Western Algarve LUZ 2019 - HF Holidays
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Western Algarve
LUZ 2019
WELCOME TO
Western Algarve
The province of the Algarve is located in the far south of Portugal and is bordered by
the Atlantic on two sides, by the mountains to the north, and by Spain to the east. It's
150 miles of coastline stretching west to Cape St Vincent, which is formed of red cliffs
and rock formations that overlook numerous golden beaches.
Justly renowned for the beauty of its glorious coast, influence lives on in the local architecture and music.
a deeper exploration of the region reveals a land rich The name ‘Algarve’ originates from the Arabic Al Gharb
in history, culture and scenic contrasts. Groves of figs, which means the west.
oranges and almonds are found in abundance between
In contrast to the coastal strips recent development
the cork-oak clad slopes of the northern mountains and
from the 1980’s the inland villages have seen much less
the golden sands and red cliffs of the south.
development and fishing and agriculture remain
The first occupants of the Algarve are believed to be the important to the local economy.
Cynetes, followed by the Phoenicians and Carthaginians,
who established trading posts along the coast. It was the The resort of Luz was originally a small fishing village.
Romans who organised the region by planting vineyards Whilst it has been developed, it still retains something of
and improving agriculture. The area was later dominated its peaceful existence. The most notable building is the
for 500 years by the Moors, who sailed from North Africa church of Nossa Senhora da Luz (Our Lady of the Light),
in search of fertile land. They arrived in 711AD and their from which the village takes its name.
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ACCOMMODATION courts, small health club with a steam room, sauna
and gym. There is a large games room with TV,
HOTEL BELAVISTA DA LUZ snooker table and a few card tables.
Urbanización Marluz
Meals: All our holidays include breakfast and
lote 1
evening meal. If you have any special dietary
8600 Luz
requirements, including vegetarian, it is
Portugal
recommended you advise us before you travel.
Tel: +351 282 788 655
On arrival at the hotel please re-confirm your
Email: info@belavistadaluz.com requirements with the hotel staff.
Web: www.belavistadaluz.com
Breakfast: This is served from 7.30am and is a
Overlooking the bay of Praia da Luz with its sandy self-service buffet with a hot selection and some
beach only 650 yards away, this 4-star family-run local cakes and pastries.
hotel, has been built in a distinctive crescent
Evening Meal: A 3-course evening meal is served
shape and painted in a bright terracotta colour.
from a menu of international and Portuguese
Bedrooms: All bedrooms are ensuite and face cuisine with options for each course. A glass of
inwards overlooking the swimming pool and small wine will be served to compliment your meal each
garden areas. They have balconies/terrace with evening.
TV, air conditioning, fridge, telephone, tea and Lunch: A picnic lunch can be ordered direct from
coffee making facilities, room safe and hairdryer. the hotel the night before or the ingredients can
Facilities: There are 2 outdoor pools, tennis be purchased from local shops which are a few
minutes walk away.
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Guided Walking
ITINERARY
A unique feature of our Guided Walking holidays is the daily choice of walks.
Each evening your leaders will give a short talk about the options for the next day and
answer any questions that you may have.
In Luz you’ll have a choice of two guided walks on each most up to date information, please check our website.
walking day. A finalised itinerary will be available at the resort and your
Please note that the itinerary outlined below is leaders will talk every evening about the next day’s walks.
provisional and could be subject to change. For the
Easier Walks: 4-7 miles on Harder Walks: 6-11 miles on
good paths. Up to 700 feet of good paths. Up to 1,300 feet of
ascent in a day. ascent in a day.
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Day 1: Arrival day Day 3: The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
Depending on your arrival time you may have the Today we travel to the coast east of Luz and
opportunity to see a little of the resort before Lagos. The Easier walk starts at the lighthouse of
your evening meal. On the first evening our Cabo Carvoeiro, with dramatic views down to the
leaders will explain more about our walks and sea. While the Harder walk starts at the pretty
there will be plenty of time to meet with your Centeanes Beach. Both walks meander along the
fellow guests. tops of the amazing cliffs. As the walks continue,
you will see stacks rising from the sea, the typical
Day 2: Burgau to Ponta da Piedade geology of the Western Algarve coast. The path
Our first day of walks starts with a short coach undulates along the cliffs, with some descent to
ride to the fishing village of Burgau. This is one of hidden coves, and ascent to the cliff tops. Both
the most unspoilt villages on the Algarve coast walks end at the delightful chapel of Senhora da
and it still retains its original charm and character. Rocha.
