6 independent reviews for Portugal guided walking holiday
Reviews for Portugal guided walking holiday
Christopher Green review 12 Nov 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I loved walking the stunning coastal and cliff top walking trails.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Yet, this was not a rigorous walking holiday. The holiday is operated by the very large Explore group as a frequently run package tour. Our group of 13 included two members in their 80s and several non-regular walkers. The tour leader was constantly having to manage this range of walking levels in the group. She paused regularly and apologised for even the most modest elevations.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Nothing stands out. We used local businesses in the usual way - Sagres is a small town so this was good for local small businesses. There were no particular sustainability measures in the hotel or by the Explore's itinerary.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I enjoyed this holiday but I was expecting more challenging walks.Robyn Crealy review 14 Apr 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The scenery was spectacular!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Make sure to be fit for stairs and some uphills/downhills to take full advantage of the sights3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The small hotel was delightful and all the local restaurants were a treat for the senses!4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Really enjoyable! Great group of like minded people!Judith Eaton review 22 May 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The rock arch at Ponta da Piedade was spectacular, as was the beach somewhere near Carrapateira (1st walk), though we didn’t spend nearly enough time there.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
This is leisurely walking and perfectly doable with trainers. No need to pack walking boots.Be aware that it can be very windy. It is easy to get sunburnt. There is no pool in the hotel despite what it says in the trip notes.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The hotel certainly makes an effort but it is up to the individual to switch off the air con when it’s not needed.We ate in different restaurants every day and we all paid regular visits to the supermarket so, yes, it should benefit local people.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Unfortunately the tour op does not seem to be the best in class at organisation and administration. Almost everyone on our trip had some reason to complain about them, starting with their refusal to give a mobile number of the local guide, meaning that some people travelling were not able to contact her when they arrived and missed their transfer.However, I very much enjoyed the holiday - the hotel was lovely and the walks were full of spectacular scenery .I realise our group was a bit of an exception- it is very rare on this type of holiday for people not to join the guide for the evening meal and for people to be rude to a guide when she is only doing her job -but I don’t think I would book with them again.Anna Koh review 31 Oct 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Coastal scenery were totally worth the hike.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Use sun protection3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not really. Even tho a few days we were in local villages, we were never told that we can buy our picnic lunch or snack from these cafes.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Satisfactory. Wish our TL wld hv allowed us 20mins to purchase snacks or drinks and use bathrooms in villages that we pass through.Read the operator's response here:
Thank you for taking the time to review your holiday. We do apologise that no opportunity appears to have been presented for you to purchase your lunches from the local cafes or vendors. We do strive to enrich the local businesses in the areas we visit and I have forwarded your feedback on to the appropriate teams to address this. We are delighted to hear that you felt the coastal scenery made the hiking worth it. Thank you so much for your feedback on your holiday.
Kathy Stanley review 18 Apr 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The coastal scenery was incredible.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Hiking boots are suggested due to the rough terrain on some of the hikes.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely benefited the local restaurants, supermarkets, hotels and taxi companies.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very goodSandra Braunig review 8 Nov 2021
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The scenery was fantastic especially with the colour of the sea on a sunny day2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Go out of main season when it’s warm but not too hot to enjoy the walking3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We ate in local restaurants which served lots of fresh local produce4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Had a fantastic time with a great group of peopleHoliday Reviews
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