Discover the Algarve's Hidden Gems on foot October - A Hikers paradise

São Bartolomeu de Messines, Portugal

Fo
Figs on the Funcho
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22 reviews
Oct 18 - 24, 2024
Group size: 5 - 12
Discover the Algarve's Hidden Gems on foot October - A Hikers paradise
São Bartolomeu de Messines, Portugal

Figs on the Funcho
  • Email address verified
  • Facebook verified
  • LinkedIn verified
22 reviews

Oct 18 - 24, 2024
Group size: 5 - 12

About this trip

Embark on a breathtaking journey through the Algarve, where hidden gems and stunning scenery await you. Experience the best of what this beautiful region has to offer, from delightful wildlife to endless sunshine, on a 6-night walking holiday at Figs on the Funcho. With direct views over Barragem do Funcho (river), you'll be able to soak up the serene beauty of the surrounding landscape. Stroll along the tranquil riverside paths and marvel at the breathtaking views that will take your breath away. As the day turns to night, enjoy clear starry skies and stunning sunsets, making your walking holiday in the Algarve an unforgettable experience.

The walking experience

This holiday is an opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors in one of Europe’s most stunning locations and to explore the wonderful Algarve walking routes.


Some walks will be led by expert guides and some by Cheryl, or Graham and adjusted to suit all the needs of the group. Whether you are keen to hike or just want to explore this region and its hidden beauty, your guide will ensure this trip is perfect for you.


As well as immersing yourself in the Algarve’s culture by visiting the idyllic towns, beautiful architecture and enjoying its delicious local cuisine, you can explore its rich history including a visit to the remnants of the famous 1834 Sant’Ana battle, as well as many other historic sights such as the Necropolis of Pedreirinha, dating back to the Early Middle Ages.


This holiday is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a truly wonderful experience in a stunning and relaxing location.

What you can expect to see and do

  • Unspoilt, uncrowded, peaceful and tranquil setting off the the beaten track where you can fully relax and rejuvenate
  • Enjoy the riverside location with an infinity swimming pool that has un-interrupted panoramic country and river views
  • See how many birds that are local to Figs on the Funcho that you can spot from the relaxed comfort of the shaded seating area
  • Starry skies and unforgettable sunsets
  • You can enjoy our location all year round with very pleasant sunshine and warm temperatures even in the winter 
  • Horse riding nearby
  • Relaxing massages on order

The Venue

Figs on the Funcho, crowned by LuxLife's Hospitality Award as "Algarve's Most Idyllic Riverside Retreat 2023", offers breathtaking country views that will undoubtedly leave you in awe. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the surroundings, let the stunning landscapes inspire you, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Our home-from-home, The River House, is the perfect retreat for nature enthusiasts seeking modern comfort, privacy, and peace. This renovated 100-year-old farmhouse riverside property boasts an infinity swimming pool, 5 large bedrooms, and can accommodate up to 10 people with the option of single or double beds. 

In addition to the villa, The River House also offers the option of staying in our two luxurious safari tents in the garden with stunning river views. Each tent can accommodate up to 2 guests, providing a unique and immersive nature experience. So, whether you choose to stay in the villa or one of our safari tents, you're sure to have an unforgettable and restorative getaway.

What to Bring

Sun hat, sun cream, and suitable footwear for walking to explore different paths 


Your swimming costume to enjoy the pool and wetsuits and swimming shoes for wild swimming or canoeing in the dam. I strongly advise wearing swimming shoes for all river activities.


Something warm to relax in at night


Re-useable water bottle 


Binoculars, walking sticks (highly recommended), good walking shoes, windbreaker and waterproof jacket

Check-in Check-out

Check-in from 16h00. Guests are requested to arrive before 21h00; otherwise, arrival should be scheduled for the following morning.

Check-out will be after the 09h00 breakfast.

How to get there

We'll pick you up at Faro airport at 3pm; if you've opted for a different route, we'll warmly welcome you at the riverside villa from 3pm.


For those arriving by train, disembark at Messines-Alte train station and choose a quick 5-minute taxi ride to reach the villa. This is an excellent choice for those who prefer to avoid an internal flight and instead savour a scenic journey through the countryside.


