Portugal trekking holiday in Carrapateira: Review of L Colesterol Hostel

Perched on the rugged, wild and incredibly beautiful west coast of Portugal, the coastal village of Carrapateira is one of the best kept secrets of the Algarve. Within easy reach of some of the region’s best beaches and with rugged, sun baked terrain, a trekking holiday in Carrapateira is an ideal choice if you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary.

Carrapateira is a also fantastic destination for both surfing and mountain biking. However, with the Rota Vicentina long distance walking route passing through the village, it’s trekking that’s really drawing people to Carrapateira.

Trekking holidays in Carrapateira

As the village is on both the main Rota Vicentina route and the alternative Fishermen’s Trail, one of the noticeable things about a trekking holiday in Carrapateira is that it offers trekkers a lot of options. From wind-battered beaches to traditional villages and lush valleys to sun-scorched hills, the trekking here is not easy by any stretch although the sumptuous views do make it all worthwhile.

The Rota Vicentina

Stretching from Santiago Do Cacém in the north to Cabo de São Vicente in the south, the Rota Vicentina runs for 350km through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Portugal. It’s easily divisible into manageable daily chunks, with plenty of accommodation available along the route, making it easy to travel either as an independent trekker or as part of a group.

Clearly marked out and easy to follow, the route can be tough going with plenty of hills, cliffs and rustic paths proving a challenge. The heat and loose ground can also be an issue so make sure you take plenty of water with you and wear sturdy boots.

Accommodation: a review of L Colesterol Hostel

Though there is a variety of accommodation on offer all along the route, many trekkers choose to base themselves in Carrapateira for the duration of their stay. With its great location, friendly atmosphere and delicious food, no mention of a trekking holiday in Carrapateira could be complete without a review of L Colesterol Hostel.

Located within easy walking distance of the centre of the village and just a stone’s throw from the Rota Vicentina itself, L Colesterol is the perfect spot from which to start your exploration of the Algarve.

This isn’t your ordinary trekkers accommodation either, with the food being some of the best in the region, complete with lots of local ingredients and traditional flavours cooked to perfection. And for anyone who’s dined in this part of the world, you’ll know that’s really saying something.

With so many walking routes in the area surrounding Carrapateira, you’ll need all of the fuel you can get so don’t be afraid to dig in and try the best that the L Colesterol kitchen has to offer. The staff are happy to recommend dishes, with many of the ingredients even grown in their own farmer’s garden. It’s a holistic and genuine approach to hospitality that’s really refreshing.

For more information about the L Colesterol hostel and restaurant visit their website: www.l-colesterol.com

The beaches

If your feet are starting to feel a little sore after all that walking, you can easily combine a trekking holiday in Carrapateira with a day or two on the beach, the nearest of which, Praia da Bordeira, has been voted one of the best in the country.

Whether you’re looking for a full on trekking holiday or more of a gentle stroll in the sun, Portugal’s south west coast, with its great landscape, friendly people and fantastic food, is a top destination. And while you are there a stay at L Colesterol hostel will not disappoint.