Via Algarviana — Alcoutim Trailhead

About This Place

The eastern start of the Via Algarviana — Portugal's 300 km coast-to-coast walking trail. Begins on the Guadiana River in Alcoutim and crosses the entire Algarve interior to Cape St. Vincent.

Via Algarviana — Alcoutim Trailhead

Alcoutim is the official eastern start of the Via Algarviana, the Algarve's 300 km long-distance walking trail. From here, the trail winds west across the rolling hills of the Algarve interior, through cork oak forests, almond groves, and traditional villages — all the way to Cape St. Vincent on the Atlantic coast.

The First Stages (from Alcoutim)

• Stage 1: Alcoutim → Furnazinhas (~14 km, 4–5 hours)
• Stage 2: Furnazinhas → Vaqueiros (~22 km, 6–7 hours)
• Stage 3: Vaqueiros → Cachopo (~28 km, 8–9 hours)

These first stages take you through some of the most remote parts of the Algarve — sleepy villages, abandoned schist hamlets, and silent hills.

Why Start Here

Alcoutim is a tiny riverside town on the Guadiana, looking across to Sanlúcar de Guadiana in Spain. It's atmospheric, quiet, and a perfect way to begin a long walk — slow mornings on the river before turning west.

Practical Info

• Waymarking: Red and yellow stripes (and the Via Algarviana logo)
• Best season: October–April (avoid summer heat)
• Maps & GPX: Available free at viaalgarviana.org
• Accommodation: Tiny guesthouses and rural tourism in villages along the route
• Water: Refill at every village fountain — carry 2L minimum between stages

Getting to Alcoutim

From Faro, drive the A22 east, then north on the IC27 to Alcoutim. About 1h 15min. Limited public transport — most walkers drive or arrange a transfer.