» Walking http://www.algarveguesthouse.com Quality Accommodation in a Rural Setting Mon, 26 Dec 2011 22:56:50 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 Walking the Algarve beaches http://www.algarveguesthouse.com/walking/walking-the-algarve-beaches/ http://www.algarveguesthouse.com/walking/walking-the-algarve-beaches/#comments Wed, 31 Mar 2010 12:38:54 +0000 mary http://www.algarveguesthouse.com/?p=287 After the uncharacteristic  spell of  bad weather over the last winter, it has been a real treat to go out and revisit some of our favourite spots on the Algarve. Last week we took to the west and south coasts, where there was plenty of evidence that spring is finally on its way. The benefit of rain is, of course, that everything is now looking so lush and strong. Everywhere we walked there were signs that nature was working hard, anxious to make up for precious time lost. The sea was still angry and powerful, with a multitude of blue and green hues.We still needed our walking boots to access some of the less well known and less easily accessed beaches but we were more than rewarded by the beauty of the scenery and the smell of the plants and flowers as we walked. Walking along most of the beaches, ours were the only footprints to break up the smooth, golden sand. Everything looked so fresh and ready for the new season. Walking on the Algarve is always a delight but there was something particularly relaxing and special about our walks last week. The photographs only hint at the delights we experienced. Getting back to Duas Quintas bed and breakfast accommodation we were refreshed and relaxed by the banquet of sights and smells that had filled our senses that day.

South coast beach March 2010 West Coast Beach March 2010

]]> http://www.algarveguesthouse.com/walking/walking-the-algarve-beaches/feed/ 0 Third Crossing of the Algarve Way http://www.algarveguesthouse.com/walking/third-crossing-of-the-algarve-way/ http://www.algarveguesthouse.com/walking/third-crossing-of-the-algarve-way/#comments Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:14:00 +0000 mary http://www.algarveguesthouse.com/?p=265 The third crossing of the Via Algarviana ( Algarve Way ) takes place in March this year. Participants can choose to travel in four different ways, on foot, on mountain bike, on horseback or on foot but accompanied by donkeys. Whatever your preferred method of travel this should be an interesting and enjoyable way to explore the wonderful, and often undiscovered interior of the Algarve. The route is mostly through countryside and passes close to DuasQuintas guesthouse, a convenient stop off point on sector 9 of the trail.

walking in the hills Barragem do Arade

For those interested in walking, the Algarve Way trail  is divided over 14 days, beginning on March 20. This year the walk will start in Cabo de Sao Vincente, on the west coast and finish 240 kilometers later in Alcoutim, in the east, on April 2. However, you do not need to do the whole walk and people can choose to join the crossing for as long or as short a period as they wish.

The main objective of Almargem, the enviormental group behind this venture, is to open up the interior of the Algarve in a sustainable way so that more and more people can enjoy this hidden treasure.

Travelling with donkeys is the love of Sofia von Mentzingen who visited us at Duas Quintas guesthouse last year while she was exploring the Algarve Way with Kiko and Jeko, two of her long eared friends. Sofia explained to us that trekking with donkeys is all about going at the animals pace.They are not just there to carry the baggage but become a real companion to those who are travelling with them.

Sofia and Helga preparing to TravelReady to go!

By foot, by mountain bike, by horseback or with donkeys, the 3rd crossing of the Via Algarviana will have lots to delight and surprise its participants.

But if you cannot make the March/April dates remember that walking the Algarve Way can also be combined with other  algarve walking holidays. Consider exploring the Algarve Way over a series of mini breaks, taking advantage of low cost flights. Walking in the Algarve is the ideal activity to combine with the many low cost flights to Faro. Its great because the  best value flights are available at some of the best times of the year for your Algarve walking holidays. Many airlines with flights to Faro have excellent pre summer prices. March, April, May and June are good months to choose for your Algarve walking holidays as the weather is not too hot but you can look forward to plenty of blue skies as well as wonderful wild flowers.

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