The rock strata between Burgau and Ponta da Easier Walk: 5 miles (8km) with undulating ascent
Piedade are particularly varied and very colourful, and descent.
from white limestone to red sandstone, with
Harder Walk: 6½ miles (10km) with undulating
many minerals giving rise to different colours.
ascent and descent.
These different rocks support a wide variety of
flora and in Spring there are impressive displays of Day 4: Figueira to Sagres
wild flowers. Orchids are common on the These walks explore the coast line in the Cabo de
limestone sections, whilst other plants prefer the Sau Vicente Natural Park. Figueira, which
coarse sandy soils. Ponta da Piedade (Point of still retains its old farming atmosphere, remains
Piety) is a truly unforgettable sea cliff ensemble. virtually unspoilt and is well known for its rich
On a calm day you can look all the way down to a variety of wild flowers and birdlife. We walk
perfectly transparent sea washing the dramatic along cliff tops and then descend to beautiful
rock bridges and grottoes. Very long stairways undeveloped beaches, and return to the cliff tops
have been cut in the cliffside all the way down to once more. Our final descent is at Martinhal
sea level. Look for the sea stack which is the Beach, where we walk along the sand and into the
nesting home of the egrets. There is a lighthouse village of Sagres, which is the most south-
with its own shelter of palm trees. westerly community in Europe.
Easier walk: 6 miles (9½km) with 600 feet (180m) Easier Walk: 5 miles (8km) with 500 feet (150m) of
of ascent ascent
Harder walk: 7 miles (11km) with 800 feet (240m) Harder Walk: 9 miles (14½km) with 800 feet
of ascent (240m) of ascent
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Day 5: Free day Harder Walk: 8 miles (13km) with 1,500ft (450m)
Today there are no organised walks, allowing you of ascent and 2,300ft (690m) of descent
time to explore the local area or just relax in the Day 7: Carrapeteira and Pontal
hotel or at the beach.
Today’s walks take us through the village of
Lagos: The town is easily accessible by bus directly from Carrapatiera and to the West Atlantic coast. We walk
outside the hotel. The town has a rich historical past. through spectacular coastal and country scenery.
There is a bold boulevard with marina and many shops The village is famous for its multi coloured cliffs at
and restaurants. Lacobriga was the Roman name for the Pontal headland. There is a rich variety of coastal
Lagos and the Roman wall can still be seen, many parts
scenery as we head south towards the beautiful
of it original. It became the capital of the Algarve with
Praia do Amado (the Lovers Beach), very popular
the Governors Palace at the headquarters of Henry’s
with surfers. Both groups will meet at a restaurant
School of Navigation. Lagos became a key port in the
overlooking the beach to enjoy a memorable lunch
slave trade from the 14th century until it was abolished
in the second half of the 19th century. Most of the city (payable locally). A short walk takes us back to the
was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake but one survivor village and our coach.
is the alter of the Chapel of St. Antony. There are boat Easier Walk: 5 miles (8km) with 400 feet (120m)
trips from Lagos to Ponta Piadade with its many grottos of ascent
and sea cliffs to wonder at. Harder Walk: 8 miles (13km) with 700 feet (210m)
Day 6: Monchique of ascent with 1,000 feet (300m) of descent
Today we head for the hills of the Serra de Day 8: Departure day
Monchique. The town of Monchique is set in a valley
between the two highpoints of the Algarve, Foia
and Picota at 997 and 773 metres respectively. In the evenings
Both parties start their walks in the town and head The friendly atmosphere of our Guided
to the foothills of Picota before descending to the Walking holidays continues into the evening.
spa at Caldas de Monchique. The harder walkers We’ll enjoy a leisurely meal and then you may
have the option of ascending Picota and will be also like to join your leader for an evening stroll,
rewarded by the magnificent views. listen to local musicians, relax with a book in
Easier Walk: 6 miles (9½km) with 900 feet (270m) a quiet lounge or enjoy a drink at the bar with
of ascent and 1,700 feet (510m) of descent your fellow walkers talking about your day.
