Reviews

Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It’s the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you’re interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.

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49 Reviews

4.9 out of 5

Madge Geddes

Reviewed October 2025

Excellent Walking Trip

Just the right level, lovely group, environmentally friendly and great guides.

Most Inspirational Moment

Both the sampling exercises of the water, and the weeding of the ice plants strangling the indigenous plants along the clifftops.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very safe pair of hands and knowledgeable about the effects of humans on the landscape. Every outing was shattered with information about the environment, and Francisco (and Raphael) were helpful to all of us, and funny too.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Late September is a great time to visit Portugal, and getting a taste of the food and history aided our enjoyment, together with a peek at the small businesses burgeoning in the area.

Diane Humphreys

Reviewed September 2025

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.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many inspiring moments along the trail: the powerful Atlantic waves relentlessly crashing against towering cliffs and the view of the coastline disappearing into the distance were powerful memories for me.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leaders were exceptionally proud, young Portuguese men who inspired in us, an understanding of this unique part of the world by sharing their knowledge and love of their country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

September and October or alternatively April and May would be the most comfortable walking months. Pack comfortable, worn-in boots as some paths are uneven and be prepared to get down and get dirty on some slopes.

Peter Jones

Reviewed June 2025

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.

Most Inspirational Moment

The first view of the spectacular coastline from the clifftop.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leaders were Francisco and his life-long friend Rafael. They made frequent stops on the walks to tell us about the flora and fauna, and the geology on day 6, where there are sites that are world-renowned. They both had a great sense of humour and were thoughtful, anticipating the needs of all the group members, even providing flip-flops for a stream crossing. They recommended, and organised, restaurants for group dinners on every night except two, giving us insights into the cuisine both of the hills and the coast (and lessons in the Portuguese way of eating sardines and deep-fried fish with your fingers!). Overall, they couldn’t have done more to make the holiday a memorable one.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take sturdy boots/walking shoes with a good tread. Some of the walks have stretches on sand dunes and it is worth wearing long trousers on those days if you don’t want boots full of sand! Walking poles are useful for some sections.

Karen Valley

Reviewed May 2025

Excellent from start to finish

A great trip with fantastic guides and superb walks

Most Inspirational Moment

The views on the coastal walks were fantastic

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent - both Francisco and Rafael were outstanding. Friendly, helpful, full of local knowledge, passionate and caring about their country. They looked after the group very well and ensured everyone got as much out of the trip as they could

Advice for Potential Travellers

A great trip if you enjoy varied walks (both hill and coastal routes) with superb views and guides who have a wealth of local knowledge

Erik Staub

Reviewed May 2025

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.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Come a day early and try to get these two special guys.

Lyne Cloutier

Reviewed May 2025

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

Most Inspirational Moment

The views of the coastline from the trails are awesome and memorable

Thoughts on Group Leader

The local group leaders were very attentive to every aspects of our journey including lodging, safety on the trail, food... They shared a unique and proud perspective of the region.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip is for you if you are looking for the right balance between walking and discovering a new culture. The month of May offers comfortable temperature for walking as well as the beauty of numerous wild flowers along the trails

Darlene Schultz

Reviewed May 2025

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.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the ocean from many angles and feeling truly blessed to be alive.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Francisco and Rafa were THE BEST - kind, informative, funny and engaging. They took the best care of us. I felt very safe every day while walking on the edge of the cliffs and experiencing views like I have never seen before.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book this trip - you will not regret one moment.

Eileen Blackwood

Reviewed May 2025

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!

Sarah Pink

Reviewed May 2025

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.

Sandy Clabaugh

Reviewed May 2025

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

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