Walking Portugal's Coast and Beaches

We are both in our mid-sixties and this was our first walking tour. We loved it. We always felt safe (even when going up a very daunting slope) and knew that our guides really, really wanted us to have a brilliant experience. Luis was extremely knowledgeable, energetic, friendly and always in good spirits. We were impressed with how the local restaurant, bar, and hotel people interacted with him; there was genuine mutual respect and appreciation. Francisco was also so knowledgeable and patient, and his grandmother makes wonderful Easter Bread. We will never forget our joy at seeing Luis and Francisco drive up to us at 10 p.m. to offer us a ride back to our hotel after another late-in-the-day Portuguese Dinner. Together, our two guides set a very upbeat, positive tone for our week together. They constantly and sincerely listened to our feedback and adjusted to our idiosyncrasies.

This is a great trip if you enjoy the sea air with great views over the clifftops.

The coast of Portugal offers varied terrain and great opportunity for hiking and to be guided by Francisco and Ines made it even better. Their knowledge about the area is extensive and they took time and effort to ensure everyone achieved what they wanted from the trip. I cannot recommend this trip enough - it truly was an amazing week.

You can’t imagine how beautiful Portugal’s coast is until you do this trip. The beaches are so scenic and uncrowded. The trails were not difficult and everyone in our group was able to keep the pace. There were adequate stops to enjoy the views and take a swim in the water. Our guides Francisco and Ines were absolutely wonderful. I have a special interest in birds and plants; both were very knowledgeable. They even carried a bird book and a plant ID book. The guides brought a camera with a very long lens, so they were able to share close-ups of the baby storks with our group. The guides were always available on WhatsApp if we had any questions (during our free time). The trip was very well organized; the guides did a lot of work behind the scenes coordinating our drop off and pick up locations. I also really enjoyed the smaller villages we passed through and I was able to get some wonderful photographs. Portugal’s food is fantastic, and the guides helped me to find a restaurant to sample barnacles (highly recommended). The wine and distillery tastings were very enjoyable. I combined this trip with the Highlights of Portugal; it was easy to take a public bus from Lisbon and back again. This was one of my favorite Exodus trips (and I’ve done many) thanks to the competent guides and lovely scenery.

We both had a wonderful week in May 2023, Walking Portugal's Coast and Beaches, guided by Francisco and Ines. It was theses guides that made a good walk into a fantastic walk. They are a great team, passionate about the history, nature and conservation of the area. They complemented each other like 2 pieces of a jigsaw. We were briefed each preceding evening on the appropriate clothing, type of terrain, difficulty and interesting features to expect. At the end of every day, they encouraged feedback to gauge if we were happy with the speed and terrain. The lunch packs were made up by local bakeries and were appropriate to everyone’s needs. Their choice of hotels and restaurant recommendations were excellent. The coast line is both scenic and dramatic, with every bay and cliff top being pristine and litter free. We visited a vineyard and a Medronho distillery with tasting and snacks provided. We also visited a reconstructed castle in Aljezur, an abandoned village, Aldeia Da Pedralva, which has been restored to its former glory and a huge wall mural dedicated to Amalia Rodrigues a famous female Portuguese melancholic singer. All these visits were very informative. On the first day Francisco and Ines had asked us to share our particular interests and unusually I said “Rocks”. To my surprise and delight both Francisco and Ines made a point of showing me some unusual geological features everyday. They were both careful and courteous and drivers. Had we opted for a self-guided tour we would not have seen, enjoyed nor learnt so much about the region and its excellent well priced eateries. With their local, inside knowledge they were able to tailor the walks, activities and suggestions to take account of the most up-to-date information. All in all, an excellent week of walking rendered outstanding because of the ethos of these 2 guides.

A2z travel and Exodus exceeded my expectations!!! Portugal is an amazing country and our tour guides took us to spots we definately would have missed if we traveled on our own. This was my first guided tour- I was nervous it would be very basic and boring. Our trip was the farthest thing from boring! We hiked, toured, ate and ate and ate some more, drank great wine and port and more unique spirits. So many laughs shared with very fun people! I will go in more trips with Luis and his team of exceptional guides. If you are on the fence-go for it!!!! I will return to Portugal for sure. Thanks Joao, Carlos, Luis and Hanne and the amazing women on the tour! Shawn H North Vancouver, BC Canada

A very well organised trip, superb scenery, stunning views on all of the walks. The two guides were very knowledgeable and lead the group in a pleasant and professional manner. They found great venues for meals in each location.

I nearly didn't go on this trip as I prefer longer walks with more challenge, however I'm really glad I went! Who can fail to enjoy themselves where there's a beautiful view everywhere you look, the weather is wonderful (22 degrees on average over Easter when I was there) and the paths and walking is varied. Even if you're used to doing level 4 or higher graded walks I still think there's much to enjoy and yo'd be missing out by omitting it because it's a level 2. The guides (Luis and Francisco) were helpful without being bossy, knowledgeable without labouring the point and just really easy company.

It is incredible how much difference to my wellbeing a week away made. We had incredible guides in Luis and Irella, jaw dropping rugged scenery and an exceptional group. Each day was different as we walked on the rugged cliffs or on the beaches to the Atlantic Ocean. I was mesmerised by its beauty and I felt as though my mind had been cleansed by the sea, light breeze and sunshine. Looking back, i can now tell you the stress of lockdown and london life and not going anywhere for 18 months had really took its toll and this trip bought me back to me and made me have faith that the world will be ok again. Absolutely loved it and just what the doctor ordered. Im home and feel renewed and rejuvenated. Thank you Luis, my wonderful group, beautiful Portugal and Exodus!

Such a lovely holiday on the Portuguese Atlantic coastline. Walking along beaches and cliff tops, beautiful scenery every day. The guides Ines and Luis, were very knowledgeable, professional and helpful. The hotels were good. Transfer by mini bus to walks and hotels, all included. Would highly recommend.