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WALKING
INFORMATION
Your walking leaders: HF Holidays’ leaders are a who will accompany you on a walk to enrich and
pivotal feature of our Guided Walking holidays. enhance your enjoyment of the area by giving you
During the day they will guide you on the walks in an insight into its history and culture. Tips for local
a caring and considerate way, showing you places interest guides have not been included in the price
of interest en route. All our leaders have been of your holiday. This is at your own discretion and we
selected on an intensive residential course so invite you to do this directly with the local guide.
you can relax and enjoy your holiday knowing that Maps: Your leaders will of course carry all the maps
you are in safe hands. Our leaders welcome your and detailed walk instructions needed for the walks.
comments on the holiday survey; constructive The maps available for this area are RKH
suggestions for things that they might do 1:100,000 entitled Algarve.
differently are very helpful.
Maps can be obtained by mail order from The Map
We take pride in the quality of our holidays and Shop, tel: 0800 0854080 or visit
work closely with all our providers to ensure our www.themapshop.co.uk.
holidays meet your expectations. If for any
reason you are not satisfied with any element of Children: We welcome unaccompanied children of
14 or over on our walks on the basis that they can
your holiday, our leaders are the best people to
take full responsibility for themselves. Children
help.
under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an
Local interest guides: In some of our resorts we adult.
may employ the services of a local interest guide
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guest registration form any health condition or
WALKING disability you may have. The leaders will treat this
confidentially and may be able to take it into account
SAFETY on the walks; for example, by not delaying lunch if
We are committed to running our Guided Walking they know they have someone with diabetes in their
holidays in a safe manner and your co-operation party.
with this is much appreciated. No outdoor activity EU citizens should ensure they have a European
can be 100% risk free; however, if you take sensible Health Insurance Card (EHIC) prior to their holiday.
precautions and adhere to your leaders’ instructions, There can be problems with medical authorities and
your holiday will be both safe and enjoyable. On the insurance companies if you cannot produce this
first evening of your holiday (dependent on arrival when you require treatment – details are available at
time), the leaders will give a short talk about safety dh.gov. uk/travellers EHIC cards have an expiry
on the walks – we would ask everyone to attend. date – please check yours is valid before you travel.
Walking as a group: Our leaders always consider Insurance: Insurance is a condition of booking.
the safety of the group as a whole, and will show Therefore if you have not already arranged
more caution over potential risks (such as bad or insurance, it is imperative that you do so, and
exceptionally hot weather) than an individual or advise us of the insurance company and policy
couple might make on a private outing. Walks may number.
be modified or cancelled following the leaders’ Even with an EHIC card, medicines and out-patient
assessment of the day-to-day situation. Your treatment normally have to be paid for at the
leaders will refuse to accept any guest whose time and the costs reclaimed afterwards – details
clothing, equipment, behaviour or walking ability is are available at dh.gov.uk/travellers. Therefore
considered unsuitable, and where it could affect insurance is extremely important, as is access to
the safety and enjoyment of other guests on the emergency money, preferably a credit card.
proposed walk. It is your responsibility to follow the
leader’s guidelines, for the benefit and safety of the
group as a whole. If you leave the group, then your HOLIDAY TIPS
leader will no longer have responsibility for you. Language: Portuguese
For safety reasons, we stipulate a minimum party Currency: Euro
size of two guests in addition to the leader.
