Loop Walk from Carrapateira
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Fishermens Trail, Carrapateira sand dunes.Photo: Iain Grant, Macs Adventure
Leaving Carrapateira the Fishermen’s Trail heads out the sand dunes and wide expanse of Bordeira beach before rounding the rugged headland of the Pontal do Carrapatiera. Reaching Amado beach the route meanders inland along a small valley before gradually ascending and returning to Carrapateira.
Enjoy an exhilarating coastal walk around the rugged Ponta da Carrapateira today. There are numerous wonderful viewpoints all the way around the peninsula looking down on to glorious sandy beaches, such as Bordeira and Amado. Look out for fishermen perched precariously on the cliffs and enjoy lunch whilst breathing in the sea-salt air and taking in the views! Return to Carrapateira for a relaxing night at your Casa.
Author’s recommendation
This is a short walk with stunning views. There are plenty of viewpoints where you will want to linger and take in the impressive nature of the unspoilt coastline. From the sandy expanse of Bordiera beach, around the rugged Pontal do Carrapateira to the surfer’s paradise of Amado beach there is something for everyone. On a clear day it is possible to look up the coast to Arrifana and south down to Cabo de Soa Vincente.
Trail finding on this section should be fairly straight forward. The Fishermen’s Trail is clearly way marked by green striped markers on posts, trees and signposts.
Track types
Show elevation profileSafety information
The only sections of the walk today where you might encounter traffic are leaving and arriving back in Carrapateira. The gravel road around Pontal do Carrapateira is popular so take care with vehicles at peak times of the year. Most of the paths leading to the cliff top viewpoints are boarded and fenced off for safety as the cliffs are steep. It can also be windy so do not be tempted to wander off in bad weather.
Tips and hints
Points of Interest
Ponta do Castelo
This is the earliest fishing site from the Moorish period in the area dating from the 12 th Century. The views from the site over the coast are stunning. The viewpoint leading to the remains are just past the small fishing harbour on the route to Amado beach.
http://www.vale-da-telha.eu/islamic-fishermen-settlement-in-ponta-do-castelo-by-carrapateira/
Bordeira & Amado beaches
Arguably some of the best beaches on Portugal’s Algarve coast, noted form the rugged limestone cliffs and extensive sand dunes. They have good waves and are popular with surfers.
Food & Drink
Carrapateira is a small coastal village with a small supermarket and a farmers market but little else in the way of facilities. There are also a number of cafes, bars and restaurants where you can obtain food and drink. Remember to take plenty of fluids, particularly if the weather is hot. There is a bar en route at the small fishing harbour and another at Amando beach but opening times vary.
This walk is part of the following itineraries:
WPSTVA
WPSTWA
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
0.00 km – Standing with your back to the town square and facing the guitar sculpture, TURN RIGHT along the main road and then in 100 m TURN LEFT onto the road and past the windmill. Continue STRAIGHT ON towards the sand dunes following the green striped markers.
0.40 km – On the bend in the road, BEAR RIGHT onto the sandy path into the dunes following the Rota Vicentina markers.
1.30 km – Arriving at a road, cross over and continue STRAIGHT ON along the wooden boardwalk. At the end of the boardwalk TURN LEFT and walk towards the sand dunes and car park. BEAR RIGHT at the car park and continue STRAIGHT ON along the side of the headland following the green striped markers to another boardwalk. BEAR LEFT up to the small vehicle turning circle.
2.30 km – At the turning circle continue STRAIGHT ON along the wooden boardwalk and then in 200 m BEAR RIGHT towards the sea onto a gravel road. Continue STRAIGHT ON along this gravel road for approx 5 kms to Amado beach.( There are numerous viewpoints along the Pontal do Carrapateira for stunning views of the coast. The Ponte do Castelo is just past a small fishing harbour at 6.5 kms along the trail.)
7.20 km – Arriving at Amado beach TURN LEFT past the car park and then in 200 m TURN RIGHT onto a dirt track signed with green striped markers. Continue STRAIGHT ON meandering along the valley and following the prominent markers posts.
8.80 km – At the top of a small hill, continue STRAIGHT ON with Carrapateira ahead. Again following the marker posts, which are now striped yellow and red as well as green.
9.60 km – At the tarmac road continue STRAIGHT ON.
10.00 km – At the main road TURN LEFT towards Carrapateira and continue STRAIGHT ON.
10.2 km - Arriving back at the town square you have reached the end of your walk.
Note
Coordinates
Equipment
Comfortable footwear is needed as much of the route follows rough gravel tracks or sandy paths. Headgear and sun screen are also advisable as shade is limited on the cliff tops. While the weather is almost always sunny it is worth taking a waterproof just in case.
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