Mountain to the Sea

Schist houses in the hills in the morning, the town of churches in the afternoon.

The Algarve away from the beach. The morning is spent in the Serra do Caldeirão, among the schist houses and thatched huts of Cachopo, after a lovely road through cork-oak hills; the afternoon comes down to Tavira, the town of churches. It is a day with plenty of driving, taken calmly. For those who want to see another Algarve.

The day, stop by stop

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   Cachopo, Serra do Caldeirão

   Cachopo sits in the middle of the Caldeirão hills, far from the coast and from the Algarve most people know. The houses are built of schist, the streets are quiet, and there are still round thatched huts that show how life in the hills used to be. On the way, the road winds through cork oak and strawberry tree country. It is a place to chat with locals and taste cured sausage, honey or medronho brandy in a village café. Bring a jacket in the cooler months.

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   Tavira

   Tavira is split by the Gilão river and joined by the old bridge, known as the Roman bridge, which you cross on foot. Up the hill, the castle has a small garden looking over the distinctive hipped rooftops, with a church on almost every corner. Down below, the riverside has cafés and the old market hall. It is a town to wander without hurry, ideally in the late afternoon. Try an almond or fig sweet from a local pastry shop before heading back to the car.

The essentials

Duration

8 h · Full day

Pick-up

At your hotel. The final price depends on where you are staying; we confirm it when you tell us.

Included

The car and the driver, only for your group, tolls and water.

Not included

Entrance tickets and meals.

Who it is for

Anyone who wants the Algarve away from the beach.

The route