Changing money: There is an ATM machine in Luz,
First aid: In line with current practice, each leader close to the local supermarket, where you can
carries a group first aid kit but is not able to supply obtain money.
any ‘medication’, including aspirin, paracetamol,
Electricity: 220 Volt AC with round two pin plugs;
antihistamines and antiseptic cream.
you will need an adaptor for any appliances
Hydration: In warm weather it is very important to brought from the UK.
keep hydrated. You will need to carry a minimum of
Tap water: Is considered safe to drink, but if you
two litres of water with you on walks, more during
prefer, bottled mineral water can be purchased
hot weather or on more demanding walks.
from the hotel or local supermarkets.
One good way of hydrating is to use a two litre
Telephone code: If the international number
hydration pack which allows drinking without
you wish to call starts with a 0, you must drop the
constant stopping. This can then be filled up from
starting digit when dialling the number.
additional water sources as required. Your leader will
inform you of the possibilities for replenishing your To dial a UK number 0044
water during the walks. To dial a Portuguese number 00351
Your health: It is essential that you describe on your
8 | Call 020 8732 1250 or visit hfholidays.co.ukWHAT TO WEAR & BRING
To enjoy your walking comfortably and safely, • hat and gloves
it is essential that your footwear, clothing and • spare high-energy food e.g. chocolate bar
equipment are suitable for the conditions likely to or Kendal mint cake
be encountered. • torch
Please note that some of our Atlantic island You may also wish to consider bringing:
and Mediterranean destinations are also in • camera
mountainous areas and at height (up to 4,000 • personal first aid kit
feet) the temperatures can be as low as 0°C. • walking pole(s) – many guests find these
You will need: useful,
• particularly for descents
• comfortable outdoor clothing
• ankle supporting footwear with non-slip FOOTWEAR
soles
We recommend wearing walking boots on all our
• water bottle (at least 2 litres, more for hot
walks, as these provide the best ankle support
climates) and a thermos flask if you wish
and grip.
• sunhat, sun cream and sunglasses
• small rucksack Modern ‘approach shoes’ offer appropriate levels
of grip and may be worn on some low level walks,
The following are also recommended to all
walkers, and are essential for mountainous but users should be aware that they offer less
and hilly areas: ankle support.
• walking boots Lightweight trainers, denim jeans and waterproof
• spare pullover or fleece capes are not recommended for any walks.
TRANSFER INFORMATION
If you have booked your holiday ‘with flight’ you will arrive at Faro Airport. From the UK we offer flights
from several airports which may arrive at different times.
Please note that meals are not provided on most European flights, although some airlines may offer
a small snack.
The onward journey to Luz by coach takes approximately an hour.
For independent travellers: For guests who have booked their holiday ‘without flight’ HF Holidays can
help you to reach the hotel in the following ways:
HF Holidays’ transfer coach from Faro Airport. These are timed to meet the HF Holidays’
flights (provisional HF Holidays’ flight times can be found on www.hfholidays.co.uk or by calling
+44 (0)20 8732 1220). Cost per single journey is £22.50. Please note that HF Holidays is not
responsible for your onward travel if you fail to meet the transfer coach under any circumstance.
Our airport taxi service operates at this resort offering quick and easy transfers for guests booking
their own flights. All prices are per taxi for single journeys, allowing you to mix and match different
transfer options. From Faro airport £80 per single taxi journey.
Transfers must be pre-booked. If you have not already booked your transfer or taxi please call +44
(0)20 8732 1220.
Guests transferring to Tavira
You will be transferred between resorts by taking the airport transfer back to Faro Airport.
Here you will have time to relax, perhaps browse the shops or have lunch in one of the cafes or
restaurants whilst you wait for the new group to arrive on the Gatwick flight. Your new leader
will meet you in Arrivals as they did the week before.
Airport parking and accommodation
If you require airport parking or accommodation before your flight, we
recommend our partner Holiday Extras. Call 0871 360 2750 and quote HX031
or book online at holidayextras.co.uk/hfholidays
Call 020 8732 1250 or visit hfholidays.co.uk | 9linger a little
LONGER
Two weeks or more Leisure Activities
Make the most of your break and enjoy a longer We offer a range of Leisure Activities holidays
holiday – either two weeks of walking at some at some of our European destinations, including
of our resorts or by combining complementary Discovery or Garden Tours, Photography, Painting,
holidays, such as our two Catalan destinations in or Yoga.
