From sea to mountains, the unspoilt Western Algarve is a truly beautiful corner of Europe and perfect to explore on foot. We are delighted to take full advantage of the local area by offering guests unique, catered, walking holidays, at one of our luxury beach front villas.
The pretty and traditional fishing village of Salema is situated in the Costa Vincentina Natural Park. This is a protected area, which is famous for its spectacular Algarve scenery, endless historical treasures and rare flora and fauna. The sheer variety of landscape offers dramatic coastal paths, remote beaches, whitewashed villages, rolling hills, river valleys and cork forests. You will discover all of this terrain during your walking holiday with Simply Salema.
Tailor-made walking holidays for small groups of friends
In order for you to relax and enjoy your luxury villa holiday with us, we arrange the perfect walking itinerary by spending time discussing the fitness levels, requirements and abilities of the group, well before you arrive in Portugal. Subsequently, we can plan a variety of interesting walks with our local walking guide and good friend, Lol.
Simply Salema’s private Algarve walking guide
Laurie Rimmer, or Lol, as he likes to be called, has lived and walked in the western Algarve for over 15 years – and perhaps knows the area better than anyone. He is a true professional and very organised, with our walkers’ safety and enjoyment always his primary concern.
Lol has walked extensively throughout Britain and Europe, on many recognised trails. He recently completed the Via Algarviana GR13. This is a 300km walk which starts at Cabo de Sao Vincente (close to Salema) and finishes at Alcoutim, on the Spanish Border.
Lol is an expert at finding the best local Portuguese cafes and bars, which offer excellent value for money and serve traditional Algarve food and drink. He is also great fun and good company! With the laughter flowing after a long morning walking, Lol may well encourage you to try the local Algarve tipple, Medronho, over a lazy lunch. This is a traditional fruity brandy, so why not enjoy a drop? You are on holiday after all!
Simply Salema is very pleased to be in partnership with such an excellent walking guide. Lol is able to bring our walking holidays to life, by meticulously planning the best routes, depending on the levels on the group.
Much more than just a walking and rambling holiday
You will be accommodated in a luxury beach villa, with all the home from home comforts you could possibly need (ensuite bedrooms, hairdryers, unlimited tea and coffee, air conditioning, British TV etc).
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and this is especially true when you’re on a walking holiday and need to be prepared for the day ahead! An extensive buffet breakfast, with hot dish, is served each morning in the villa’s dining room.
Afternoon tea and homemade cakes will be waiting for you on your return to the villa after the day’s rambling. Then, when night falls and you have freshened up and changed, you will enjoy fine dining dinner parties in the comfort of the villa on 5 evenings. Our expert chef Max cooks exquisite 3 course meals using only the freshest local ingredients, with excellent complimentary wines served throughout your meal. On the two nights when an evening meal is not provided, you will have the opportunity to wander into Salema and try some of the delightful restaurants.
A high level of personal service and attention to detail
A Simply Salema representative will always be on hand to assist you in Portugal, with the aim of ensuring that your holiday runs smoothly. The party will be chauffeured to all walking and sightseeing locations in our brand new minibus, and transported to and from Faro airport on arrival and departure. You do not need to worry about anything and every holiday detail will be taken care of.
How much walking will there be during the holiday?
Each holiday is different, but we normally offer 4 guided walks with Lol each week. You are welcome to spend the other days relaxing at the villa, with its large heated swimming pool, extensive games room and sun terraces and spend time strolling in Salema. Or, we can explore a little more of the Algarve. This could be a visit to nearby Lagos, with its bustling marina, fish market and boutique shops, an excursion to remote beaches and castles, a boat trip dolphin watching, or even a surf lesson!
We are very flexible and aim to make your walking holiday perfect!
Family or friends who do not wish to take part in our guided walks are most welcome to join us. We can arrange a special itinerary to ensure that they also enjoy their villa holiday in Salema.
What will the walks be like?
Generally, our walks are designed to last between 3 – 6 hours, showcasing the diversity of this region of Portugal. The longer walks include time for lunch, and the distance we cover will depend on the terrain and walking pace of the group. Most walks would be graded easy to moderate, but difficult walks can be catered for.
Lol will lead your group towards the finest beaches that Portugal has to offer. You will find stunning coves, rugged cliffs and intriguing grottos. Inland, we go in search of estuaries and colourful valleys. During the Algarve spring, they are strewn with wonderful wild flowers. Walks will often incorporate traditional villages and ancient monuments.
One of your holiday rambles will be exploring large forests of pine and woods of cork oak, carob and eucalyptus. We will marvel at groves of oranges; lemons and many other fruits which grow in the Algarve, including pomegranates and diospyros. This walk is meticulously planned by Lol and is simply breathtaking.
The following are an example of some of our holiday walks. However, they can be designed specifically for individual group requirements and interests.
