Olhão, Portugal
NEW FOR 2025/26 – This walking holiday is based in a renovated 19th century building on a tree-lined avenue in the old town. Low-key bars, restaurants and ice-cream parlours are virtually on the doorstep and within 10 minutes’ walk are the waterfront promenade, the market (designed by Gustav Eiffel) and the ferries which run to the beautiful islands just offshore. This is a great base for our included walks, to use one of our bikes to discover local villages, or follow an eco-guide in search of wildlife.
This trip is not suitable for anyone with any mobility issues. You need to be reasonably fit and have a well-broken in pair of walking boots or sturdy trainers.
If you live in the USA or Canada – we have direct flights available to Faro. Ask for further details and prices in dollars.
All 5 night trips include – 3 walks with a guide, 5 buffet breakfasts, 1 pic nic lunch, 3 dinners with ½ bottle of wine per person, room for sole use and bed sheets and towels changed mid-week.
Casa Rosa Walking holiday
Casa Rosa Boutique Hotel offers 10 smart rooms, and welcomed its first guests in March 2022. The property was fully refurbished over the last 3 years and has been finished to a high standard. The hotel looks traditional from the outside: pink plaster walls, classical details. Inside, it offers relaxed coastal living using natural materials with a contemporary twist. During your stay the the hotel is exclusive to Friendship Travel.
At ground level there is an open-plan living/dining room which opens onto a tiled courtyard with plunge pool and sociable seating. Upstairs (via a staircase – no lift), is a beautiful furnished roof terrace – a real suntrap! Wherever you are in Casa Rosa, you should be able to pick up the free WiFi.
In winter months – November to March – Casa Rosa has a heated swimming pool, sauna, indoor lounge and much more for an enjoyable holiday.
We include a buffet breakfast spread each morning and 4 dinners with wine. We run an honesty bar during the day, with a wider drinks range served in the evening, from cocktails to a wine list. There is plenty of choice nearby for nights out, at own expense.
Please note – A new local tourism tax has been introduced by the government in Olhao since June 2023. All guests must pay locally to the hotel €2 per night up to a maximum of 5 nights. This is not included in your holiday costs.
Your Room
All 10 rooms are of a slightly different size and are simple but stylish, with retro 1960’s colour schemes and cool tones. Each is furnished with a comfortable king-sized bed, bedside tables, chair and desk/dressing table, hair dryer plus a walk-in shower (pool/beach towels provided). Air-con is included. Some rooms have a town view; others look on to the roof terrace or courtyard.
Prices are based on standard ground floor room (rooms 3 and 5), upgrades are available to a ground floor executive room at £15 extra per night, ground floor standard room with shared terrace at extra £15 per night, 1st floor standard rooms at £20 extra per night and deluxe suite at £25 extra per night.
Once Casa Rosa is full we can offer 2 rooms at nearby Hotel Cidade.
Hotel Facts
- 10 rooms
- Dining/living room
- Sun Terrace
- Bicycles
- Plunge Swimming pool
- Free WiFi
- Pool/beach towels
- King size bed
- Hair dryer
- Air-conditioning
- Toiletries
Itinerary (5 nights)
Day 1
Flights from various UK & Ireland airports. Arrival to Faro, check into hotel and relax. Dinner included in the evening.
Day 2
Breakfast then depart at 9am for our 1st walk.
Seven Hangin Valleys Trail, Lagoa – a stunning coastal hike offering dramatic views of limestone cliffs, sea caves, and turquoise waters. Stretching about 5.7 km, it connects Praia da Marinha to Praia de Vale Centeanes, showcasing Algarve’s natural beauty. Ideal for nature lovers and photographers alike. Picnic lunch inc’d.
Return to the hotel around 5pm, relax and enjoy dinner.
Day 3
Breakfast then depart at 9am for our 2nd walk.
Alcoutim, a pretty, authentic Algarve village full of charm – This trip includes a scenic 4km walk to medieval castle ruins with panoramic views, a visit to the village, castle, and archaeological museum, a 45-minute boat tour on the Guadiana River, and free time to enjoy lunch at your leisure.
Return to hotel around 5pm to freshen up then later we will have dinner out in a local restaurant (at own expense).
Day 4
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before spending the day at your own pace, soaking up the sun and exploring Olhão. Visit the famous seafood and produce markets along the seafront, wander the charming narrow streets, or simply relax at the harbour with a coffee and a good book.
Dinner out in a local restaurant (at own expense).
Day 5
Breakfast then depart at 9am for our final walk.
Monchique Mountains Wild Nature Walk – If you enjoy nature, tranquility, and authentic landscapes, this walking tour is perfect for you. It’s a 10.65 km loop (approx. 3 hours, 350m elevation gain), passing a former convent, eucalyptus and cork oak forests, and scenic viewpoints. The tour includes a lunch stop in Monchique (at own expense), a visit to Foia, the highest point in the Algarve and free time in Caldas.
Return to the hotel around 5pm, relax then enjoy dinner.
Day 6
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred back to Faro Airport, with timing arranged according to your flight.
Location
Olhão is an easy transfer from Faro airport, which is well-served by regional flights. There’s plenty to see and do in the area. Local trains and buses are of great value for visiting Faro, Taviro or the Spanish border town of Vila Real de Santo Antonio. Ferries run to the island community of Armona (15 minutes) where you find cafes and beach loungers. Culatra has a little fishing port and a long stretch of sand with Farol lighthouse at its tip.
The hotel is located in the ‘city’ centre a short walk from the harbour and sea area, close to the local church, cultural centre and much more.












