An Algarve Quinta, near Lagos

discover Algarve’s coast & hills
ideal for families

There are two very different sides to unspoiled western Algarve, both equally rewarding to discover. On the coast, undulating paths lead along the top of weathered, honey-coloured cliffs punctuated by sleepy, whitewashed fishing villages and crumbling fortresses such as that at Sagres. Beneath the cliffs lie secluded, sandy bays that stretch westwards towards dramatic Cape St Vincent, the very edge of Europe, where the Romans believed that the sun sank into the Atlantic every evening.

Inland is a different scene entirely, even lesser-known than the western coast. Here, groves of orange and almond trees give way to the rugged, cork-oak clad hills of the Monchique Sierra whose paths reward you with wide-reaching views.

We offer a wide range of gentle-to-moderate walks (grade 1-2 or 2) in both areas, all easily accessible by car:

Foia (11km, 4h): rise through the cobbled streets of Monchique, past a ruined 17th-century Franciscan monastery and through attractive mixed woodland to the summit of Foia, the highest in Algarve. The far-reaching views extend all the way to the coast in clear weather.
Picota Peak (15km, 5h): this route takes in the rounded summit of the other panoramic peak which towers above Monchique, Picota, winding through cork woods and a lush valley before ascending gently through eucalyptus groves and open land to reach the rocky ridge which leads to the peak.
Monchique Valley (7km, 3h): an easier option explores the beautiful valley which stretches beneath Monchique.
Pastoral Algarve (13km, 4h): pretty paths lead through remote, rolling countryside in a very quiet corner of inland Algarve. The highlight is the section along an undulating ridge which affords good views over the surrounding landscapes. You could combine the walk with a visit to Silves, a town of great importance during Moorish rule which is still dominated by an impressive fortress whose fortifications afford far-reaching views across the hills.
Luz & Lagos (15km, 5h): take a taxi down to the coast and walk along the sandy beach to the handsome old port of Lagos. From here, you follow cliff-top paths westwards above secluded coves to the delightful resort of Luz, where you can take a taxi back to your base. (Pay locally for both taxis.)
Cliffs & Coves (15km, 5h): this second coastal route starts and ends in the pretty fishing village of Burgau, crossing the beautiful sands of the Praia da Almadena to reach the broad estuary of the Boca do Rio, home to many species of bird. Your destination is Salema, from where you retrace your steps back to Burgau.

Your base from which to discover all this (and more) is the Algarve Quinta, set in peaceful countryside 5 kilometres inland from historic Lagos with its golden beaches and excellent seafood restaurants.

The 19th-century farmhouse has been carefully converted into comfortable apartments full of character, and is home to Jill and Julio Pires, your wonderful Anglo-Portuguese hosts. Consistently praised for their exceptional hospitality, they welcome you warmly and are happy to share their wealth of local knowledge with you to help you get the most out of your stay - chat to them about your plans for the day over Jill’s delicious home-cooked breakfasts, which we include each morning. There are three spacious, high-quality apartments, with tiled floors, beamed ceilings and beautiful furnishings.

The smaller apartment has one double bedroom, while the larger apartments have one double and one twin. In addition, they all consist of one or two bathrooms, a well-equipped kitchen corner and a lounge with a DVD/video player. Their doors open out onto the terrace running along the front of the buildings, overlooking the extensive gardens planted with palms and flowering shrubs which hide a salt-water swimming pool surrounded by a sun terrace, a jacuzzi, a children’s play area and a barbecue area, which often serves as the setting for sociable dinners with your hosts and other guests (pay locally).