Arrive in Lagos, a town with so much to offer we recommend adding additional nights before your hiking begins. A strategic port during Portugal's extraordinary Age of Discovery this old town is steeped in history. Take time to discover the spectacular Igreja de Santo Antonio Church boasting one of the most stunning Baroque interiors in Portugal, draped in artistically carved and gold-plated woodwork and oil paintings honouring the life of St Anthony from whom the church is named. Alternatively, take a stroll along the strong defensive walls that have protected the town since the 16th century and pay visit to the Governors Castle which stands proudly by the harbour. In the evening, you will be spoilt for choice for places to dine, but with such close proximity to the coast, fish is sure to be featured on every menu!

Your first walk of the week begins from laid back Sagres, a popular town amongst surfers seeking the thrill of the Atlantic waves. After breakfast, a short transfer will take you to the start of your walk where you can witness these thrill seekers in action before you set off on your way. The peaceful trails along this stretch of coast are a world away from the bustling tourist resorts. Black, red and yellow rock formations, sparse plateaus, long drawn-out sandy beaches and breath-taking headlands offer the perfect backdrop for today's hike to the small village of Fiqueira. Here you can enjoy well earned refreshments. During the spring the cliffs come alive with the brightly coloured shrubs and the sea birds flock to the rocky ledges, certainly a hike to carry your binoculars.

Your day begins with a short transfer to the small, but perfectly formed, coastal village of Burgau. A traditional village with fishing at its heart; you may even spot the fishing boats setting sail for the days catch. You will have time for a morning coffee in one of the cafes on the square before setting off on your hike. Leaving Burgau behind you will soon be accompanied by the sound of the waves crashing below the cliffs as you meander along the clifftops to the popular resort of Praia da Luz. Here you can enjoy a welcomed refreshment and perhaps a bite to eat in one of the beachfront cafes, or take a dip in the inviting waters before continuing your journey along this magnificent coast. Feeling refreshed your route continues along the Great Coastal Trail to Ponta da Piedade where you will be greeted by the impressive golden arches and great rock formations emerging proudly from the ocean. Beneath these impressive formations, you will hear the gurgling of the water in the grottos and caves, testament to the power of the deep blue waters that formed this natural artwork.

Your route today will take you from possibly the prettiest village on the Algarve, Ferragudo. Sitting at the mouth of the Arade River this traditional fishing village homes all the qualities you would hope; whitewashed houses, colourful fishing boats and fragrant flowers. You will have time to explore the cobbled streets before setting off along the coast to your next goal, Carvoeiro, from where you join the stunning Seven Hanging Valleys trail. This magnificent trail gains its name from the seven secluded bays it encompasses as you make your way along though the fragrant juniper and shrubbery that bursts into colour in the spring. In the evening enjoy dinner in one of Albufiera's many restaurants and enjoy a spot of people watching in what is a bustling resort.

Today's walk will introduce you to the wonder of the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa and all its spectacular wildlife. A short transfer will take you to the start of your walk from where you will be passing through sand dunes and lagoons on winding paths and wooden walk ways, and it won't take long before you have your first encounter with the wildlife. Today is a day for nature lovers and we recommend taking time to marvel at the numerous species of birds that call this nature reserve home; Greater Flamingos, Spoonbills, and black-winged Stilts to name a few. If you're lucky you may even spot a Bee-eater too. In the evening, take a stroll through Faro's picturesque cidade velha (old town) protected by its mighty medieval walls, or to the marina and enjoy a glass of wine as the sun sets. As you meander through the town you will note the patchwork of architectural style, reflective of the town's history.

Your morning begins with a scenic train journey to the traditional town of Fuzeta. A town with an authentic Algarve feel, where you won't be stretched to see the local fisherman mending their crab baskets and the colourful boats chugging in and out of the quay fetching fresh hauls to the nearby market. Take time to enjoy a coffee and soak us the charming atmosphere before setting off on your way. When you're ready your route will take you past glistening salt basins, colourful houses and fruitful orchards as you make your way to the slow flowing river of Ria Formosa. From here you skirt the edge of the lagoon to Ilha de Tavira to discover the fascinating Cemiterio das Ancoras (Anchor Graveyard), a memorial to the lost tuna fishing industry which once thrived in the area. The anchors were originally used to fix the nets in place rather than mooring the boats. Continuing along the fine sandy beach, you will soon arrive at the north of the island from where you take a ferry into the historic town of Tavira, your home for the evening.

Feeling refreshed, today's walk will take you on an idyllic route along the Eastern Algarve coast all the way to the Spanish border. Hiking over gentle dunes, through fragrant pine forests and along deserted beaches, today is a walk for taking off your walking boots and dipping your toes in the ocean. You will soon reach the Rio Guadiana estuary that marks the border between Portugal and neighbouring Spain and your final destination, Vila Real de Santo Antonio. This strategic town was built from scratch following the infamous earthquake of 1755 and was built under royal decree with protection in mind. Take time to explore the Praca Marques de Pombal (central square), where the only church in the town, Igreja Matriz, stands centre stage, before taking the train back to Tavira. Spend your final evening on the Algarve soaking up the towns enchanting architecture and raise a toast to a great week.

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast and further explore Vila Real de Santo Antonio before making your onward journey.