The line is OpenStreetMap's mapping of the route (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), via Waymarked Trails, with heights from a 30 m terrain model. Check the current official route before a long trip: diversions and permitted paths change. See the source.
The trail
The Via Algarviana (GR 13) crosses the hills behind the Algarve coast from Alcoutim on the Guadiana to Cabo de São Vicente, in 14 stages by Vaqueiros, Salir, Alte, Silves and Monchique. Its own site gives about 300 km; the line here, from OpenStreetMap, measures 307 km. The stages are 14 to 32 km, and the stretch from Silves to Monchique, with its climb into the Serra de Monchique, is the longest.
Stages
A suggested split into 14 days of about 22 km (14 mi). Each day ends at the town or village on the way nearest to an equal share of the distance, or at a hotel or hostel where there is none. These are not the official stages: check where you can stay before you book.
- Day 1 Alcoutim to Balurcos 24 km · 24 km from the start
- Day 2 Balurcos to Furnazinhas 14.1 km · 38 km from the start
- Day 3 Furnazinhas to Vaqueiros 23 km · 61 km from the start
- Day 4 Vaqueiros to Cachopo 14.7 km · 76 km from the start
- Day 5 Cachopo to Barranco do Velho 29 km · 105 km from the start
- Day 6 Barranco do Velho to Salir 14.8 km · 120 km from the start
- Day 7 Salir to Alte 16.2 km · 136 km from the start
- Day 8 Alte to São Bartolomeu de Messines 20 km · 156 km from the start
- Day 9 São Bartolomeu de Messines to Silves 29 km · 185 km from the start
- Day 10 Silves to Monchique 32 km · 217 km from the start
- Day 11 Monchique to Marmelete 15.0 km · 232 km from the start
- Day 12 Marmelete to Bensafrim 30 km · 262 km from the start
- Day 13 Bensafrim to Vila do Bispo 29 km · 291 km from the start
- Day 14 Vila do Bispo to Cabo de São Vicente 16.1 km · 307 km from the start
Start and finish
Start: near Alcoutim, Faro. 37.47136, -7.47125
Finish: near Cabo de São Vicente, Faro. 37.02316, -8.99587
Places to stay
Rooms in the towns and villages along the way:
- Alcoutim, Faro · The start Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
- Balurcos, Faro · After day 1 Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
- Furnazinhas, Faro · After day 2 Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
- Vaqueiros, Faro · After day 3 Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
- Cachopo, Faro · After day 4 Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
- Barranco do Velho, Faro · After day 5 Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
- Salir, Faro · After day 6 Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
- Alte, Faro · After day 7 Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
- São Bartolomeu de Messines, Faro · After day 8 Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
- Silves, Faro · After day 9 Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
- Monchique, Faro · After day 10 Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
- Marmelete, Faro · After day 11 Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
- Bensafrim, Faro · After day 12 Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
- Vila do Bispo, Faro · After day 13 Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
- Cabo de São Vicente, Faro · The finish Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line comes from the source named under the map and the heights from a terrain model, so treat the figures as a guide. Check for diversions before you go, take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.