If you're flying into Faro airport, you have two options: either take the train to Messines-Alte and select a 5-minute taxi ride to the villa or opt for a 45-minute airport taxi transfer directly to the villa.


Follow the Google map directions for those travelling by car.

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel until 30 days before arrival and you shall be entitled to a refund of the total amount paid by you to us in relation to such booking less a cancellation charge equal to the amount of the Deposit paid by you.

You will be charged the total price of the reservation if you cancel in the 30 days before arrival. If you don’t show up you will be charged the total price of the reservation.    

What’s included

  • Welcome drinks
  • Guided Walks
    Guided nature walk every day
  • Accommodation
    Spacious, comfortable accommodation. Single or double beds with shared spacious bathroom or double room with bathroom en-suite
  • Meals
    Breakfast and dinner. Packed lunch or a picnic is provided on most walks except when you eat at a local restaurant at your cost (not included: alcoholic drinks (honesty bar provided))
  • Airport Transfers
    We’ll have one Faro airport pick-up at 15h00 for the group. We can arrange airport transfers for you at other times for your cost.
  • Cleaning
    Mid week room clean and towel change
  • Towels
    Bath and swimming pool towels
  • Wifi

What’s not included

  • Activities
    Optional activities such as massages or horse riding
  • Insurance
    Travel Insurance (recommended)
  • Drinks
    Alcoholic drinks and cool drinks, we have an honesty bar
  • Airfares
    Airfares to Portugal
  • Meals
    Some lunches depending on the walking route chosen

Available Packages

Purple Room Shared, Occupant 1
only 1 left

Sharing the upstairs Purple Room with a companion involves delighting in the presence of dual skylights and utilising the contemporary bathroom equipped with twin basins and a shower, all shared among occupants.

If you're uncertain about your bedroom selection, consider exploring all the bedrooms in the villa.

Should you choose to have a room without a companion, please send an email to graham@figsonthefuncho.com to make this request and confirm availability.

€850
Deposit: €212
Purple Room Shared, Occupant 2

Sharing the upstairs Purple Room with a companion involves delighting in the presence of dual skylights and utilising the contemporary bathroom equipped with twin basins and a shower, all shared among occupants.

If you're uncertain about your bedroom selection, consider exploring all the bedrooms in the villa.

Should you choose to have a room without a companion, please send an email to graham@figsonthefuncho.com to make this request and confirm availability.

€850
Deposit: €212
Green Room Single Occupant

Single Occupancy in the Green Room: Located upstairs, this room provides picturesque river views and shares a modern bathroom equipped with dual basins.

If you're unsure about your choice of bedroom, we encourage you to explore all the available options within the villa.

If you prefer to room with a friend kindly send an email to email graham@figsonthefuncho.com to make this request. 

€1,170
Deposit: €292
Zebra Room Single Occupant

Single Occupancy in the Zebra Room: Located upstairs, this room provides picturesque river views and shares a modern bathroom equipped with dual basins.

If you're unsure about your choice of bedroom, we encourage you to explore all the available options within the villa.

If you prefer to room with a friend kindly send an email to email graham@figsonthefuncho.com to make this request. 

€1,170
Deposit: €292
Teal Room, Single Occupant

This expansive ground-floor bedroom includes an en-suite bathroom and double doors that lead to the garden. Take a glimpse of the bedroom here.

If you're unsure about your choice of bedroom, we encourage you to explore all the available options within the villa.

If you prefer to share a room with a companion, kindly send an email to graham@figsonthefuncho.com to make this request and confirm availability.

€1,697
Deposit: €425
Main Room Shared, Occupant 1

Explore this roomy ground-floor bedroom showcasing an en-suite bathroom and double doors that lead onto the garden. The bed can be arranged as two singles or combined as a double. Take a look at the bedroom.

If you're unsure about your choice of bedroom, we encourage you to explore all the available options within the villa.

Should you choose to have a room without a companion, please send an email to graham@figsonthefuncho.com to make this request and confirm availability.