Coastal path east towards Lagos
This walk begins at nearby Burgau (the next village along from Salema) and heads east. In the distance, we view the lighthouse and discuss the interesting changes in rock formation. We later pass through the resorts of Praia da Luz and Porto de Mos. At Ponta da Piedade, we are lured to look down onto the majestic formation of caves, grottos and sea stacks. Gazing over the bay of Lagos, we view the Alvor estuary and the high rises of Portimao in the distance.
Coastal path west towards Sagres
We pass through colourful meadows and pasture lands, before arriving at the quiet beaches and bays of Zavial and Ingrena. Later, we ascend towards stunning views of Ponta da Atalaia and Sagres. Treading with care, we veer towards the remote Praia do Barranco, which is a favourite for wild camping! The short steep ascent brings us to Peniche Plateau, a flat and colourful area of wild flowers and meadow for grazing. With a little luck on this stretch, we may even see a traditional Algarvian shepherd with his sheep and goats! Following the cliff edge, we overlook an island and Praia Martinhal, which is a haven for wind surfers. Crossing golden sands, we finally reach the famous and historic fishing port of Sagres.
Remote villages
Going east, we leave the village of Bordeiraon a dusty track through woods of oak. Ascending gradually, we pass isolated houses to reach an elevated point with fantastic views of the Vilarinha valley and to the west, the Atlantic Ocean. We descend to follow the river along the valley to Carrapetiera. Passing through the village and lowland pasture, we reach the “wild coast” and Praia da Amado (a surfer’s paradise). We ascend slightly to take the track along the rugged and precipitous cliffs which have been the demise of many a fisherman over the years.
The two rivers
Following the course of the Nevadas (irrigation channel), we pass through groves of citrus and other varieties of fruit before reaching Ilha do Rosario, where the Odelouca meets the Rio Arade. Walking east, we are presented with astounding views of the City of Silves, the former capital of the Algarve. Further on, we pass by a Diospyros orchard to enter Silves from the north beneath the imposing 11th Century Moorish Castle. We leave the city going south over Ponta Romana and follow the eastern bank of the river estuary to the natural springs “Fonte do Estombar”. Finally, we ascend to the town of Estombar.
Forests and Woodland
A tranquil inland walk through traditional farming communities, the trail leads us into the National Park forests and indigenous woodland on a winding undulating course through valleys and lush pasture. The wide variety of flora and shrubs gives an abundance of colour in the spring. This area typifies the natural beauty of the Algarve countryside.
For groups who require a challenge, the Western Algarve offers sectors of the route of the Via Algarviana GR 13. For example, Cabo Vincente –Vilado Bispo. Vila do Bispo to Bensafrim, and Bensafrim to Marmalete. All of these routes can be accommodated into your walking holiday with us.
We look forward to welcoming your walking friends to Salema and please visit our extensive photo galleries http://www.simply-salema.co.uk/gallery/
Our self catered villa guests are also welcome to book Lol for a private guided walk during their holiday. Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information.
Kind regards
Ben Marshall
Simply Salema offer luxury catered walking holidays in Salema on Portugal’s western Algarve during March, April and May each year. Other walking holiday dates are available on request.
Further information:
LUXURY HOLIDAYS WITH WALKING IN PORTUGAL
We offer two magnificent catered beachfront villas in the pretty fishing village of Salema during the sunny Algarve spring. With the sea just metres away the location is remarkable.
Join us for the perfect week of walking & relaxation for just £495
Included:
- Luxury accommodation
- Extensive buffet breakfast on seven days
- Afternoon tea and cakes on seven days
- Three course evening meal on five nights (fine dining standard cuisine) with complimentary wine
- Four stunning guided walks tailored to your requirements
- Return transfers from Faro airport
- Transport to walking locations
- Champagneand canapés on arrival evening
- Simply Salema management, representative and maid service
Optional:
- Various excursions exploring the Algarve
- Activities including boat trips, dolphin watching, snorkelling, golf, fishing, tennis, bowls etc
- Additional walks
Our luxury properties are ideal for a small group of friends
- Accommodation is either the Casa O’Sonho or the Casa das Estevas
- Exclusive occupancy can be taken at either villa with 8 guests
How it works:
- Organise a small group of friends / fellow walkers
- Decide your preferred week and accommodation. Holidays run from Tuesday to Tuesday
- Contact Simply Salema who will confirm availability and plan a bespoke itinerary.
- Please note: This could be a full week of walking or a mixture of walking and other activities
- Non-walking friends and partners are most welcome. Simply Salema can arrange a special itinerary
Travel arrangements:
- There are regular low cost flights to Faro from across the UK
Holiday dates (Tuesday-Tuesday):
| 06/03 – 13/03 | 13/03 – 20/03 | 20/03 – 27/03 | 27/03 – 03/04 | 03/04 – 10/04 | 10/04 – 17/04 |
| 17/04 – 24/04 | 24/04 – 01/05 | 01/05 – 08/05 | 08/05 – 15/05 | 15/05 – 22/05 | 22/05 – 29/05 |
For further information please contact Ben Marshall
Tel: 01664 568 902 or Mob: 07940 342 898
Email: info@simply-salema.co.uk Web: www.simply-salema.co.uk