- Walk the finest trails on the Rota Vicentina, one of Europe’s great hiking routes
- Sip local wine with new-found friends during a vineyard tasting experience
- Visit a family-run mill to sample premium olive oil, a speciality of Monchique
- Take a scenic clifftop walk to Cabo de Sao Vicente, the most southwesterly point in Europe
- Stay in three beautiful Algarve communities: Monchique, Aljezur and Sagres

Walking Portugal's Wild Algarve
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- Walking Portugal’s Wild Algarve
Reviews
Add your own reviewA wonderful week
Just returned from a fantastic week exploring the beautiful, flower covered mountains and stunning coastline of western Algarve.
Francisco and Rafael were wonderful guides sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm for the local culture, history and especially nature and its conservation. … all with good humour and patience.
There was a great mix of walking and visiting local artisans. Also the food was delicious!
A fabulous trip with the best guides!
This was my third trip with Exodus. The group was both diverse & lovely, with everyone bringing their own flavour & experiences along.
Our guides, Francisco & Rafael were just fantastic. As well as organising the beautiful walks there were many other activities on this trip, including some not on the itinerary, and there was clearly much planning behind the scenes.
The mix of inland & coastal walks was perfect, and the abundance of flowers unexpected & breathtaking. We were blessed with perfect weather throughout.
Most Inspirational Moment
I loved the mix of terrain & locations. The local flavour brought by our knowledgeable leaders was really what made the trip so special.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Francisco was the main leader, with Rafa as his very capable right-hand man. They work so well as a team, and their lifelong friendship really does show throughout. They were both caring & attentive to the needs of our very mixed group at all times. Their local knowledge was fabulous, covering a broad range of subjects: history, botany, wildlife, geology, etc. They clearly have a great love for Portugal, and engendered respect for the environment, local people & businesses throughout. The best guides I’ve encountered.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Book it! Portugal is beautiful, and the area covered is diverse and interesting. The guides further bring it to life for you. I managed in trail shoes & without sticks, although these were available to borrow.
Fabulous adventure!
What a terrific trip! Francisco and Raphael were both great. They were so knowledgeable and helpful all along the way. I loved walking through the villages and learning about the culture. It was my first Exodus trip, and I see more in the future.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent
Fantastic scenic walks!
Our trip leaders Francisco and Rafael were amazing, they genuinely wanted the best experience for us. For me, however, some of the food was not so great… Maybe it was just the time of year that there wasn’t much produce available. Ham and cheese sandwiches every day… And I don’t eat processed ham. Some of the restaurants weren’t so great either. So my only real complaint is the quality of the food… The first night in Monchique dinner was almost inedible with the only a choice of three items and one being tofu which was quickly ruled out, lol. I found it very disappointing as I’ve heard from others that Portugal has such great food… One night I ordered the local prawns and they were these tiny teeny little shrimp that I couldn’t even peel and very mushy… I wish there would’ve been an option that I did not have to go to the wine tasting because it was very late before we got to dinner… I would’ve liked to have just gone off on my own and had dinner a little earlier instead of it 9 o’clock at night and getting in so late and having to get up early the next morning. It didn’t help that that dinner that night was not very good, steak very tough and being overcooked was not even edible….and by then the rest of the food was cold… I try not to think of the food because everything else was incredible except that food is a really big thing for me.
Most Inspirational Moment
The wildflowers were amazing! Loved the olive oil factory and ceramics shop!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Overall fantastic… they went out of their way to arrange a later transfer to Faro for some of us which really made a difference ! But could use a little help with the food… Having the same processed cheese sandwich every day was rough, lol… could’ve used more fresh food or even some better cheese, meats and more fresh fruits and vegetables.
Excellent and informative
Thanks again for another excellent trip. Yet again the guides are the local knowledge and the key to all the knowledge. They went out of their way to show us places that you would never find on your own , explained local customs and took us to local restaurants.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing nesting birds on the edge of a cliff...this was amazing
Thoughts on Group Leader
Francisco Simoes
Advice for Potential Travellers
Go with an open mind, be fit and enjoy yourself.