€1,397
Deposit: €350
Main Room Shared, Occupant 2

Explore this roomy ground-floor bedroom showcasing an en-suite bathroom and double doors that lead onto the garden. The bed can be arranged as two singles or combined as a double. Take a look at the bedroom.

If you're unsure about your choice of bedroom, we encourage you to explore all the available options within the villa.

Should you choose to have a room without a companion, please send an email to graham@figsonthefuncho.com to make this request and confirm availability.

€1,397
Deposit: €350
One Person Safari Tent With Shared Bath

One person in a Glamping Safari tent with a shared bathroom. Check out details for more information on our glamping tents.  

€1,070
Deposit: €268


Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival Day

We'll pick you up from the agreed-upon location or, if you've opted for a different route, we'll warmly welcome you at the riverside villa from 16h00. Take your time settling into your accommodation, surrounded by peace and tranquillity.

Join us for welcome drinks at 18h30, on the waterfront deck, where you will have the opportunity to meet your walking group and enjoy the sunset. Dinner will be enjoyed outdoors (weather permitting), where you will be served a wholesome vegetarian meal that was lovingly prepared by your hosts, Graham and Cheryl.

After dinner enjoy a cheese platter served with port under the carob trees.  

Later you can retreat into your beautiful rooms for the evening and relax ahead of the first full day of your walking holiday in the Algarve. 

Guests need to arrive before 22h00 otherwise arrival needs to occur the following morning.

Your Organizer


Fo
Figs on the Funcho
22 reviews
🏆LuxLife Hospitality Award: Algarve's Most Idyllic Riverside Retreat 2023 Cheryl & Graham, co-founders of Figs on the Funcho, share their love for the Algarve through culinary, walking & painting packages. With 20 years of experience, they explore the best beaches, restaurants, and villages for a memorable experience. Passionate about cooking, they draw inspiration from culinary experts like Ottolenghi, Ixta Belfrage, Sami Tamimi, and Jamie Oliver. Their retreats offer healthy and delicious vegetarian meals, delighting all taste buds.

Reviews

A lovely day out, with the experience to enjoy preparing and cooking some new food dishes, with other ‘foodies’ ! Graham & Cheryl are excellent hosts with a relax and welcoming atmosphere. Great location ‘out in the wilds’ of the beautiful Algarve ! I Can recommend it to any of you looking for ‘something different to enjoy’ 😎
By Alan C for Flavours of the Portuguese Spice Route: A Journey Through Africa on Apr 12, 2024
Thank you Alan, lovely to meet up with you
By Figs on the Funcho on Apr 13, 2024
Fo
We had a great day and enjoyed our brunch.
By Karen M for Ottolenghi Inspired Vegetarian Brunch on Mar 21, 2024
Cheryl & Graham were the perfect hosts, thank you in a beautiful setting, easy going pace, cooking lunch an enjoyable experience, very well organised & lots of tips as you go.. delicious food & company in very relaxed atmosphere, highly recommend 👌 Maureen 🇮🇪
By Maureen S for Ottolenghi Inspired Vegetarian Brunch on Mar 13, 2024
My friend and I attended the vegetarian cooking class recently. We have taken classes together all over the world and this was one of our best experiences. It was very welcoming (even though we arrived early) and it was also very organized. The other participants were lovely to meet and the setting was beautiful. The lunch was delicious and plentiful ( as was the wine) I would recommend the class to anyone.
By Mary Linda B for Vegetarian Mediterranean Lifestyle Cooking - Falalfel Making Workshop (copy) on Mar 04, 2024
I found joy in cooking again at Figs on the Fungo. It gave me a push to take up my Ottolenghi cookbooks. Without these workshops, I would never have made tahini and humus myself, which are much tastier than the ones you buy in the shop. Cheryl and Graham make you feel right at home in their cosy kitchen and are the most friendly and flexible persons. It's cooking without stress and meeting new nice people. Lunch together on a lovely terrace with an astonishing view and a heavenly dessert from Laura (their daughter) on top! I am already looking forward to the upcoming Ottolenghi inspired Brunch workshop.
By Leen V for Vegetarian Mediterranean Lifestyle Cooking - Falalfel Making Workshop on Feb 21, 2024
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