise us otherwise, that you will join and leave the holiday at your hotel.
Although airport transfers are not included for those making their own independent travel arrangements, if you wish to join the group at the overseas airport, depending on your flight arrival time, you may be able to be included on the group's transfer. Please contact us at least 5 weeks before departure for more details.
Please note that your flight must arrive within 30 minutes of the group flight to be able to join the group transfer. We also need your flight number, arrival time and departure point so that the group leader is able to meet up with you.
Regional Transfers
Regional Flights (R3). We offer regional flight options on this holiday and there will be one or two transfer vehicles between the airport and hotel to minimise any waiting time at the overseas airport on the outward or return journeys.
Luggage Allowance & Travel Documents
For all those booking a flight or rail inclusive holiday, details of your travel arrangements and baggage allowance will be confirmed in your travel documents, sent to you approximately 10 days prior to departure.
Personal Details Check
To ensure that we can accurately administer your holiday arrangements, please confirm that the personal details we hold for you are up to date and that you have provided the information we need to secure your holiday travel and accommodation arrangements. Please check your passport details, date of birth and any other important details necessary for us to properly manage your holiday booking. You can view and update information already provided, and add details not yet asked for, by using the Manage My Booking facility on our website www.ramblersholidays.co.uk, or by calling our Sales and Reservations team on +44 (0)1707 331133. When you receive your booking confirmation please check the details as soon as possible.
General Passport Advice
It is a good idea to carry photocopies of the personal details pages of your passport. Should you lose your passport, this may assist with the issue of replacement documents and your return to your home country.
Passport and visa requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you inform yourself from a professionally qualified source on, and comply with, such requirements.
General passport advice for UK nationals on the UK Government website.
You must ensure you check all entry requirements in good time by reviewing the official FCDO advice for your destination. Please take time to read and regularly check this website for changes to the entry requirements and any local restrictions.
You may be required to provide proof that you have been fully vaccinated when travelling or in your destination. Proof of vaccination can either be digital via the NHS app or a printed copy via NHS Hard Copy. We recommend allowing seven working days for your printed copy to arrive. Please note both the NHS app and printed copy are only valid for 30 days.
We anticipate that all travellers will need to be fully vaccinated including the booster jab and to carry proof of this with them at all times. Some indoor venues require, and may ask for proof of vaccination, as well as masks becoming mandatory for indoor public spaces, and we ask you to be prepared for this.
Some airlines or destinations are requiring the wearing of FFP2, FFP3, KN95 or N95 masks without a valve. You should check the FCDO advice for your destination and with your airline before you travel, although you may wish to have one of these masks on hand just in case.
Brexit Passport Advice
If you are planning to travel to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must meet the Schengen area rules.
Your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be:
The guidance for Schengen border guards may not be updated until the spring of 2022. Until then, for some Schengen countries your passport may need to be less than 10 years old during your whole visit, and the 3 months at the end of your visit may need to be within 10 years of your passport’s issue date.
Check both the issue date and the expiry date in your passport. If you renewed your passport early, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. This could affect the requirement for your passport to be less than 10 years old.
Non British Passport holders should consult the host country’s embassy for applicable passport and visa entry requirements.
Breakfasts and dinners are included in the holiday price. We will enjoy a buffet breakfast at the hotel with a variety of cold and hot dishes to choose from.
We mostly dine in local restaurants in the evening, but sometimes we enjoy dinner in the hotel’s restaurant. Wine and soft drinks are included at all evening dinners. Eating in local restaurants allow us to enjoy an authentic experience and sometimes lively atmosphere in a traditional Portuguese restaurant along with local diners and the Portuguese hospitality. Portuguese dishes are usually created using locally sourced fresh ingredients, and usually consist of soup, meat or fish, vegetables and potatoes. Vegetarian options are available if we are advised in advance so please contact our Sales & Reservations department. Portugal is famous for its fresh fish and usually it is caught, cooked and eaten the same day! Portimao is the sardine capital of the Algarve so expect to enjoy the scenic promenade filled with restaurants specialising in freshly cooked seafood. Our hotels are selected for their close locations to the main town centres and local restaurants so on some evenings we will be able to walk to local restaurants, on others transport may be provided.
