Via Algarviana: from Loulé to Silves
Duration: 7 days
Trails: T2 trails
Distance: 15 - 20 km per day
Ascent per day: 250 - 500 m ascent per day
> Hike through rural Portugal
> Enjoy beautiful surroundings
> Stay in charming local villages
The Algarve, located in the southern part of Portugal, is well-known to sun-seekers. Pleasant temperatures and beautiful surroundings ensure crowded beaches. However, besides beach relaxation, the region also offers magnificent hiking opportunities.
You won't encounter popular beach resorts like Faro and Albufeira on this journey, but you will have the chance to explore serene villages, where you can unwind after a day of hiking. Walking the Via Algarviana is an experience in itself. As mentioned earlier, you'll be strolling through the inland of the Algarve, where it's serene and tranquil. You can let your thoughts roam freely, and along the way, your senses will be awakened by the scents and colors of the surroundings.
During this package, you will hike five stages of the Via Algarviana and you will get to know the Algarve much better along the way.
Itinerary
Day
1
Loulé
Today, you arrive in Loulé and spend the night in this town. Tomorrow, your Via Algarviana adventure begins, allowing you to start your walk refreshed. You'll have plenty of time to explore Loulé, including its covered market where you can find local delicacies and charming souvenirs. Wander through the narrow streets with white houses and end your day on a delightful terrace.
Loulé Coreto Guesthouse (Loulé)
Day
2
Loulé - Querença
Duration: 03:40 h
Distance: 12.6 km
Ascent: 360 m
Descent: 290 m
Today marks the start of the Via Algarviana! The first stage begins from the lovely center of Loulé. You'll walk out of the town along a few larger roads before hiking up hilly paths. Along the way, you'll pass colorful houses and olive trees. The stage gradually continues to ascend, and at the highest point of the day, you'll come across an old windmill – a perfect spot for a break. Afterward, you'll descend gradually, concluding the stage in the charming village of Querença, where you can relax after your first day of hiking.
Monte dos Avós (Querença)
Day
3
Querença - Salir
Duration: 03:46 h
Distance: 13.5 km
Ascent: 250 m
Descent: 270 m
Continuing from Querença, we hope you had a restful night. Today's route takes you along brooks and springs, over paths with the typical 'barrocal' terrain characteristic of the region. You'll keep ascending and descending gradually along the way, ultimately finishing in Salir. From here, you'll continue on the official Via Algarviana tomorrow, which is equally as beautiful.
Monte Carrascal Guesthouse (Salir)
Day
4
Salir - Alte
Duration: 04:33 h
Distance: 16.4 km
Ascent: 270 m
Descent: 320 m
Today's stage takes you past old water reservoirs, with fruit trees and the picturesque village of Benafim along the way, a great spot for a break. The route continues on to Alte, the day's destination. This charming place is renowned as one of the most authentic villages in the Algarve, so take your time exploring and find a nice terrace to relax on.
Alte Tradition Guest House (Alte)
Day
5
Alte - São Bartolomeu de Messines
Duration: 05:35 h
Distance: 20.5 km
Ascent: 290 m
Descent: 360 m
Today, the schedule includes the first of two longer stages, so start early and take your time on the way. You'll walk by orchards and encounter cork oak trees, a regional specialty. Along the route, you'll pass through small villages, perhaps finding a nice terrace for a break. This stage leads you to São Bartolomeu de Messines, a larger town in the region with all the necessary amenities to conclude another successful day of hiking.
Bartholomeu Guesthouse (São Bartolomeu de Messines)
Day
6
São Bartolomeu de Messines - Silves
Duration: 08:04 h
Distance: 29.1 km
Ascent: 480 m
Descent: 590 m
Today's stage to Silves is the pièce de résistance, covering over 29 kilometers to your destination. After several days of practice, you'll be up for the challenge. Fortunately, you can enjoy the beauty of nature along the way, including a large dam called Barragem do Funcho. The stage continues over dark red paths and past orchards with expansive vistas. Your final destination is Silves, an ancient fortress town that dates back to the eighth century, during Moorish rule. If you still have some energy left after today, it's a charming town to explore.
Mosaiko 5 Suites (Silves)
Day
7
Silves
After breakfast, our arrangement comes to an end, and you will depart by bus and/or train to Faro Airport or another destination in Portugal or beyond. If you have some spare time, it's worth walking through the steep streets to the upper walled city or visiting the cathedral, which once served as a mosque during the Moorish rule and has a serene atmosphere.
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