I’ve already explored the West Coast. Will this still be new?

Yes! I guarantee that we will go places you have not already been, and would not find on you own, or with any other tour. There is no chance of overlapping or repeating experiences. This will be something entirely unique, guaranteed.

Hiker standing on a cliff overlooking the dramatic and remote Costa Vicentina, Algarve, Portugal.

THE WEST COAST ADVENTURE

TOUR OPTION

Join a Group Tour or make it Private

INCLUDES

Sunset tapas & wine + transport from Lagos

GROUP SIZE

Group Tour: 4-10 Private: 2-10+

PRICE

Group Tour: €99/p Private: From €380

Discover the Algarve's wild side

THE ORIGINAL, QUINTESSENTIAL WEST COAST HIKING ADVENTURE

This is my signature experience, shaped by more than 12 years of guiding and exploring in the Algarve.

Over the course of an afternoon and evening, we’ll venture deep into the remote and wondrous Costa Vicentina Natural Park, following hidden trails to secluded beaches, towering cliffs, and the Algarve’s most dramatic and undiscovered landscapes.

Along the way, you’ll hear stories that bring the land to life, discover why this place was once considered the End of the World, and experience firsthand the powerful natural forces that continue to shape it today.

We’ll finish the day with a well-earned celebration of homemade tapas and wine on a secluded clifftop as we watch the sun fall into the Atlantic.

Hiker overlooking a remote, hidden beach on the Algarve’s Costa Vicentina

Why the West Coast?

THIS IS THE ALGARVE LIKE YOU NEVER EXPECTED

The South Coast is the Algarve you already know: golden cliffs, charming villages, sandy beaches, and a million Instagram posts.

The West Coast is the Algarve you never imagined: a vast coastal wilderness full of empty beaches, soaring cliffs, forgotten trails, endless Atlantic views, and hidden corners that can only be reached on foot.

It’s one of Europe’s last great coastal wildernesses, and the place that inspired everything I do as a guide.

LEARN MORE: THE WEST COAST

What makes this day unforgettable?

HERE'S HOW THE DAY UNFOLDS

1. Escape the Crowds

This adventure begins where the road ends.

We’ll leave the busy Algarve behind and follow hidden trails into a landscape where solitude, silence, and wilderness rule.

2. Earn the View

Some places must be earned.

We’re headed to places that can only be reached by foot: Towering cliffs, secluded beaches, and endless Atlantic views that reward curiosity and a little effort.

3. Bring the Coast to Life

Discover the stories beneath your feet. History, geology, wildlife, legends, local culture, and interactive encounters are woven into the trail. You'll leave with a connection that no guidebook or photograph can give.

4. Slow Down

Notice what others miss.

We’ll stop often to explore, wonder, breathe, relax, ask questions, appreciate, and simply soak up this magical place up.

5. Leave Room for Surprise

Carefully crafted. Never scripted.

Each journey is shaped by the landscape, the conditions and the people who share it. No two adventures are ever the same, and that’s what transforms the tour into a real adventure.

6. Celebrate the Journey

End the day the Algarvian way.

Homemade tapas and local wine shared together on a secluded clifftop, and one last sunset over the Atlantic. A simple celebration of a day well spent.

What my guests say:

REAL WORDS FROM PEOPLE WHO'VE BEEN THERE

"A beautifully curated experience. Every aspect of the tour has been so carefully considered... I’ve been traveling to Portugal for over ten years and this is hands down the best experience I have had there! I highly, highly recommend!"

Joanna T. | TripAdvisor

Choose your adventure

ONE ADVENTURE, TWO FLAVORS

Join a Group

SMALL-GROUP TOUR

Small group, big adventure.

For solo travelers, couples, and small groups (age 14+)

My original adventure, since 2014. Join a small team of curious travelers to explore the wildest corners of the coast. Then, share a homemade sunset picnic dinner and wine with new friends.

Full-day (7+ hrs); afternoon until after dark

4 - 10 Guests

Includes a homemade sunset tapas & wine

€99 per-person

BOOK THE GROUP TOUR

Make it Your Own

PRIVATE TOUR

An adventure made entirely for you.

For any group who wants a personal, flexible experience

Experience the West Coast with complete freedom. I'll adapt the pace, timing, and every detail to match your group’s energy, interests, and sense of adventure, so the day becomes truly yours.

