Hiking, Sailing, Nature

ALGARVE (Portugal)-7 days

 

It has been a long time since we last travelled, and enjoying some holidays outdoors becomes more wanted than ever. Sailing the waves, walking the mountains and endless beaches always in contact with nature sounds like a plan now. Our adventure focuses on small groups, of travellers, highly qualified guides and a healthy and sustainable activity.

A journey through the most solitary and unknown retreats of the Algarve. Walk on the coastal cliffs along the Seven Hanging Valleys, the best hiking trail in Europe according to European Best Destinations ranking: rocky formations, sea caves with crystal clear waters together with the famous Benagil “algar”, all found between Vale Centeanes and Praia da Marinha. A maritime excursion in Ria Formosa National Park includes highlights such as the charming village of Cacela Velha, ideal for bird watching, and Tavira, one of the most beautiful towns in the Algarve. Olhão and its traditional local market, Culatra Island and Farol Beach: unspoilt beaches and small fishing villages set on a paradise. Our Sailing tour allows us dolphin watching, swimming in the open sea and anchoring in the middle of nature, thanks to our professional and experienced skipper. Let yourself be immersed in a once in a life time experience. Welcome to Faro del Sur!

The south of the Iberian Peninsula became a perfect place for outdoor activities. Smooth winters and not too hot summers (due to the Atlantic winds) allow us to enjoy the weather and nature all year around. You will find local traditions and astonishing cultures combined with still wild natural landscapes and a great gastronomy based on the natural resources that the sea offers to us. An unbeatable plan for Adventure Travel in the south of Portugal. This trip is suitable for anyone with an active mind and a gentle physical condition.

– CANCELLATION FREE OF CHARGE IN CASE CUSTOMERS ARE NOT ABLE TO TRAVEL DUE TO NEW COVID RESTRICTIONS AND FULL REFUND OF THE TOTAL COST OF THE TRIP

– SMALL GROUPS

– DOUBLE OR SINGLE ROOM ACCOMMODATION

– UP-TO-DATE COVID PROTOCOLS

DEPARTURES 2022

11th, 25th June

INCLUDED

Transfers Seville-Isla Cristina-Seville.

Faro del Sur professional guides during all your tours.

Accommodation: double or single room in the apartments located in front of a Natural Reserve.

Private or shared bathroom.

Sheets and towels.

All activities according to the program: P.N. Ria Formosa – includes return ticket to Ilha da Culatra,  Coastal Sailing – includes professional skipper and a light snack,  Hiking the 7 Hanging Valleys, Hiking the Guadiana River track – includes zip line ticket.

All transfers in private vehicles

Insurance

WIFI

NOT INCLUDED

Travel to Seville.

  All meals along the week except for a light snack aboard the sailing boat.

All other non-specified services.

PRICE

Price: 695€ (VAT inc.)

Supplement single room with private bathroom (Optional): 250€

Life goes on and we need, more than ever, to get some “normal routine” back. This is the reason why we are quite excited to welcome you in our Faro to do our very best so that your trip becomes an unforgettable experience.

This is a trip for those who enjoy nature by walking, sailing and exploring the Portuguese local culture. It is a very complete itinerary that includes activities to be developed in an exceptional location: the Portuguese Algarve. Ria Formosa Natural Park consists of 60km of sandy beaches and isles that extend along the coastline of the Algarve. A huge labyrinth of water, islands, marshes, estuaries, navigation channels, dunes and beaches combine Atlantic and Mediterranean landscape features in an exceptional geographical location with an outstanding biological diversity. Its importance as a nesting site, migratory stopover and winter ground for numerous seabirds make it of special interest due to the existence of extremely rare or endangered species. There is often a high probability to observe bird species that live in saltwater habitats such as flamingos, egrets and spoonbills. Ria Formosa Natural Park becomes one of the most important lagoon ecosystems in Portugal and is home of white villages full of history and traditions such as Olhão, Cacela Velha, Culatra or Tavira. Further west, the astonishing cliffs of Carvoeiro area and the Seven Hanging Valleys route along the coast will give us the opportunity to know the impressive geological formations, caves and “algars” and highly adapted shrubbery vegetation on top of the cliffs. Or maybe embark for a coastal sailing heading the horizon to relax and enjoy the feeling of freedom that sails give us with the wind… Welcome to Faro del Sur!

 

The entire program has been designed by our extraordinary team and is driven by our own naturalist guides. Specific equipment used in the activities belongs to Faro del Sur: sailing boat, vans and accommodation. This way, we ensure our goal is achieved with a perfect balance between quality and price. Accommodation is in our new and fully equipped apartments located in front of a beautiful natural landscape dominated by marshes. We also have the constant support of Faro del Sur main office in Isla Cristina.

