Trek Scenic Coast of Portugal with Guides

Join us on this bucket list adventure to Portugal. We will start our adventure in Lisbon. Arrive earlier or stay later to explore one of the oldest European capitals. Portugal is known for its seafood, Port wine, great beaches, surfing and stunning cliff walks.

This trip will be 5 days of guided hiking and 1 free day in scenic Lagos, Portugal.  Lagos is a quaint  town with shops and restaurants or you can explore the sea caves by kayak or boat.  The kayak and boat trip are not included in the price but should only cost $40-$45.  You can decide later about the boat or kayak option.  You may choose to hang in town or at the beach.

Our guides are provided by Terracotta Journeys.  They were the outfitter for REI for over 10 years. 

Your luggage will be transported daily. Carry just what you need for the day.

Day 1: Sunday October 9th at 9:00 AM. we will be picked up in Lisbon (site to be determined). We will have a 1.75 hour ride in 2 vans to Porto Covo.  The group will begin the hike to Vila Nova de Milfontes.  The hike will be about 12 miles. Elevation gain/loss of 550ft. Note that much of the hike is over sandy terrain and expect little shade.

Day 2: October 10th hike will begin at 9:00 AM after breakfast. We will arrive in Cabo Sardao around 5 PM. There are some beautiful craggy rocks along this coast line to photograph.  Hiking distance will be 11 miles with an option of stopping after 6 miles in the town of Almograve.  The full hike elevation gain/loss is estimated to be 1600ft.

Day 3: October 11th we will begin hiking after breakfast to Odeceixe.  We will have a 1 hour van transfer to Sagres where we will spend the night in this historic city.  Sagres was the location of Portugal's Navigation School which opened in 1419.  Portugal launched the European Age of Exploration/Exploitation.  Vasco de Gama, Magellan & Columbus have connections to the school.  We can visit its ruins and watch the sunset from what was once regarded as the end of the known world. Hiking distance 8.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss 1,800 ft.

Day 4: October 12 begin our hike at 9:00AM from Sagres to Salema then a 30 minute transfer to Lagos.  Hiking distance 10 miles. Elevation gain/loss 2,000 ft.

Day 5: October 13 will be a free day to explore the village of Lagos.  The small seaside city has historic sites and many restaurants & shops. Relax on the beach or  take a kayak adventure or boat ride to the beautiful Grottos. Cost will be about $40-$45 for kayak or boat venture.  You may also hike the coastline on your own.

Day 6: October 14. We will have a 45 minute van ride to hike the "Seven Hanging Valleys Trail"  This is a 5 mile hike with 650ft gain/loss. We will hike above beautiful Benagil Cave, (google it. It's gorgeous).  Our hiking day will end around 4:00p.m.  We will then be driven (approx. 3 hours), back to Lisbon. 

I encourage everyone to check out Portugal's Coast on Youtube or google it.  The place is amazing.  We will spend the first 3 hiking days on a portion of the "Fishermans Trail". The balance of the trip weaves through quaint towns with towering cliffs over stunning beaches and ocean. Sagres, Lagos, Benagil Cave, Ponta da Piedade are a few of the highlights.  Be sure to leave a day for Lisbon or Sintra, Portugal. 

Mountains and Ocean are my favorite vacations.  Portugal combines the two.  Join Us.   Note that neither Lisa nor I have been to Portugal before.  This is an exploratory trip.  The hotels will be clean but do not expect luxury lodgings.  We cannot guarantee weather but norms are 57-73.  It could rain on any given day but its not yet rainy season.  

Lodgings will be 2 people per room. Singles may be available at an additional $35.00 per night. 

Thank you Allston Kendall for sharing your beautiful photo of the Portugal Coast.

Take a flight to Lisbon.

Cost does not include Dinners.  Does not include hotel first and last night in Lisbon. Does not include Kayaking or boat ride. Does not include airfare or airport transfers.

Rules for entering and exiting any country are in constant flux due to COVID.  They are out of the control of the AOC and your trip leaders.  I strongly encourage you to purchase "trip insurance" to protect you from any unforeseen scenarios whereby you are prevented from travelling. 

The cost of the trip is based upon 14 participants.  If we do not have 14 participants, then costs will increase.  It is imperative that everyone is at the meeting location in Lisbon on time.  

The cost will be $1,300 for 5 night of Hotels, van transfers, 5 days of guided hiking, breakfast and bag lunch. Our guides are the same ones that ran Portugal trips for REI for over 10 years. Cost includes the mandatory $25.00 AOC fee.

Does not include 1st and last night in Lisbon. Cost includes guides tip.

Deposit of $425 must be paid to trip leaders by April 17. Remaining Balance of $900 is due July 10th. A refund of the deposit only will be reimbursed up until May 5th. There are no refunds after July 10th.  You will have to find a replacement from the "wait list" (approved by the TL's).

All registrants will initially be placed on the wait list so that TL'S can evaluate the registrant's fitness & experience level.  Once placed on the active list, the registrant will have 7 calendar days to pay per deadlines cited in this document.  Failure to pay will result in the registrant being returned to the wait list.  TL's also reserve the right to consider any registrant's social history within the AOC and to make a final determination as to registrant's compatability with the group.

This is a group activity.  We will be together multiple days.  It is important that participants be flexible to changes and comfortable in a group setting.  A positive attitude and thirst for adventure is mandatory.