France and Spain; Argelès-sur-Mer and Roses.
Guided Trail holidays
We arrange the transfers between the resorts so
Discover a great sense of achievement on a
that you don’t have to. See our brochure or
website for more information. Guided Trail holiday. We have a great collection of
trails on famous routes and outstanding locations
Self-guided Walking
across Britain and Europe.
For those who prefer to explore independently,
on our Self-guided Walking holidays, in selected Worldwide
European destinations, you can discover From Alaska to Vietnam our Worldwide Journeys
unspoiled scenery, historic sites and the local invite you to explore world famous destinations,
culture at your own pace by following our carefully and some lesser known gems, on six continents
planned walking routes. including Europe.
SAVE ON OUTDOOR CLOTHING
From time to time our outdoor clothing partners have special offers for our guests.
Visit hfholidays.co.uk/partnerships to see the current offers.
10 | Call 020 8732 1250 or visit hfholidays.co.ukRECOMMEND A FRIEND
JOIN US TODAY
AND SAVE UP TO £50 AND BENEFIT
TOMORROW
Do you know someone who would enjoy our HF Holidays is the only UK holiday
holidays as much as you do? Invite them to provider that’s a co-operative. We’re
book a holiday and you’ll receive up to £50! owned by our members who help shape
If you recommend HF Holidays to a friend, our business for future generations.
who then makes their first ever booking with Join our award-winning and sociably
us, we’ll give you £50 off your next 7 night responsible society that’s passionate
holiday or £30 off your next 3 or 4 night short about helping others to enjoy holidays in
break. Plus as a welcome, we’ll give your beautiful countryside.
friend, or friends, up to £50 off their holiday For a minimum purchase of 100 £1 shares
too, meaning savings for everyone! you can benefit from:
M
embers’ loyalty scheme – earn points
Claim up to £50 in three easy steps…
on your holidays and use as a discount on
When your friend books a holiday, ask your next holiday
them to mention your name, address M
ember-only events and holidays
and the ‘Recommend a Friend’ scheme M
embers come first with advance
at the same time. registration for the holiday you want
1
0% discount at our country house bars
I f they have never been on holiday with 1
5% discount at Cotswold Outdoor
us, we’ll give them a discount of up to
1
5% discount at Rohan
£50 per person.
2
5% discount at Hi-Tec
We’ll send you a voucher for up to £50 A
nnual interest on your shares
off a future HF Holidays’ break for each
friend you have recommended.
ALREADY A MEMBER?
There are many ways for you to further
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Help choose our Board
Attend member events
Encourage others to join us
Increase your shares at any time
T
op up to 1,000 shares to become an
investment member with
PATHWAYS FUND enhanced benefits
Last year guests donated £19,500 to our Give membership as a gift
Pathways Fund and we spent £25,000 on projects.
For more information on the projects the
Pathways Fund has supported, plus how to
donate, please visit hfholidays.co.uk/pathways
HF Holidays continues to work in partnership with
the Family Holiday Association to provide Feel To join or increase your investment call
Good Breaks – designed to reward families who our Membership team on
could not otherwise afford it with the gift of a 0208 732 1290,
break in the outdoors and the chance to spend email membership@hfholidays.co.uk
quality time together. Help us continue this work or visit hfholidays.co.uk/membership
by donating to the Pathways Fund.
Call 020 8732 1250 or visit hfholidays.co.uk | 9Contact details HF Holidays Ltd Catalyst House 720 Centennial Court Centennial Park Elstree Borehamwood, WD6 3SY hfholidays.co.uk For any questions before your holiday, we’re here to help, so please contact us on: +44 (0)20 8732 1250 (from outside the UK) Monday-Friday: 9am-7pm. Email: info@hfholidays.co.uk Emergency contact details: In all instances during your holiday, your first point of contact should be our HF Holidays’ leaders. If for any reason this is not possible, HF Holidays’ emergency contact details are as above or between the hours of Friday 7pm to Monday 9am are: +44 (0)7918 737777 or emergency@hfholidays.co.uk
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