Things to do in the Algarve, Portugal

Let's Walk in the Algarve - January 2009 programme

The Algarve is an ideal place to walk but to find the real Algarve, you must park your car and explore on foot - there is so much more to this region than its famous coastline

Dr Julie Statham with colleague Peter Lammin of Portugal Walks organise a programme of walks running from September to June each year.  All are welcome to go along and there is no need to book.  There is a charge for each walk (usually €5) which includes a donation to charity.  Please note the walks start promptly and all walks will take place unless there is torrential rain!  

Each month we will publish the current monthly walks programme but if you wish to contact the walk leaders then details are published below:

Julie Statham on   + 351 282 697 298 or + 351 965 753 033 or UK 0871 711 3315

Peter Lammin on + 351 934 992 908

email: info@portugalwalks.com   www.portugalwalks.com   and   www.wildaway.com

January 2009 Programme

 
Thursday 1st January - Let's walk on New Years Day
A fairly easy 2 hour circular walk that will get 2009 off to a 'bang' 

2.00pm start - meet in Tenoca:  Exit the A22 at Boliquime turn off and
follow the signs for Loule, after passing over the A22 turn left for
Campina.  You drive 3km into Alfontes & then turn left opposite Cafe Silva,
the cafe is 600m on the right (opposite the Gun Shop).

Saturday 3 January - Let's walk from Encherim, Silves
A fairly easy 2 hour walk through eucalyptus woods and back along the
levada.

10.30 start - meet at the Cafe Prata in Encherim:  Drive over the bridge into
Silves, turn right and at the roundabout take the first exit to Messines, at
800m you come to Encherim and the cafe is on the right.

Wednesday January 7th - Let's walk over the hills to the Arade
A moderately easy walk of 2.5 hours through forests and open countryside - totally unspoilt.

10.30am start - meet at the cafe/bar Retiro de Pescadores. If driving from Silves towards Messines, 4km after leaving Silves there is a left turn just before the bridge signed to Pinheiro e Garrado and a Horse Riding centre. When the road forks go left and the cafe is immediately there on the left.

 
Wednesday January 14th - Let's Walk from Vila do Bispo.
A walk of almost 3 hours deep in the heart of the Natural park with wonderful views.

10.30am start - meet in the carpark by the mercado in Vila do Bispo:  From the EN 125 take the second exit for VDB and go straight over at the roundabout, at the next roundabout go left and the mercado is there on the right side.

 
Saturday January 17th - Let's walk around Paderne Castle
A fairly easy walk of 2 hours around the castle and through the spectacular Quarteira river gorge.

10.30am start - meet at the café ' A Lagar' in the hamlet of Cerca Velha:  This is located on the old Lisbon road between Boliqueime and Paderne. If coming from Paderne, drive up through the village and you immediately come to the hamlet of Cerca Velha, the cafe is 200m along on the left.

Wednesday January 21st - Let's Walk near Arao
A 2.5 hour walk through unspoilt countryside with breathtaking views in all directions, moderate walking.

10.30am start - meet at the Cafe Cansado, Arao:  Leave the A22 at the Mx Grande / Odiaxere exit cross straight over the first roundabout and at the second go right towards Odiaxere.  After 400m there is a road to the right to Arao take that, pass under the A22 and continue along to a bridge which you cross and the cafe is there on the right.

Wednesday January 28th - Let's Walk through almond blossom
A stunning walk of almost 3 hours along the limestone ridges and through the valley awash with almond trees.

10.30am start - meet at the cafe Nave in the village of Nave do Barao:  Exit the A22 at Boliquime and follow the signs for Loule. After the quarry turn left and follow the signs for the Alte Hotel. You drive 8km to pass through Alto Fica and then there is a turn to the right to Nave do Barao - the cafe is on the right and there is a carpark.

Saturday January 31st - Let's Walk from Meia Praia
A relatively easy 2 hour walk with great views over the Alvor estuary before dropping down to walk back along the beach.

10.30am start - meet at the beachbar car parks, Meia Praia:  Leave the A22 at Mx Grande / Odiaxere exit and follow the signs for Odiaxere, in the centre of the town turn left and follow signs for Palmares golf. After passing the club house the road drops down adn you turn right, follow the road to the roundabout and go left where you will see the carpark and bars.
 
All are welcome to come along - there is no need to book (there is a charge of 5 euro per walk which includes a donation to charity).
If you require more details please call: Julie Statham 965 753 033 or www.portugalwalks.com

Dr Julie Statham
Portugal Walks - the walking specialists for Portugal, Madeira & Azores
www.portugalwalks.com & www.wildaway.com
Pedal in Portugal - for exceptional cycling holidays - www.pedalinportugal.com
Tel: +351 965 753 033 or UK 0871 711 3315
A Responsible Travel member

Would you like more suggestions?  Take a look at our Things to do in the Algarve and Places to go in the Algarve sections for loads of ideas of what to do and where to go

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