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.

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.

• 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

Included in this package is accommodation in a well-appointed and relaxing double room, breakfast each day and dinner each evening. Lunch at Figs on the Funcho is included on most days depending on the walking route chosen. We will also come and pick you up from the airport at 15h00. 

There’s one of a few things that are not included, and they include entrance fees to any of the local attractions we visit whilst out sight-seeing, your drinks at Figs on the Funcho (we have an honesty bar at your disposal), and some lunches.

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.

Please note that prices for the holidays do not include flights. We recommend using www.skyscanner.net to check flights or contact Karen Thorpe from Not Just Travel who can assist you via email karen.thorpe@notjusttravel.com or call her directly at +44 07397802770.

The nearest airport is Faro and is a 45 minute drive by car. 

The nearest train station is S.B. Messines

Transfers from Faro airport are included in the price. Your hosts will arrange one 15h00 pickup on arrival day, and one transfer on departure day.

Check-in from 15h00 - 22h00 (no later).

Check-out will be after breakfast.

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

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.    

Arrive from 14h00 to settle into your accommodation and enjoy the stunning yet tranquil riverside location that is surrounded by panoramic views.

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.

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.

 On top of the beautiful ochre cliffs, we follow the cliff-top path that takes us under green canopies of pine forests and several opportunities to take in the incredible scenic coastal views of one of the most prestigious Algarve beaches. The height of the ochre cliffs can be admired when we descend down to the golden beach to dip our toes in the clean, cool Atlantic seawater.  This beach has been consistently awarded the Blue Flag Beach status and is a very popular beach in the high season. 

A packed lunch will be provided for the walkers.

 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.

Admire the natural beauty and nature as you walk through the Funcho reservoir, with its low-lying hills, bee hives, beautiful heather and charming ruins. Along with uninterrupted views and unimaginable scenic backgrounds, this hike is sure to amaze you.

Lunch will be a picnic prepared by Cheryl and Graham to be enjoyed under the pine trees with panoramic views over the river.

This 12km walk can be shortened to suit your fitness ability.

After your delicious breakfast, guests will bid farewell to each other, and transfers to the airport will be arranged.