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5.0
| 10 reviews

Yoga, Hike and SUP in Portugal

Explore tranquil Alentejo, relax in a cosy rural quinta and nourish your body and soul with daily yoga and good food

Duration

4 nights

Annual Leave

3 days off work

Group Size

Up to 12 people

Season

Mar-Dec

Location

Portugal

Meeting Point

Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport

Comfort Accommodation

Guesthouse

Customer Reviews

(10)

5.0

Difficulty

Easy

From

From

What's it like?

5.0
| 10 reviews
My wife and I spent our honeymoon at Quinta...
November 2023
Alex
My wife and I spent our honeymoon at Quinta...
November 2023
Alex
My wife and I spent our honeymoon at Quinta...
November 2023
Alex
This trip was amazing! I feel so refreshed...
October 2023
Naomi
Quinta Camarena is a beautiful setting for...
October 2023
Caroline
Quinta Camarena is a beautiful setting for...
October 2023
Caroline
Quinta Camarena is a beautiful setting for...
October 2023
Caroline
Quinta Camarena is a beautiful setting for...
October 2023
Caroline
Quinta Camarena is a beautiful setting for...
October 2023
Caroline
Had an absolutely wonderful trip. Quinta Ca...
June 2023
Leila
Had an absolutely wonderful trip. Quinta Ca...
June 2023
Leila
Had an absolutely wonderful trip. Quinta Ca...
June 2023
Leila
Had an absolutely wonderful trip. Quinta Ca...
June 2023
Leila
Had an absolutely wonderful trip. Quinta Ca...
June 2023
Leila
This is an excellent trip. The hosts are ab...
May 2023
Kirsty
This is an excellent trip. The hosts are ab...
May 2023
Kirsty
This is an excellent trip. The hosts are ab...
May 2023
Kirsty
This is an excellent trip. The hosts are ab...
May 2023
Kirsty
This is an excellent trip. The hosts are ab...
May 2023
Kirsty

Hike along peaceful rural trails and clifftop paths, stopping for sea swims at wild beaches, deserted coves and rugged dunes

Begin each day with a restorative yoga session among woodland, relaxing mind and body to the sound of birdsong

Paddleboard in the Costa Vicentina Natural Park, where the Mira River meets the Atlantic Ocean

Stay in a beautiful and unique rural guesthouse, indulging in delicious regional food and wine from the best local producers

Day 1

Welcome to rural Alentejo

Touch down in Lisbon and transfer to your base, Quinta Camarena - a chic and rustic countryside guesthouse, in close proximity to Portugal's protected area of Costa Vicentina on the wild Atlantic Coast. Check in, relax, and explore the lush grounds surrounding the property, dotted with wildflowers and aromatic herbs. If you fancy it, take a short walk into the nearby village of Cercal do Alentejo. This evening you'll join your group and hosts for a welcome dinner, prepared using ingredients from local producers.

Day 2

Yoga and hike the Rota Vicentina

Yoga

1hr

Hiking

2hrs · 7km · 100m up · 100m down

Enjoy your first yoga session from 'The Ground', a secluded platform surrounded by pine and oak trees. Learn stretches and poses from your experienced yoga teacher to relax and recharge your muscles and mind - if you’ve never tried yoga before, you’ll be a convert for sure! Tuck into a delicious organic brunch, then hit a section of the historic Rota Vicentina trail. This long hiking path spans nearly 400 kilometres of one of the most beautifully preserved natural areas in Europe, and passes directly in front of the property. Hike among rolling hills, wheat fields and pastures along the circular route of Cercal do Alentejo. Spend the rest of the day relaxing in the serene grounds of the quinta.

Day 3

Yoga, SUP and wine tasting

Yoga

1hr

Stand Up Paddleboarding

2hrs

Join a morning yoga class before a short drive to Vila Nova de Milfontes, a picturesque fishing village. The beach where the Mira River meets the Atlantic Ocean creates a stunning backdrop for some stand-up paddleboarding. After an introductory briefing, jump on your board and start paddling inland, along the river. Leaving the town behind, enter the protected park of Costa Vicentina, a lush green landscape which is home to many bird species. There will be time to take a walk into town and grab some lunch before returning to Quinta Camarena. This evening your hosts will guide you through a wine tasting from a selection of small, local producers, all paired with local cheese, bread and an olive oil selection - cheers!

Day 4

Explore Portugal's Wild Atlantic Coast

Yoga

1hr

Hiking

3hrs · 8km · 100m up · 100m down

Begin the day with another reinvigorating yoga session followed by a delicious brunch. Then head to the picturesque coast where you’ll follow part of the Fisherman’s Trail, discovering small deserted coves along the way. The scenery is incredibly varied, with colourful endemic plants at their intoxicating peak during springtime. You'll enjoy plenty of breaks at the wild beaches, with the opportunity to jump in for an ocean dip if you fancy it. Return to your accommodation for a final farewell feast in the evening.

Day 5

Goodbye Portugal!

Yoga

1hr

You'll have a final yoga class in the gentle, early morning sun rays before heading back to Lisbon for your flight home - feeling healthier, stronger and with a bunch of new friends.

Included

Guides

Experienced, certified SUP instructor and a qualified yoga teacher

Accommodation

4 nights in a beautiful rural guesthouse

Meals

4 brunches, 2 light picnic lunches and 4 dinners

Transfers

Airport transfers and everything inbetween

Equipment

All your SUP gear and a yoga mat

Not Included

Flights to and from the meeting point

Travel insurance

Personal expenses

Tips for your guides

Some meals as described

Visas where required

Day 1

Guesthouse · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 2

Guesthouse · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 3

Guesthouse · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 4

Guesthouse · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 5

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

What is the food like?