Our travellers do not need previous experience to do the activities. However, we require active minds wishing to take a once in a life experience with so much fun and having a gentle/moderate level of fitness.

Our way of travelling is based on respect towards local people and places we visit. We look for a positive exchange and a responsible travel. We care about sustainable activities with small groups of guests that get involved in the local economy and get aware about the importance of protecting our historical and cultural heritage and conserving nature.

From a sanitary side, all of our protocols and measures we adopt are kept updated as so the global situation evolves. We encourage social distancing and follow hygienic and sanitary measures in our facilities, accommodation and while on tour. Safety protocols are followed in order to minimize any risk in all services we provide and so that everyone can enjoy nature in the safest way.

* All activities are subject to changes or suspension due to weather conditions or any other forces beyond our control.

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Day 1

TRANSFER TO ISLA CRISTINA FROM SEVILLE. Meeting point for pick up will be in Seville at 17h. Upon arrival at our office in Isla Cristina there will be a short briefing about our week program. Then, accommodation is in our cosy Faro del Sur Touristic Apartments located in front of a Natural Reserve and 20 minutes driving from Portugal.
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Day 2

THE 7 HANGING VALLEYS TRAIL. Today we begin our adventure in Carvoeiro (Lagoa) coastline where we shall start the best hiking route in Europe, according to the European Best Destinations ranking. We will be walking along impressive coastal cliffs, crossed by seven watercourses that moulded small valleys over time and are now washed by the Atlantic Ocean. We will let ourselves be amazed by turquoise water beaches, marine caves, lighthouses and natural rock formations in the heart of the Algarve: Praia da Marinha, Cabo Carvoeiro, Praia de Carvalho and Vale de Centeanes. Bird lovers will also be able to observe several species of seabirds that nest on the rocky shore or are migrating passing by the south coast of Portugal.

Walking time: 3-4 hours. Distance 10 km approx. Full day.

3

Day 3

KAYAKING IN RIA FORMOSA. Our first stopover will be in Cacela Velha, a small village of cobbled streets and whitewashed houses located on a cliff in front of the open ocean, an astonishing place with extraordinary views to the eastern part of the Natural Park. After that, we will start our kayaking day in this beautiful scenery. You will receive a basic introduction course for beginners on how to handle kayaks. This is the perfect boat to approach the birds and plants that grow in this corner of the Algarve throughout a quite route along a narrow water channel that separates the island from mainland. On one side, the dunes and the sea and on the other, an ancient rural system made up of small white villages, old farmhouses and fruit trees. We shall finish the route in a sandy area of shellfish gatherers and traditional fishing boats. We will end a perfect day in Tavira, one of the most famous towns in the Algarve, with an important historical heritage coming from a variety of cultures and a very tasty pastry tradition.
4

Day 4

ALGARVE COAST BY SAILING BOAT. Today we set sail aboard our ocean-going sailing boat. If weather and sea conditions permit we will set course to the open ocean to learn the ancient art of navigation.  There will be opportunities for everyone to crew the boat and help steer a steady course in search of soaring seabirds and dolphins riding the waves. Swimming at sea is possible and the excursion includes a snack while onboard. For a few hours we will feel the magic of the ocean and will discover a world dominated by wind, sea, sky and tides.
5

Day 5

GUADIANA RIVER WALK – WHITE VILLAGES IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL.  An hour drive will take us to the beginning of a gentle trekking trail which we will walk following a river stream in a natural surrounding dominated by olive trees, cork oaks and Mediterranean-type vegetation. The Guadiana River will show up in front of us and will indicate our way towards Sanlúcar del Guadiana, on the Spanish river side. For those who appeal the risk, there is the option to try the only cross border Zip Line in Europe. You will jump out in Spain and land in Portugal. An alternative short ride by boat is available to cross to the Portuguese side and join the group in the white village of Alcoutim.

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Day 6

CULATRA ISLAND – FAROL. Today we shall spend the day visiting a different part of this natural reserve, one of the most important in Portugal. We start the morning walking around the picturesque village of Olhão with its narrow streets in the North African style and its lively promenade. From its port, we will take the local ferry that takes us to Ilha da Culatra where we will enjoy a relaxing walk along the white sand bar to reach Farol Beach. Enjoy an authentic landscape among dunes and charming fishing settlements that reminds us of past times.
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Day 7

TRANSFER TO SEVILLE. Today there may be some free time in the morning before our transfer van takes us to Seville. You may want to visit the traditional salt harvesting family business where you can take a relaxing bath in a magnesium lagoon or learn about the process of obtaining salt in the traditional way. We will depart at 15h to Seville. End of program.

To book your place, please contact us to check availability:

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