Tavira is one of the Algarve's most attractive towns, and it's the starting point of the Caminho Nascente. The first arrow and shell can be found at the Igreja de Santiago, originally built in the late 13th century shortly after the reconquest of Tavira in 1242. It was heavily damaged in the 1755 earthquake and rebuilt, but an image of Santiago Matamouros (the Moor-slayer) still adorns the facade.
Behind the Igreja de Santiago, the Igreja de Santa Maria was also rebuilt after the earthquake but retained some earlier elements. Look for the Capela do Senhor dos Passos, a 16th-century chapel with a wooden Manueline vaulted ceiling. The vault joints have symbols carved into them, including crosses for the Order of Santiago and the Order of Christ. In the apse, there's a tombstone for seven knights of the Order of Santiago who died in the reconquest of Tavira.
Tavira has all services — accommodation at every level, restaurants, supermarkets, a train station on the Algarve line, and a bus station. The old town on both sides of the Gilão river is worth exploring, with its rooftop terraces, old bridges, and dozens of churches.
Painted yellow arrows on the ground lead from the Igreja de Santiago across the Roman bridge and out of town. The first stretch follows the edge of the Ria Formosa natural park — a vast lagoon system of salt marshes, mudflats, and barrier islands stretching along the eastern Algarve coast.
Cabanas de Tavira is a small fishing village and resort on the edge of the Ria Formosa natural park. It has bars, restaurants, and a small supermarket. Ferries run from the waterfront to the barrier island beach.
The camino passes through on the way east along the coast.
The camino passes the entrance to Cacela Velha, and a detour is recommended. This tiny clifftop village contains a 17th-century fort and a church dating to medieval times (both may be closed), but the real highlight is the spectacular view out over the Ria Formosa estuary and the ocean. There's a restaurant, Casa Azul, if you're there around lunchtime.
Cacela Velha is one of the most photographed spots in the eastern Algarve — a handful of whitewashed houses perched above turquoise lagoon waters.
Manta Rota is a small beach resort with restaurants, cafes, and a supermarket. It's more low-key than the big Algarve resorts. The camino passes through on its way east toward the Spanish border.
On the way out of Manta Rota at a tiny roundabout, arrows go in two directions: left and straight. Go straight on Rua da Lota — it's more direct and on quieter roads.
Altura is a small town with a supermarket, cafes, and a pharmacy. The camino passes through on the coastal stretch between Manta Rota and the Guadiana river area.
On the way out of Altura at a busy intersection with a roundabout and an "Altura Boa Viagem" sign, the arrows continue straight. If you want to head to Vila Real de Santo Antonio instead, turn right onto the N125. Follow it for 1.5 km (there's a wide dirt shoulder, so it's not dangerous) and turn right at the Cabeco sign. From here you can pick up the Ecovia signs (white arrows with a bicycle pictogram on a blue background), eventually turning left onto a forest path to Monte Gordo and then to Vila Real de Santo Antonio.
Castro Marim is a pleasant town with a 13th-century castle, a more recent military fortress (the Forte de Sao Sebastiao), and a restored windmill. The castle sits high above the salt flats and the Guadiana river, with views to Spain. The Reserva Natural do Sapal de Castro Marim stretches to the south — a protected area of salt marshes important for flamingos and other wading birds.
Castro Marim has basic services — small supermarkets, cafes, a pharmacy, and accommodation.
Leaving town, an alternate route that becomes a dirt path among pine trees with nice views over the countryside is preferable to the official camino. It's shared with the GR15 hiking trail, so look for the red-and-white striped markings.
Monte Francisco is a small hamlet on the road between Castro Marim and the Guadiana valley. No services. The landscape transitions here from coastal Algarve to the drier, more rugged interior.
Junqueira is a small village on the road between Castro Marim and Azinhal. No services for pilgrims.
Azinhal is a small village with a shop — the last one until Alcoutim, 26 km away. Stock up on snacks and supplies here.
The store at Azinhal is the last one until Alcoutim (26 km), so stock up on provisions.
Casa da Paz is an excellent overnight option at the entrance to Almada de Ouro. Run by English owner Anne, it's a beautiful property with a pool overlooking the Rio Guadiana and a fully stocked kitchen for self-catering.
The village itself is tiny, with no other services. The setting above the river is lovely — the Guadiana valley starts to reveal its quiet beauty on this stretch.
Alcarias is a small village in the Guadiana valley. No services. The camino passes through on its way north along the river, through increasingly remote countryside dotted with cork oaks and cistus scrub.
Foz de Odeleite sits at the confluence of the Ribeira de Odeleite and the Rio Guadiana. It's a tiny village with no pilgrim services, but the river junction creates a scenic spot. The Barragem de Odeleite (dam) is upstream.
Alamo is a small hamlet along the Guadiana valley route. No services. The walking through this stretch is remote and beautiful — the river is your constant companion, with Spain visible on the far bank.
Guerreiros do Rio is a small riverside village that has been partially revitalized as a cultural project. It has a cluster of small museums and exhibition spaces along its main street, including a display on traditional river life. There may be a cafe open in season. The village sits right on the Guadiana, with views across to Spain.
Laranjeiras is a tiny hamlet between Guerreiros do Rio and Montinho das Laranjeiras. No services. The name means "Orange Trees" — citrus groves once thrived in this sheltered river valley.
On the right side of the camino, there are ruins of 1st-century AD Roman houses and a 6th-7th century Visigothic church. Not much remains above ground — mostly foot-high building foundations — but it's worth a quick look as evidence of how long this river valley has been a corridor of travel and settlement. Entrance is at the northern end of the complex and is free.
This waypoint marks a contemplative stretch of the camino along the Guadiana river before reaching Alcoutim. The path follows the river closely here, through a landscape of extreme quiet — just water, birdsong, and the far bank of Spain. It's one of the most peaceful stretches on the entire Nascente.
Alcoutim is a lovely village of whitewashed houses with orange roofs, sitting opposite the equally picturesque Spanish village of Sanlucar de Guadiana across the river. The 14th-century castle above town is worth the climb for the views. On the riverside, look for the otter sculpture made from garbage — part of Portuguese street artist Bordalo II's Big Trash Animals series.
There are two places to stay. Hotel d'Alcoutim is a resort-style property with a pool and tennis court, about a kilometer north of the village. Alojamento Brisas, in the village itself, is a better choice — two rooms at 45 euros (en-suite) or 40 euros (bathroom outside the room). Call or text +351 967 531 064 to book.
Alcoutim has a small supermarket, cafes, and a riverside promenade. It's the last proper village before the long, remote stretch to Mertola.
