After breakfast you will set off on the guided 14km Historical Battle Trail and follow the panoramic river Funcho to the beautiful ‘secret pond’, and thereafter to the iconic ‘church hill’.

You’ll visit the village and stop for a coffee and "pastel de nata'; a typical Portuguese custard tart.  There is a church in the village that was built in the 16th Century, and is elegantly decorated with a beautiful altar and the house of the famous Portuguese poet Joao de Deus (1830-1896). This idyllic town is sure to fascinate all those who visit with its charm and unique character.

When you reach the hill, a large picture-tiled plaque depicts the historic 1834 Sant’Ana battle. This shows the army positions and the site where they erected a field hospital. This important historic artefact is sure to teach you about the noteworthy Portugese history, immersing you into Portugese culture.

Lunch will be a picnic on the hill under the trees where you can take in the picturesque landscape whilst enjoying your lunch prepared by Cheryl and Graham. Such a beautiful tranquil setting, It is hard to image the scenes of conflict, sacrifice and sorrow during the Portuguese Civil War that took place in these hills almost 200 years ago. 

You’ll then return to your accommodation where you can spend the day admiring the landscape, laze around the pool, wild swim or unwind following your hike.

You will be setting off on a 15km guided walk to the famous Archaeological Circuit of Vilarinha.

The walking route is rich in archaeological remains, proving to be a journey in time from Prehistory to the Middle Ages. The route is also near the reproduction centre for the endangered Iberian lynx that is on the verge of extinction in Algarve.

On this route you’ll be visiting the Necropolis of Pedreirinha, dating back to the Early Middle Ages. This beautiful piece of Portugal’s history is composed of two adult and one children’s sepulchres.

The Alignment of Vilarinha, carved in roughly 6000 BC, will also be observed. The four menhirs that remain in the sites were carved in red sandstone from the region “gres de Silves” and formed an alignment with socio-religious functions, which was built by the first communities that inhabited the area. This deeply meaningful sight holds great importance across Portugal, and is certainly a must visit whilst you are in Algarve.

Your route will also let you observe the Necropolis of Carrasqueira, Forneca Necropolis, and the stunning rural scenery which includes orchards, citrus groves, and other beautiful Mediterranean vegetation.

Lunch will be spent at a typical Portuguese café in the countryside, serving plates of the day. This offers you the chance to try typical Portuguese country cuisine.

 This is an 8.5km circular walk starting and finishing by the abandoned school at the entrance to the village. The walk starts on a quiet tarmac Lane through the village and then continues with orange groves and olive trees on either side. Eventually, the tarmac gives way to rough tracks which wind up into the hills above the village.

The walking trail leads to the abandoned village of Roche Amarela, which translates to yellow rock, probably abandoned 50 – 60 years ago – it’s fascinating to wander around the crumbling village houses and to imagine the hard lives the villagers endured scraping a living in the harsh countryside.

After leaving the village the track meanders downhill with breathtaking views of the countryside toward the coast.

You'll have the opportunity to explore one of the prettiest Algarve villages and enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the typical Portuguese restaurants.