Half-day (5 hrs) or Full-day (7 hrs); flexible timing

2 - 8+ Guests (flexible)

Add food, or focus on hiking

From €380

REQUEST A PRIVATE TOUR

Plan your adventure:

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO GET READY

PRICE

€99/person

Some discounts available: See "Participation" FAQ, below.

AVAILABILITY

April - October: Trips depart 2-4 times per week.
November - March: Private Tours only.

DURATION

About 7.5 hours in total, which includes:

1h+ driving
4h active hiking
1-2h relaxed exploring, learning, resting, and more
1h for the sunset and dinner

TOUR TIMES

Approximate times based on the season:

May - July: 2:00pm-10:00pm
Mar - Apr + Aug - Sep: 1:00pm - 9:00pm
Oct: 12:00pm - 8:00pm
Nov - Feb: 12:00pm - 7:00pm

FOOD & DIETARY RESTRICTIONS

Dinner is a homemade spread of Algarvian tapas—fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced. All meat, cheese, & bread are optional and served on the side, so the meal accommodates most eaters, including:

Vegetarian, Vegan, Dairy-free, & Gluten-free

Have allergies? Just let me know in advance!

WHAT'S INCLUDED

✔ Dinner & wine

✔ Transportation from Lagos meeting point

✔ Gear rental – As needed (see below)

✔ Licensed & experienced guide (that’s me!)

✔ Insurance – You’re covered.

TRANSPORTATION

Includes full transport from my Lagos meeting point.

Meeting Point: Just outside Lagos old town. Exact details given after booking.
Staying West of Lagos? We can also meet in Vila do Bispo, or on the N125, on our way to the hike.
Drop-off: After the tour, I can drop you off anywhere in Lagos.

WHAT TO BRING

Nothing fancy — just the basics.

✔ Comfortable shoes (trainers / sneakers are fine)

✔ Water bottle

✔ Sun protection

✔ Swimwear & towel (if you'd like the chance to swim)

✔ Warm layer or jacket: It gets surprisingly chilly!

✔ Backpack: To put it all in!

I can provide extra backpacks, jackets, towels, waterbottles, and other essentials, if needed.

GROUP SIZE

Usually 6-8 guests. Min 4, max 10 (occasionaly 12).

RESTRICTIONS

Age 14+. Have kids? Book a Private "Family Adventure."

ACTIVITY LEVEL

This trip is perfect for all active, curious travelers who want a real experience, not a sightseeing tour.

Despite the big day and a bit of hard work, the experience never feels too strenuous or exhausting, and we are not hiking the whole day — total hiking time is about 4 hours, with plenty of time to rest, relax, hear stories, and enjoy the moment.

All tours are adapted to meet the abilities and energy of the group, and are designed to balance effort & relaxation, challenge & reward, and to offer a thoughtful, physical experience with an unbeatable feeling of achievement.

HIKING: DISTANCE & TERRAIN

Usually 8-10km with 200-400m elevation gain — sometimes more, sometimes less — spread out over 4 hours of movement.

Focus is on quality, not quantity—We'll work hard at times, but at a relaxed, easy-going pace.

Expect some rugged, uneven trails with loose rocks and potentially some steep hills, but no extreme difficulty. Some basic balance, coordination, and full-body mobility will be used.

HEIGHTS, CLIFFS, EDGES, & FEARS

A little nervous around heights? That’s completely normal, and usually not a problem.

We will spend time near cliffs and elevated viewpoints, but you will never be required to stand too close or do anything unsafe.

✔ You’ll always have the option to keep a comfortable distance.

✔ I provide guidance and support whenever terrain feels challenging.

✔ Routes can often be adjusted to suit the group’s comfort level.

If heights are a concern, let me know when you book and I’ll plan a route that works well for you.

That said, if you are truly terrified by heights or have felt panic or overwhelm, then this may not be the right experience for you.

Still unsure? Send me a message and we’ll figure it out together. Either way, when you book, tell

OLDER GUESTS

My tours are accessible to a wide range of ages and abilities, and I regularly guide guests in their 60s and even 70s.

You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should be healthy, active, and comfortable moving on uneven terrain.