Glorious Portugal
I highly recommend this holiday. Daily walks through beautiful and varied countryside in the hills and along the fishermen’s coastal path. Time to stop and admire the views and wild flowers in full bloom, watch the seabirds and
learn about the environmental challenges from our 2 wonderful guides Francisco and Rafael.
Most Inspirational Moment
The spectacular coastal views.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Francisco and his colleague Rafael are excellent, thoughtful and well organised guides. They introduced us to very interesting local olive oil and drinks producers and took us to fabulous seafood restaurants and we had fun along the way.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take plenty of Euros to pay for most meals as advised in the trip notes and comfortable walking shoes or boots for walking on rocky paths.
Lovely holiday
I really enjoyed this holiday, and would recommend it to others.
I would confirm (in my opinion) that this is a level 2 walking holiday, however I do need to caveat that with I missed the day 4 walk, which was apparently the hardest.
I liked the mixture of inland and coastal walks, as a whole week of just coastal walks may have been a bit “samey”.
I was quite rainy (off and on) for the week we went in March, sunglasses for 5 minutes, then hood up for 5 minutes, but this didn’t spoil the holiday at all (but bring waterproofs if coming early or late in the season).
Even though we stayed in 3 different places, this tour did not feel rushed.
Most Inspirational Moment
Cant think of one specific moment, I enjoyed all the walks, and the local cuisine.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Both guides (Francisco and Raphael) were very professional, well organised, and a pleasure to walk with. A lot of effort is made to support local businesses, and the food was the best/freshest/authentic for that reason, which is an added bonus. Also thoughtful - I was not well on day 4 and missed the walk and wine tasting. They checked up on me during the day to make sure I was ok, and I was brought a bottle of wine to make up for the missed tasting experience, which was lovely, and not expected.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The first hotel, nice looking rooms, but some were was a bit damp (it was March and rainy). Didnt live up to expectations, but I know this is being addressed by Exodus, so dont let this put you off. Also worth noting that the thermal spa in the first hotel is currently closed for renovation (with no mentioned reopening date), just to set your expectations. The second hotel (Hotel Vale da Telha) I liked, lots of Moorish touches, dont be put off by the official 2* rating. Third hotel is very nice, I could easily have done 1 more day there after the tour ended just to wind down (and enjoy the excellent breakfast). Hairdryers in all hotels. If you want to travel hand luggage only, the guides have plenty of poles that you can borrow if needed.
Stunning Algarve Coastal Views
We spent 5 Algarve hiking days with two wonderful tour leaders. Each day provided an authentic hiking experience through local forested trails and breathtaking costal paths in the Algarve. Many other unique Portugal experiences were included and at the end you will definitely want to see, taste, and hear much more of this warm friendly country.
Most Inspirational Moment
The incredible Algarve coastline
Thoughts on Group Leader
Francisco and his co-leader Raphael were over the top prepared and accommodating for our group. They included many extra special events during the tour.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bring small pair of binoculars for viewing. The activity rating is more like a 3 than a 2, so prepare a bit beforehand. Some of the restaurants only accept cash, bring enough.
Wild Algarve
The hike combined a holiday, a historical introduction to the Algarve, active coastal sustainability and a promotion of local businesses.
Most Inspirational Moment
Most of the trip was inspiring. No particular moment stood out more than others.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Francisco and Raphael
Advice for Potential Travellers
Go on the trip and enjoy the beauty of the Algarve, the knowledge and skill of the guides as well as an insight into the area’s past, present and developing future.
Excellent inspite of some heavy rain
Excellent mixture of some hill walking for the first three days and then some spectacular Atlantic coastal scenery for the rest of the trip.
A very nice group who got on well together.
