Holidays
Walking the Western Algarve

Walking the Western Algarve

Guided Walking Holidays in Portugal

1 walk

Grades 2 & 3

736kg CO2

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Groups of 10+

020 3974 8865

Stretching from Silves to the Atlantic seaboard, the Western Algarve is perfect for walkers keen to navigate dramatic cliffs, secluded coves, and unspoilt beaches. Highlights include exploring the pine, oak, and eucalyptus forests around the Serra de Monchique, taking in Atlantic Ocean views on the Seven Hanging Valleys trail, and spending time in historic towns and villages where Phoenician, Carthaginian, Roman, and Moorish conquerors have all left their mark.

What You’ll Love

Discovering this wild and western coast on foot
Exploring charming fishing villages
Visiting Cape St Vincent, Europe’s most south-westerly point
Heading for the hills of the Serra de Monchique
Walking the famous Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
Staying in the charming coastal town of Lagos

What's Included

Return flights from London Gatwick, including baggage and transfers (flights available from other airports - price may vary)
A choice of 2 guided walks per day with local leaders (on walking days)
HF Holidays Tour Manager
7 nights' accommodation in Lagos
7 breakfasts & 7 dinners
All in-destination transport

Trip Suitability

This is a level 2 and level 3 graded Activity, Easier walks: 4 to 7 miles (6½ to 11km) sometimes on rough and rocky paths. Up to 700 feet (210m) of ascent in a day. Harder walks: 6 to 11 miles (9½ to 17½km) sometimes on rough and rocky paths. Up to 1,300 feet (390m) of ascent in a day.

Itinerary

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.

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Daily Walk Options

Easier Walks

Good paths but walks are a bit longer. Some walks, particularly in mountain areas, may have sections over rough or steeper terrain.

Medium Walks

Walks follow well-defined paths, though often in hilly or upland areas, or along rugged coastal footpaths. These may be rough or steep in sections and will require reasonable fitness.

Accommodation

Hotel Vila Galé Lagos - Western Algarve

The Vila Galé Lagos hotel is located right over the sands of the Algarve’s beautiful Meia Praia beach, with sweeping views of the sea. Inside, you’ll find stylish décor by renowned Portuguese designers, and 118 comfortable rooms complete with all mod-cons. The hotel’s enormous pool makes it popular with keen swimmers, while tennis courts, a multi-sports field, and a putting green add to the activity facilities. When it’s time to relax, hit the Satsanga spa for a range of treatments, stroll in the gardens or visit the library for a quiet read. In the evening, savour the cuisine with fellow guests at the buffet restaurant.

The Vila Galé Lagos hotel overlooks the sands of Meia Praia, in the Algarve, and offers stunning views of the sea. With internet access in all areas, this hotel in Lagos offers spacious and comfortable rooms, with various types, from family rooms to rooms with views and suites . What also makes it famous is a giant 1,200 m² outdoor pool.

The Vila Galé Lagos hotel also has a Satsanga spa with a dynamic indoor pool, three restaurants with regional cuisine, a fully equipped convention centre with capacity for 550 people, a children's club, tennis courts, a sports centre and a putting green .

The proximity to the beach is ideal for water sports and diving.

Our holidays at Lagos are half-board with continental breakfast and a 3-course evening meal.

Breakfast

There is an extensive selection for breakfast from a buffet consisting of many choices of cereals, fruit juices, selection of yoghurt, fresh fruit, cheese, bread, rolls, croissants, jams, etc.

Lunch (payable locally)

There is a supermarket within walking distance from the hotel where you can buy lunch supplies there.

Evening meal

Dinner is a three course buffet style. Free coffee and tea orders taken at the table.

The hotel has 248 ensuite rooms with a balcony or terrace, some with sea views.

All rooms have:

Wi-fi, air conditioning, TV,
Safety deposit boxes (small charge)
Mini bar
Hairdryer, free toiletries

More Information

Before booking, you should check with your doctor to see whether any health precautions are needed for your trip. Health advice and requirements can change, so we recommend doing this in good time before travel.

As a general rule, travellers should ensure they are up to date with routine UK vaccinations and boosters, including, for example, MMR and diphtheria, tetanus and polio. Some countries may require you to have specific vaccinations such as Malaria, Rabies and Yellow Fever. Please check with your GP if you are unsure.

Please note that the use or possession of some common prescription or over-the-counter medicines is restricted or banned in certain countries. If you will be carrying medication, you should check with the relevant embassy or consulate before travelling. As an extra precaution, we recommend keeping medication in its original packaging, carrying a copy of your prescription, and, where possible, asking your pharmacist to provide the medication name in the language of the country you are visiting.

For further country-specific health advice, visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.traveldoctor.co.uk. If you are travelling from outside the UK, please consult your own doctor and check local entry requirements.

This information is for those travelling with a full ‘British Citizen’ passport; for all other nationalities or passport holders, please check with your local consulate for advice.

Passport Requirements

This information applies to travellers holding a full British Citizen passport. Entry requirements vary by destination and can change at short notice. For most EU and worldwide destinations, passports must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. Some countries also require a minimum period of validity remaining on your passport (often up to 6 months beyond your return date), even if you are not staying that long.
We strongly recommend ensuring your passport has at least six months’ validity remaining at the time of travel to avoid any issues.

If you hold a different type of British passport or a passport issued by another country, you must check the requirements with the relevant embassy, consulate, or official government website.

Visa Requirements

Visa rules depend on your nationality, destination, length of stay, and purpose of travel, and they can change frequently. It is your responsibility to check whether you require a visa before travelling.
British passport holders should check the latest entry, passport validity and visa requirements for their destination on the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) website:
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

It's best to be prepared for all weather conditions. To make it easier, here is a list of items you should consider packing.  

Essentials 

Walking boots
Waterproof jacket
Waterproof trousers
Insulated jacket/top
Walking clothing
Walking socks (plus spares)
Sunhat
Gloves/mitts and warm hat
Water bottle (minimum 2 litre capacity)
Headtorch
High-factor sunscreen (minimum SPF 30)
Sunglasses with a dark lens
Rucksack (15-30 litres)
Mobile phone
Personal first aid kit (containing your medication, blister plasters, etc.)
Passport
Visa (if applicable)
Copy of your travel insurance policy
UK Global Health Insurance Card (formerly known as EHIC)

Recommended

Collapsible walking poles
Swimwear and travel towel
Snacks
Dry bags
Rubbish bags
Insect repellent

Optional extras

Camera
Sit mat
Flask for hot drinks
Durable lunch box
Gaiters
GPS device (excluding Bhutan, Georgia and India)

Book your holiday ‘with flights’ and you can choose to depart from a range of UK airports* to your destination. For latest flight times and prices please call us on 0203-974-8865 or email reservations@hfholidays.co.uk

If you choose to book your flights with us, we automatically include return transfers between the destination airport and hotel.

Alternatively, tailor your journey to suit you by booking your holiday ‘without flights’ and you’ll have the freedom to book your own flights from your local airport.

*Subject to availability

Carbon Footprint - 736kg CO2

We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.

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