Walking Portugal's Wild Algarve

Wild about the Wild Algarve

This was a wonderful trip which exceeded my expectations in many ways: the diversity of landscapes, the variety of walks (cliffs, headlands, dunes, rocky paths) and the knowledge and care of our local guides.

A different perspective on the Algarve

This was our sixth Exodus trip (and overall one of the best). The walks were interesting with spectacular scenery and varied wildlife (both flora and fauna), and we learnt a new definition of the term ‘more or less flat’. The hotels were all good, the first two full of character and the final one in a great location with magnificent views over Sagres harbour and with extraordinarily helpful staff. The hotel breakfasts offered great variety and were excellent fuel for the mornings’ walking. The non-walking activities were well-chosen and interesting. There were visits to a ceramics workshop and an artisan olive oil presser which were fascinating and the tasting at the high tech Vicentino winery very near the Alentejo coast offered a different dimension. The wines were very good, with a noticeable salty tang.
The walks were on paths that were generally good or very good, other than about 1km on day 6 which is over broken rock, but trail shoes or boots should have good treads as some short sections were quite loose and eroded (and could have been slippery if the ground had been wet). We were a little late for the best of the wild flowers on the dunes but they were still very varied and attractive. We saw storks nesting on rock pinnacles just offshore (apparently the only place in the world where they nest on sea stacks) and were lucky enough to see three peregrine falcons on one of the coastal walks.
Overall, this was a great week with friendly and amusing companions from Canada, Scotland and England and superlative guides. If we did it again, we would probably go in the late Spring rather than the early Summer, both to have slightly more varied wild flowers and (perhaps!) to avoid walking in 34 degrees in the hills, but we would thoroughly recommend the trip.

Excellent from start to finish

A great trip with fantastic guides and superb walks

Fabulous guides and trip

Rafael and Francisco from Algavarian Roots made this a memorable hiking,cultural and special experience. They were a fountain of knowledge and the visits to the olive making facility, the winery and the distillery added to the trip. Great hikes in various locations from the Monchique highlands to the coastal trails. But it was the caring guides who did it all. Driving safely, briefing us and Rafael helping and looking out for my wife on the steeper parts. They both were proud of this region and they and their families were connected to the land.

Would go back in a heartbeat

Walking the wild Algarve is a wonderful intro to Portugal’s coastal landscape and culture. The trip offers a good balance of sightseeing, experiencing the area’s culture and tasting local food and drinks

Simply Amazing

This trip to the coast of Portugal was the best. I have travelled all over the world on different trips and this one ranks at the very top of my list. The scenery, the daily hikes, the hotels and the food – all wonderful. We were fortunate to have spectacular weather. I highly recommend this trip for anyone wanting to experience truly amazing scenery and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

A 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.

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.

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.

Reply from Exodus

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback. We are really pleased to hear you enjoyed the stunning walks and that Francisco and Rafael made such a positive impression.

We are sorry to hear, however, that the food did not live up to your expectations. While we typically receive very positive feedback on the meals included on this trip, as you will see in several other reviews, we absolutely appreciate that food preferences are personal, and we understand how much of an impact this can have on your overall experience.

The guides aim to introduce the group to authentic local cuisine by eating at family-run and regional restaurants, which is usually a highlight for many, but we know this does not always hit the mark for everyone. Your specific comments about the quality, variety, and timing of meals have been shared with our local team so they can review the restaurant selections and look at improving variety, especially for those with dietary preferences.

Thanks again for your honest review. We are glad to know that, despite the food issues, the rest of the trip left a positive impression, and we hope we will have the chance to welcome you on another adventure in the future.
– The Exodus Travels Team