What matters most is mobility, not endurance:

✔ Good balance and coordination

✔ Comfort walking on rocky, uneven trails

✔ Basic full-body movement (bending, squatting, ducking, sitting and standing)

✔ The ability to hike for 4 hours with breaks

I always adapt the route, pace, and level of challenge to suit the group. If needed, I can often offer gentler alternatives to the more demanding sections.

If you’ve made it this far and are excited by the idea of the adventure, there’s a good chance you’ll do just fine.

Still unsure? Send me a message and I’ll be happy to help you decide.

HIKING IN THE HEAT

Portugal may be known for hot summers, but the Algarve's West Coast stays cool all year round.

In fact, this hike usually offers a welcome break from the summer heat!

✔ The Atlantic Ocean creates a microclimate and keeps temperatures much cooler than the rest of the region, typically 5–10°C cooler than Lagos, or more.

✔ Strong ocean breezes make hiking comfortable, even in the middle of summer.

✔ By sunset, many guests are reaching for a jacket.

On rare hot days, we'll make sure to find shade, go slow, and make an opportunity for a refreshing sea swim.

RAIN & WEATHER

From May through October, it almost never rains. If we do encounter some, well, it's all part of the adventure.

I rarely cancel tours based on the forecast alone, which are famously unreliable for the West coast, and often change quickly.

If conditions become unsafe or genuinely unpleasant, I’ll adjust the route, modify the plan, or cancel and refund as appropriate.

Private adventures are flexible by design, and always tailored to your group.

The information below gives you a general starting point for what to expect.

When you book, I'll make a detailed plan adapted to your needs. From there, we can fine-tune the details together, and adapt the experience as we go.

FULL-DAY ADVENTURES
(~7 hrs)

The complete experience, designed to reach further and experience a deeper side of the coastline.

With a full day, we can access more remote areas, take longer trails, slow down, and truly settle into the day.

Includes sunset refreshments or light trail snacks, with the option to add a full meal (see below).

Up to 2 guests:

Low Season (Nov-Apr): €490

High Season (May-Oct): €540

Each additional guest: €50

HALF-DAY ADVENTURES
(~5 hrs)

A focused exploration, perfect if you want a meaningful adventure without committing the whole day.

Half-day trips still include plenty of time on the trail, with a mix of hiking, exploring, and scenic pauses.

Includes sunset refreshments or light trail snacks, with the option to add a full meal (see below).

Up to 2 guests:

Low Season (Nov-Apr): €390

High Season (May-Oct): €440

Each additional guest: €40

FAMILY ADVENTURES
Half-Day (~5 hrs)

An active and playful outdoor experience designed for families with kids under 16, with a special price.

Less a traditional hike and more a varied exploration, with flexible pacing and distances and extra room for curiosity, discovery and hands-on encounters.

Includes trail snacks or sunset refreshments, with the option to add a full meal.

Up to 4 guests:

Low Season (Nov-Apr): €420

High Season (May-Oct): €470

Each additional, under 16: €30

Each additional, adult: €40

ADD FLAVOR TO YOUR FOOTSTEPS

Food is part of the experience, not just an add-on.

All half-and full-day tours include trail snacks or sunset refreshments, depending on the tour timing.

Add a meal and turn the adventure into a full sensory experience!

Packed lunch: €20 + €15 per person
- Fresh, nourishing, and designed for the trail.
- Perfect on a beach or clifftop.
- Keeps us adventuring without getting hungry.

Picnic tapas & wine: €30 + €25 per person
- Homemade, local, and enjoyed in nature.
- Great to slow things down & end the day well.
- Adds 30 minutes to the tour time.

Local Restaurant: €50 + pay your own
- A relaxed meal at one of my favorite local spots.
- A great way to finish with a local experience.
- Adds about 1 hour to the tour.

HOW THE DAY UNFOLDS

Every private adventure is different, but most follow a similar flow.

Pre-Trip

When you book, you’ll tell me a bit about your group — your interests, abilities, and preferences — and I’ll begin crafting a plan for the day.

Arrival, Orientation & Transportation

I'll set the stage with maps, stories, and a quick plan for the day. Then we'll drive to the West Coast (about 35 minutes from Lagos).

Exploration

We head into the landscape — hiking, exploring, discovering hidden places, and adapting the rhythm to your group’s energy and curiosity, as well as the unique conditions of the day.

