Itinerary
Day 1 - Airport shuttle from Faro to the Eco lodge. Light buffet lunch is served, followed by a short circular walk of the local area. Take a swim in the refreshing Atlantic ocean or just have a break in the quaint beach bar. Dinner is served after an afternoon's relaxation and some time to wash off the days travels.

Day 2 - The first walk is an introduction walk, where we get to sample the terrain and meet the other walkers. The walk starts at the lodge and climbs out of the valley, slowly getting views of the surrounding hills. In spring the landscape is covered in white and pink from the flowering Sistus. Its not long until a high point is reached and we get our first glimpse of the Atlantic ocean in the distance. Leaving behind the rolling hills and inland valleys that are synonymous with southern Portugal, the track slowly winds its way towards the coast passing through pine forests and cow meadows. The path takes a turn down through a eucalyptus forest, then the valley opens up to present a beautiful long white beach, promising lunch and a dip in the wild Atlantic. After lunch we climb from the beach onto the sea cliffs, offering breathtaking coastal views in all directions. Then continuing towards Carrapateira, a small coastal fishing town for a much needed refreshment. Explore Carrapateria, before returning to the lodge for an African bush shower or a drink on the deck.

After dinner walk into the hamlet of Pedralva for a drink and some exploration.

Walk gradient: mainly flat, very few small hills
Difficulty: Easy
Average walk duration: 4 - 4.5 hours
Transfer: 5-10 minutes

Day 3 - On second day we visit the south coast. The walk begins at Zavial, an infamous hotspot for surfing. The walk climbs from the beach onto the sea cliffs, keeping one eye on the surfers and one on the path ahead. The south coast is far less rugged then the west coast, A scenery of calm turquoise seas, prolific coloured flowers, with the occasional white fishing village, gives it a Greek atmosphere. The path follows the coastline, leading up onto the eroded sea cliffs or ambling down onto the sandy white beaches which are dotted with large rock formations. Its strongly advised to carry a bathing costume, to enjoy one or two quick dips in the calm south coast sea. Lunch is eaten in a hidden cove with a light offshore wind cooling the midday sun. After lunch and exploring an impressive sea cliff fortress, the walk turns inland to the small town of Figuera, a sleepy Portuguese village with the possibility of a refreshment. Leaving Figuera via a small village road the route passes through authentic Portuguese farmland. The trail winds its way back to Zavial beach following inland paths and tracks with mystical views of the historic Cabo St Vincente. Transfer back to the lodge via an artesian Portuguese pottery shop.

Evening cheese and wine tasting before dinner. Sample some Portuguese wines and give your opinion.

Walk gradient: variable, lots of ups and downs
Maximum height gain: 60m
Difficulty:  medium
Average walk duration: 5 - 5.5 hours
Transfer: 15 to 20 minutes

Day 4 - Soaring predators, cork oak forests, untouched wilderness, an area of unique and pristine nature. The fourth walk begins at the lodge, the route runs parallel to the river, often crossing through it, flanked by a flowing landscape of impressive hills, part of the unspoilt nature reserve of Cabo St Vicente. The trail passes through Vilarinha, a hamlet lost in time surrounded by a landscape sculpted by stooped Portuguese farmers, quaint white houses and rolling cow meadows. The trail departs from the river, going uphill towards the summit. With a view of the valley behind and the ocean ahead,  we take the zigzagging path down the hill to the village below. This is our lunch stop in an authentic Portuguese Bistro\cafe. Sample something truly delicious in the shade away from the midday sun.
Crossing the village after lunch the route passes through large sand dunes arriving at a walk across a long beach and the option of a dip in the wild west coast sea. Huge sand dunes and the fishermen who covet the oysters in the shallows bellow, the route ends just off the beach at a local cafe which has exotic freshly made juices and a variety of other refreshments.

An early dinner then head off to Sagres, Cabo St Vincente to watch the sun set on the most south western point of Europe.
(free lunch)

Walk gradient: mostly flat
Difficulty: medium
Average walk duration: 4.5 hours.
Transfer:  5 minutes

Day 5 - The walk begins in Ingrina , a small south coast hamlet, the trail runs adjacent to windswept cliff tops and long stretches of white beaches on the path to Sagres.
The town of Sagres is the most south western point of Europe  famous explorers such as Christopher Columbus knew this site as "the end of world", the place where they launched their expeditions. In Portuguese Sagres means 'sacred' and is an area of Celtic history and ruins. Its clear to see the strong cultural and mystical history when exploring Sagres, such as the fortress, ancient monastery or menhirs in this barren windswept landscape  After the walk finishes we end at the unforgettable 'Alice's'. The best gelateria ever, for incredible home made ice cream made from only natural ingredients. Then there is the chance to explore the town or head down to one of the towns beaches, and enjoy the calm sea and warm sun.

Walk gradient: mostly flat.
Difficulty: Easy to Medium.
Average walk duration 4.5 hours.
Transfer: 15 minutes

Day 6 - Free day. There is a possibility to try a variety of activities such as kayaking a beautiful river estuary or learning to climb or surf. For the more culturally minded there is the option to visit the quaint colonial town of Lagos.
Lunch at  a sea food restaurant in Lagos or after paddling enjoy a local sea food meal with spectacular views.
(free lunch)
Tonight dinner is at an authentic Portuguese restaurant in Pedralva.

Free day: we have 3 options, visit Lagos, explore independently or do an activity (which most people choose).
We drop at Lagos after breakfast and collect at 4pm.
A day trip activity costs 45 euros pp, includes transfer, guide and equipment.
We encourage the kayak trip as it is a great alternative group activity and is set in a very nice area not yet visited.

Day 7 - The final day is a west coast walk which includes some of the most impressive scenery on the Portuguese coast. Hidden white coves, meandering fisherman's trails through an unspoilt natural coastal scenery. The crashing of huge Atlantic swells against imposing black sea cliffs is the order of the day.
Start in the local village of Villa do Bispo, at the beach of Castellejo. The walk follows sea cliffs and beaches for several kilometres before turning inland for a short while until lunch, on a completely hidden beach only accessible by foot. There is the option of a swim and some body surfing in the beautiful bay, or just sit in the shadow of the cliffs while your new friends enjoy the water. After lunch the weeks walking culminates in some of the most spectacular scenery and walking. Crossing a series of four unspoilt coastal valleys, the strenuous walking rewards you with the most impressive views of the week and the accomplishment of completing a challenging route in breathtaking landscapes.
Finishing at Amado beach with the comforts of a cafe and the chance to relax, reminiscing at the week gone by.

In the evening a sea food dinner is hosted at the lodge. This includes a special preparation of many different sea foods with good wine, complimented by new friends.

Walk gradient: variable, Maximum height gain 100m
Difficulty: Medium to Difficult
Average walk duration: 5 - 6 hours
Transfer: 10 minutes

Day 8 - End of the adventure for this time. Breakfast, shuttle to Airport and fly home.

Level of culture
Relatively remote, with small quaint towns and villages, new smells, tastes, Portuguese charm, you will be immersed into the local community.
Inland or on the coast you will come into contact with the traditional fishing communities or villages of a Portuguese lifestyle going back centuries. The modern world, tourism in particular, has not yet encroached on these parts.While most Portuguese speak English you will find their culture new & warming.