During our New Years departures, we spend New Years Eve and New Years Day in either the hotel's restaurant or a local restaurant where we enjoy an evening of celebrations with delicious local delicacies.
Lunches are not included and can be taken as picnics or in cafes.
Footwear
Lightweight waterproof walking boots with a good moulded sole (such as Vibram or similar) and a deep tread and which provide ankle support are strongly recommended and may be essential for some walks.
General Kit List
Outdoor activities are always safer and more enjoyable if you are prepared.
If you have not travelled with us before the following list might be of use:
This list is not exhaustive and every walker is different and may have their own preference.
Travel Documents Checklist
Documents and Information to take with you:
Electricity in Portugal
Electricity is supplied at 220 Volts. If you wish to use electrical equipment you will need a European two pin adaptor with round pins. More information can be found at https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/
Water To Go
An alternative to bottled water from single-use sealed water bottles is filtered water from a refillable bottle containing its own water filter such as a Water-to-go bottle available from www.watertogo.eu. Just fill up from any water source and save the environment from disposable plastic bottles.
We have negotiated an exclusive 15% discount with our partners Water-to-Go for you as a thank you for helping the environment. Please go to their website at www.watertogo.eu and enter the code RWH17 when ordering. In addition, Water-to-Go will match the discount with a donation to our charity, Heart & Sole, which will allow us to continue to make a difference in the countries you visit on our holidays.
Maps, Guidebooks & More
Many local libraries stock a selection of travel guides and books which may offer you more information. Apart from any books available in local libraries, the internet is now an excellent resource for information about holiday destinations. You may find the below websites, books and programmes useful.
Maps of the areas we visit (1:200 000 scale) are available locally and at specialist map shops in the UK.
Portugal - A Travellers’ Guide” - Susan Loundes (Thornton Cox).
“Blue Guide: Portugal” - Ian Robertson
The Map Shop
If you cannot find the maps or books locally we recommend:
The Map Shop
5 High Street
Upton upon Severn, Worcs
WR8 0HJ
England
Tel: 01684 593 146
Website: www.themapshop.co.uk
E-mail: themapshop@btinternet.com
If you key many of the local places mentioned in this holiday fact sheet into YouTube, you will find a vast array of spectacular footage of the area.
Weather
Visit the following websites for an idea of the climate in your destination:
Health requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you inform yourself from a professionally qualified source on, and comply with, such requirements at least 6 to 8 weeks before departure. Advice on vaccinations is available from your GP.
Health Advice for Portugal
No compulsory immunisations are required for visits to Portugal.
You should be up to date with the usual immunisations recommended in the UK.
You may wish to consider immunisations against Tetanus.
Dengue fever exists in Portugal; please take normal precautions against mosquito bites.
Further Travel Advice
For further advice please visit:
You might wish to take a small bottle of antibacterial hand gel with you for times when you're unable to wash your hands.
It is a condition of booking with Ramblers Walking Holidays that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the trip, including all optional activities.
Your travel insurance policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation. Please ensure your policy covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are walking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. Medical and repatriation insurance cover are not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Whoever you insure with, please ensure that you take full details, and ideally the policy itself, with you on holiday and provide our tour leader with your insurer's name, the policy number and emergency assistance contact numbers.
Please note that it is very difficult to obtain travel insurance once your holiday arrangements have started.
Covid-19 Cover
If you should have symptoms and test positive for Covid-19 whilst abroad, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative and you may have to seek treatment. We strongly recommend that you take out an insurance policy that covers you for this eventuality.
Looking for travel insurance?
If you have not already arranged cover, please visit SunWorld who offer travel insurance.
