ITINERARY | HIGHLIGHTS | WEATHER | ACCOMMODATION & ADDITIONAL INFO

The Coastal Alentejo

A self-guided walking holiday in unspoilt Portugal 2008

A circular walking route, beginning and ending in Vila Nova de Milfontes, a charming seaside village, well known in Portugal for its beautiful beaches.
For the first three days you will discover a coastline of impressive cliffs topped with sandy dunes covered with aromatic Mediterranean flora; and rocky islets dotted with white stork nests, the only marine colony in Europe. Small fishing harbours such as “Lapa das Pombas” or “Entrada da Barca”, from where fishermen daily face the Atlantic waves, are sheltered between the cliffs, together with many tempting deserted beaches.
For the last three days the route turns inland: from Odeceixe to São Teotónio and from there to Odemira, finishing in Milfontes, you will discover a paradise of peace and nature. You walk along shaded riverbanks contrasting with open hills where the cork oak is king. On the steeper slopes are remains of native Mediterranean oak forest, whilst the river Mira valley is filled with birds.

PRICE

£460.00 per person based on two people sharing a room.  Single supplement: £150.

INCLUDED

7 nights accommodation, with breakfast, in a twin/double room with en suite facilities. 1 welcome dinner. Daily luggage transfers. Trip dossier (maps and routes). Mobile phone. 24-hour assistance.

NOT INCLUDED

Flights, drinks, transfers to/from start/finish, travel insurance.

Departure dates 2008:

This independent holiday is available any day of the year except August and the last two weeks of July.

To book email: walking@star.co.uk
T: (44) (0)1242 254353

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ITINERARY

 

Day 1 - Arrival at Vila Nova de Milfontes. This beautiful town on the Mira Estuary is worth exploring.

Day 2 - Almograve. After breakfast an easy walk along the coast. The path winds through pinewoods, sand dunes and on top of the cliffs, hiding the deserted Brejo Largo beach, leading you to the small fishing village of Almograve for overnight. 9 miles/14.4 kms.

Day 3 - Zambujeira. The journey starts by walking to the Almograve beach (Praia Grande) and then turns south. It is always worth going off the route to visit the tiny fishing harbour “Entrada da Barca”, well sheltered between the rocks. Along the way cliff-nesting storks can be seen, breeding from January and throughout the spring. Through Cavaleiro and the beautiful lighthouse of Cabo Sardão the route ends in Zambujeira do Mar, where fresh bream and sea bass can be sampled in the local restaurants. 13 miles/20.8 kms.

Day 4 - Odeceixe. From Zambujeira beach a coastal path will lead you on to the stunning Carvalhal Beach. Dunes and cliffs, higher as you go south, are still the main features, as well as the superb views of the coast, as you reach the fishing village of Azenha do Mar. The day trip ends as you pass over the river Seixe into the picturesque town of Odeceixe, the first town of the Algarve.
13 miles/20.8 kms.

Day 5 - São Teotonio. Heading into the interior, the landscape changes into traditionally farmed agricultural land, woods, plantations and river valleys. The walk will take you through the tiny village of São Miguel to the market town of São Teotonio. 9 miles/14.4 kms.

Day 6 - Odemira. Heading off east from São Teotonio, dirt tracks, through fields filled with cork oaks grazed by black pigs, will lead you to the River Miras valley, which you follow into the coutry town of Odemira. 13 miles/20.8 kms.

Day 7 - Vila Nova de Milfontes. This is a very long day but you are welcome to shorten it any at any point with a phone call using the provided mobile phone, after which you will be collected and taken onwards. Follow the Mira, and then pass through the tiny village of Troviscais and Vale Bejinha, with its working windmill. 24 miles/38 kms.

Day 8 - Departure.

DIFFICULTY OF WALK

Moderately easy walking for anyone of average fitness. One very long day that can be shortened to a distance to suit you.

 

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HIGHLIGHTS

• Beautiful unspoilt coastline
• Abundance of birdlife
• Pretty villages with excellent local food

WEATHER

Click here to view the weather forecast Link courtesy of uk met office

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ACCOMMODATION & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ACCOMMODATION

Comfortable 2/3 star guesthouses with private bathrooms

GETTING THERE

Airport in Faro - return transfers available at £75 per person (two people), £50 per person (three people), £37.50 (four people).
If arriving at Lisbon, 3 or 4 buses daily to Vila Nova de Milfontes.

WHAT TO TAKE:

Sturdy walking boots and walking socks (with a change of socks in rucksack), rucksack/day pack, swimming costume, water bottle, insect repellent, sun glasses, sun hat, sun block/cream, compass, torch and a first-aid kit.

GALLERY

View our images of Portugal.

INSURANCE

We recommend that you take out appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for whatever reason.

To book, contact worldwalks  at:
email:walking@star.co.uk
T: (44) (0)1242 254353

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