Pause, Enjoy & Eat

Depending on your choice (see below), we finish with a trail lunch, sunset dinner, or snacks and refreshments.

The Return

We finish our day relaxed, inspired, and full of stories.

HALF-DAY vs. FULL-DAY

Private adventures are offered in two formats:

Half-Day (5 hours)

A focused exploration with plenty of time to move, discover hidden places, and enjoy the landscape without committing a full day.

Full-Day (7 hours)

The full experience — with time to reach more remote areas, explore more deeply, and include a proper meal as part of the day.

Full details about the differences between these options — including food and pricing — can be found in the Pricing & Options section.

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Private adventures are flexible by design, but they are still active outdoor experiences.

At a minimum, you should expect around 2–3 hours of active exploring during the day. Anyone in reasonably good health with basic mobility should find this comfortable.

From there, the adventure can easily become more ambitious depending on your interests and energy.

In general, the experience can range from:

Relaxed: Gentle walking on defined trails with minimal elevation gain.

Active: Longer hikes with steadier pacing, hills, and more varied terrain.

Challenging: Rugged routes with sustained effort, remote landscapes, and occasional full-body movement.

We’ll shape the adventure together so it feels just right for your group.

KIDS, MIXED ABILITIES, & OLDER GUESTS

Private tours are ideal for families and mixed-ability groups. I regularly guide young children, guests in their 70s, and everyone in between

Routes and pacing can be adapted:

Extra pauses, shorter distances, or gentler terrain are always possible
With kids, the day usually includes more variety, playful stops, and hands-on exploration rather than continuous hiking

TIMING

Approximate times for full-day or half-day sunset tours:

May - July: 2pm or 4pm → 10pm

March - April, August - September: 1pm or 3pm → 9pm

October: 12pm or 2pm → 8pm

November - February: 12pm or 2pm → 7pm

If you prefer not to plan around sunset, the tour can start anytime you'd like. Morning departures are another great option, typically starting at 8 or 9am and returning in the afternoon

WHAT'S INCLUDED

More than just a guided hike, Private Tours include:

✔ Personal planning and communication before your tour

✔ A fully tailored route and rhythm for your group

✔ Transportation from the Lagos area

✔ Gear as needed (backpacks, jackets, water, and more)

✔ A licensed, experienced guide (that’s me!)

✔ Insurance coverage

Food options — lunch, sunset dinner, or light trail snacks — can be added depending on your chosen format.

TRANSPORTATION

Pick-up and drop-off from your accommodation in the Lagos area is always included.

If you’re staying outside Lagos, you can:

Meet me in Lagos
Arrange a meeting point along the way
Enquire about special pick-up arrangements

Final details are confirmed after booking.

GROUP SIZE

Usually 2-8 guests. Over 8 guests is possible with the addition of extra transportation. Please enquire.

WEATHER

Weather is part of the adventure — and rarely a problem.

The West Coast has its own Atlantic microclimate, usually 5–10°C cooler than the rest of the Algarve, with more wind and dramatic skies.

Summer: Perfect hiking weather, even during hot months.

Spring & Autumn: Beautiful but variable.

Winter: Occasionally wetter, but still many great days.

Forecasts here are famously unreliable. We almost always go out and adapt the plan to the conditions.

If weather becomes unsafe or genuinely unpleasant, we adjust or cancel fairly.

WHAT TO BRING

Nothing fancy, just some basics.

✔ Comfortable shoes (trainers / sneakers are fine)

✔ Water bottle

✔ Sun protection

✔ Swimsuit & towel (optional, if you’d like to swim)

✔ Warm layer or jacket (the West Coast can be windy)

✔ Backpack to carry your things

If needed, I can provide extra backpacks, jackets, towels, and other essentials.

BOOK YOUR ADVENTURE

Frequently Asked Questions:

STILL WONDERING? START HERE.

The Experience

Participation

Concerns

Practical Questions

Yes and no. The Fisherman’s Trail, part of the Rota Vicentina, follows much of the West Coast of the Algarve. At times, we may follow select sections of the trail, but much of our hiking takes us off-trail to explore paths only known by locals... or by no one else beside me :) I’ve spent years discovering and creating my own routes, weaving together trails that you won’t find on a map, with a guide, or on your own. Even when we use part of an established trail, every hike I lead is bespoke, unique, and designed for that day’s group and conditions. We are never simply hiking the trail.