SunWorld policies include cover for COVID-19, subject to applicable terms and conditions.
EHIC & GHIC Cards
From January 1st, 2021 UK travellers can continue to use their European Heath Insurance Card (EHIC) – which can last up to five years, until its expiry date, to gain access to medical assistance during your holiday. However, you will no longer be covered in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. Travellers without a valid EHIC can apply for a new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which will replaces the EHIC once it has been phased out. Please note however that the EHIC/GHIC should not be considered a substitute for medical or travel insurance.
For more information, please visit www.nhs.uk/ehic
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office provides up to date information on security and local laws for travellers, together with current passport and visa information, at www.gov.uk/travelaware. Please take a few minutes to look at the current advice on your planned destination.
Please be aware of what's going on around you, take sensible precautions with your credit cards and passport and avoid displays of wealth such as wearing expensive jewellery or watches. Do not carry more cash on you than you will need for each day, and we recommend that a money belt is used.
Responsible Travel
We're committed to ethical tourism in all our destinations. Our holidays are designed for you to discover the essence of the country you are visiting. Travelling in small groups not only gives you an up close and personal experience of your destination, but minimises your impact on the immediate environment. We feel that the most important starting point to protect the environment is to be out in it. For more details visit our website.
The Ramblers Holidays Charitable Trust
Unlike many tour operators we have our own trust through which RWH Travel’s profits are channelled back into a variety of outdoor, walking-related or environmental conservation projects in the UK. The focus of the Trust’s financial support is Britain’s leading walking charity, The Ramblers, and their role in promoting the benefits and importance of walking to the British public. In addition the Trust welcomes applications for small grants from local organisations in the UK who need support for walking-orientated activities. This includes the establishment of footpaths and bridleways, funding for rebuilding bridges and renovating huts, as well as bursary funding for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award for children who could not otherwise afford to do it. Please visit the ‘About Us’ section of our website and click on the Charitable Trust link for more details.
Heart and Sole
We appreciate that we are in a fortunate position to be able to use our profits to help make a difference to people's lives. Heart & Sole is a venture managed by our office staff, whose aim is to reach the heart of the communities in the countries we visit. Through Heart & Sole, we hope to make more of a long term, direct impact to these communities, particularly in less developed countries where even a small amount goes a long way. See our website for more information and details of some of the projects we support.
RIAS Rehabilitation and Research Centre
RIAS is a wildlife rehabilitation and research centre located in Olhao in Portugal's Algarve region. It has been operating for more than 25 years and aids the recovery and release of wild animals and birds after treatment, in the Algarve and southern Alentejo region. The centre's main priorities include the reception of injured wildlife, their treatment and eventual release back into the wild, but they also offer educational programmes to the local community.
RIAS relies on volunteers and donations. Heart & Sole is proud to help the organisation with a financial donation and to also highlight the work they do to our customers who visit this area. Some of our groups have the opportunity to visit the centre as part of a walk or you may wish to visit on your free day as you can reach the centre by train. You can find out more about their work at http://rias-aldeia.blogspot.com/
Mobile Phones
Please do provide us with a mobile phone contact number. We will only use this to contact you with important information relating to your holiday arrangements.
Do keep your mobile phones switched on and readily available when travelling to the airport or if delayed in transit so that we can contact you with any last minute information relating to your travel arrangements.
As a matter of courtesy, please switch off your mobile phone during walks, or endeavour to minimise its use. Please also try to minimise the use of mobile devices during group meals.
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Visas and Passports
January
Avg. Rain: 109mm
February
Avg. Rain: 93mm
March
Avg. Rain: 75mm
April
Avg. Rain: 66mm
May
Avg. Rain: 52mm
June
Avg. Rain: 26mm
July
Avg. Rain: 12mm
August
Avg. Rain: 16mm
September
Avg. Rain: 44mm
October
Avg. Rain: 91mm
November
Avg. Rain: 111mm
December
Avg. Rain: 120mm
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