Most Inspirational Moment
Celebrating with the whole group with some sparkling wine at the castle of Aljezur out in the open in the pouring rain
Thoughts on Group Leader
Francisco and Rafael were brilliant. Organised, well informed, friendly and fun. Always willing to share their knowledge about history or politics or flora and fauna or whatever.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The weather will probably be good but be prepared for some rain. I have gone on about the rain but there was some pleasant sunny weather as well!
Start
Finish
Availability
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Saturday Saturday
14 Jun 2025 14 Jun 2025
Saturday Saturday
21 Jun 2025 21 Jun 2025
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Land Only Trip Price Usually USD 3075Now USD 2575Saving USD 500 Usually USD 3075Now USD 2575Saving USD 500
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+USD 525
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View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
06 Sep 2025 06 Sep 2025
Saturday Saturday
13 Sep 2025 13 Sep 2025
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+USD 525
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View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
27 Sep 2025 27 Sep 2025
Saturday Saturday
04 Oct 2025 04 Oct 2025
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Guaranteed (Limited)
Land Only Trip Price Usually USD 3150Now USD 2650Saving USD 500 Usually USD 3150Now USD 2650Saving USD 500 Book with USD 662 deposit Book with USD 662 deposit
Optional Single Supplement
+USD 525
Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead but there are only 2 spaces left. Do not delay your booking!
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
11 Oct 2025 11 Oct 2025
Saturday Saturday
18 Oct 2025 18 Oct 2025
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Land Only Trip Price Usually USD 2775Now USD 2275Saving USD 500 Usually USD 2775Now USD 2275Saving USD 500 Book with USD 568 deposit Book with USD 568 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 390
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View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
01 Nov 2025 01 Nov 2025
Saturday Saturday
08 Nov 2025 08 Nov 2025
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Optional Single Supplement +USD 390
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View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
07 Mar 2026 07 Mar 2026
Saturday Saturday
14 Mar 2026 14 Mar 2026
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Optional Single Supplement +USD 435
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View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
28 Mar 2026 28 Mar 2026
Saturday Saturday
04 Apr 2026 04 Apr 2026
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Optional Single Supplement +USD 435
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View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
11 Apr 2026 11 Apr 2026
Saturday Saturday
18 Apr 2026 18 Apr 2026
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Optional Single Supplement +USD 435
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View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
25 Apr 2026 25 Apr 2026
Saturday Saturday
02 May 2026 02 May 2026
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Optional Single Supplement +USD 435
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View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
09 May 2026 09 May 2026
Saturday Saturday
16 May 2026 16 May 2026
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Optional Single Supplement +USD 578
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View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
23 May 2026 23 May 2026
Saturday Saturday
30 May 2026 30 May 2026
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Optional Single Supplement +USD 578
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This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
13 Jun 2026 13 Jun 2026
Saturday Saturday
20 Jun 2026 20 Jun 2026
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Land Only Trip Price USD 3225 Book with USD 806 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 578
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This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
05 Sep 2026 05 Sep 2026
Saturday Saturday
12 Sep 2026 12 Sep 2026
Availability
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Land Only Trip Price USD 3225 Book with USD 806 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 578
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
19 Sep 2026 19 Sep 2026
Saturday Saturday
26 Sep 2026 26 Sep 2026
Availability
Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price USD 3225 Book with USD 806 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 578
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
03 Oct 2026 03 Oct 2026
Saturday Saturday
10 Oct 2026 10 Oct 2026
Availability
Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 2925 Book with USD 731 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 435
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
17 Oct 2026 17 Oct 2026
Saturday Saturday
24 Oct 2026 24 Oct 2026
Availability
Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 2925 Book with USD 731 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 435
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
31 Oct 2026 31 Oct 2026
Saturday Saturday
07 Nov 2026 07 Nov 2026
Availability
Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 2925 Book with USD 731 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 435
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
14 Nov 2026 14 Nov 2026
Saturday Saturday
21 Nov 2026 21 Nov 2026
Availability
Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 2850 Book with USD 712 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 435
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
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