Short answer: No — and very intentionally. The Seven Hanging Valleys is one of the Algarve’s most famous hikes, which also makes it one of the busiest, most crowded, and most Instagram-driven stretches of coastline. The Classic Adventure focuses on wild, quiet, and remote places — areas with unmarked trails, empty beaches, and landscapes you’re unlikely to find on your own. That experience simply isn’t possible on the Seven Hanging Valleys route. That said — if the famous golden cliffs and grottoes are what you’re after, I offer a private tour alternative that explores a nearby, lesser-known stretch of the same coastline, with the same beauty but far fewer people. If that’s what you’re looking for, just ask — I’ll point you in the right direction.

Yes! But there is no single set route: the exact hike is chosen on the day of the tour based on conditions, season, group size, interests, abilities, and even a little of my own whimsy. There is so much to explore on the Vicentine Coast. It's not about one “best” place, but about finding the right trail for the day. Keeping it fresh keeps it fun, both for you and for me. If you return for another hike, as many guests do, I’ll take you somewhere completely different. Some guests come back year after year, and I always record where we go so that every adventure is unique.

No... and that’s exactly the point. Most Algarve tours are designed to show you a series of places. This experience is designed to immerse you in one. Rather than rushing from viewpoint to viewpoint, we spend the day moving through the landscape itself: hiking remote trails, discovering hidden places, learning about the region, and experiencing the coast with all of our senses. You’ll certainly see beautiful places and take plenty of photos if you’d like, but the goal isn’t simply to see the Algarve. It’s to experience it.

On my Group Tour, we get back to Lagos about 1.5 hours after the sun sets, or anywhere from 8:00pm to 10:30pm, depending on the time of year. Staying out late under the fading colors and rising stars, after everyone else has gone home, is a crucial part of what makes this experience so special and unique. If you need to get home earlier, Private Tours can be customized to return anytime you want. However, the time of sunset cannot be changed... so if you want to stay out for that, then we will have to get back late.

THE WEST COAST ADVENTURE

THE ORIGINAL, QUINTESSENTIAL WEST COAST HIKING ADVENTURE

Why the West Coast?

THIS IS THE ALGARVE LIKE YOU NEVER EXPECTED

What makes this day unforgettable?

1. Escape the Crowds

2. Earn the View

3. Bring the Coast to Life

4. Slow Down

5. Leave Room for Surprise

6. Celebrate the Journey

What my guests say:

REAL WORDS FROM PEOPLE WHO'VE BEEN THERE

Choose your adventure

SMALL-GROUP TOUR

For solo travelers, couples, and small groups (age 14+)

PRIVATE TOUR

For any group who wants a personal, flexible experience

Plan your adventure:

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO GET READY

PRICE​

AVAILABILITY

DURATION​​

TOUR TIMES​​

FOOD & DIETARY RESTRICTIONS​​

WHAT'S INCLUDED

TRANSPORTATION​

WHAT TO BRING​

GROUP SIZE

RESTRICTIONS

FULL-DAY ADVENTURES (~7 hrs)

HALF-DAY ADVENTURES (~5 hrs)

FAMILY ADVENTURES Half-Day (~5 hrs)

Food is part of the experience, not just an add-on.

All half-and full-day tours include trail snacks or sunset refreshments, depending on the tour timing.

​

Add a meal and turn the adventure into a full sensory experience!​​​

​​​

Frequently Asked Questions:

Will we be hiking on the Fishermen’s Trail?

Will we be hiking the Seven Hanging Valleys?

Do you offer multiple hikes? Can I join again?

Is this a sightseeing tour?

I’ve already explored the West Coast. Will this still be new?

Why do we return so late? Can we get back earlier?

PRICE

DURATION

TOUR TIMES

FOOD & DIETARY RESTRICTIONS

TRANSPORTATION

WHAT TO BRING

FULL-DAY ADVENTURES
(~7 hrs)

HALF-DAY ADVENTURES
(~5 hrs)

FAMILY ADVENTURES
Half-Day (~5 hrs)

Add a meal and turn the adventure into a full sensory experience!