Most meals on the trip are prepared by Quinta Camarena, where your hosts believe in healthy and sustainable eating which celebrates local, organic produce.

Mealtimes are not only about nourishment, but also an opportunity to learn about the culture of the region, and to enjoy each other's company. Most of the ingredients originate from local producers who prioritise natural and artisanal processes. The seasonality of ingredients is important, so the menu will be decided daily depending on what's available. There will be plenty of vegetarian options and when meat or fish are served, these are free-range and sourced from trusted local producers. You'll also have a wine tasting included, which allows you to sample some of the best local wines in the region.

Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for - please just request this on your passenger info form.

What is the accommodation like?

Quinta Camarena

The boutique Quinta Camarena is a rustic yet chic guesthouse with a beautiful outdoor pool. Nestled among 3.5 hectares of lush grounds in the Portuguese region of Alentejo, it's an ideal setting for yoga, hiking and relaxation. Your local hosts have a deep respect for Alentejo and are invested in sustainability, actively taking steps to have a positive environmental and social impact on the local community - you'll learn more about their initiatives during the trip.

You'll stay in twin-share rooms, either in the villa, the casita or the country loft. Each building has a private entrance, living room and equipped kitchenette. All spaces have different decor and were personally curated by your hosts using local materials, antiques, and personal artwork. You will find comfortable mattresses, top-quality bedsheets from one of the most historic textile brands in Portugal, and local artisanal soaps. WiFi, a gym, shared communal areas and tranquil gardens are free for you to enjoy throughout your stay.

Upgrades

For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking - single rooms are limited and subject to availability.

The Area

map

Logistics

Starts

Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport

14:00 on Day 1

Ends

Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport

14:00 on Day 5

Transfers

Your host will meet you at Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport 14:00 on Day 1 and transfer you to Quinta Camarena, which is approximately a 2-hour drive away, near the village of Cercal do Alentejo. On Day 5, your host will take you back to Lisbon airport mid-afternoon, in time for any onward evening flights - we recommend booking a flight that departs from 16:00 onwards. Airport transfers are included at set times on Days 1 and 5, however, you can request a private transfer if you are arriving before or departing after the trip (see Optional Extras for details). Alternatively, there are also three daily buses that link Lisbon Sete Rios station with Cercal do Alentejo and you can request that your hosts pick you up from the local bus stop for a small fee.

Travel options

There are regular direct flights to Lisbon from major airports across the UK, Europe, Canada and the US.

Although arrival and departure airport transfers are included in the price, you are welcome to make your own way to Quinta Camarena anytime on Day 1 if you wish. Be sure to arrive before 18:00 if you'd like to check-in and enjoy the welcome dinner with your hosts and fellow adventurers.

Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear

In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.

What's included?

  • Yoga mat
  • All SUP gear including board, paddle and wetsuit

What do I need to bring?

BAGS

  • Main luggage
  • Daypack (20 litres)

CLOTHES

  • Waterproof jacket
  • Fleece jacket or warm clothing for the evenings and/or colder season
  • Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts
  • Yoga clothing
  • T-shirts
  • Underwear and socks
  • Swimwear
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunhat
  • Something to sleep in
  • Hiking shoes
  • Sandals

OTHER

  • Universal travel plug adapter
  • Passports (and visas)
  • Travel insurance documents
  • Ear plugs (optional)
  • Insect repellent
  • Suncream
  • Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
  • Quick-dry towel for the beach
  • Alcohol hand-gel
  • Reusable water bottle x1.5 litre
  • Biodegradable wet-wipes
*Requests for optional extras can be made after booking on your “My Bookings” page

Additional Night at Quinta Camarena Double/Twin/Single

Payable Before Departure

Additional Night at Quinta Camarena Double/Twin/Single

Optional Private Room Upgrade Quinta Camarena

Payable Before Departure

Optional Private Room Upgrade Quinta Camarena

Private Airport Transfer Lisbon Airport - Quinta Camarena (1-4 pax)

Payable Before Departure

Private Airport Transfer Lisbon Airport - Quinta Camarena (1-4 pax)

Private Airport Transfer Quinta Camarena - Lisbon Airport (1-4 pax)

Payable Before Departure

Private Airport Transfer Quinta Camarena - Lisbon Airport (1-4 pax)

Paul(November 2023)

This is an excellent trip and I would recommend it highly. The location is fantastic and the hosts, Vera and Cam are exceptional. The food is top quality and prepared by expert chefs. The activities are very enjoyable and offer a good blend of exertion and relaxation. The accommodation is very comfortable and very thoughtfully designed. Overall a very memorable adventure.

Alex(November 2023)

My wife and I spent our honeymoon at Quinta Camarena and it truly was the trip of a lifetime! It truly is paradise filled with such wonderful people including the owners Cam and Vera.

We did a four-day yoga retreat that included some exceptional meals that were both delicious and pretty healthy too… don’t worry they also have a great wine selection 😉. Everything is local to the region of Alentejo, and the chefs did such an amazing job of showcasing the seasonal organic produce from this area.

I’ve also gotta say, we’ve discovered parts of Portugal we would never have found on our own or through online research, thanks to their guided walking tours and daily activities. We were kind of new to the “adventure holiday” but this trip seemed to be made for people just like us.

All in all, we couldn’t think of a better way to break from the usual city holiday (although we did that first) and celebrate our honeymoon.

We’re already planning our return! X

Laura(October 2023)

Had an absolutely amazing time on this trip. I wish it had been a week longer! The accommodation and surroundings were absolutely beautiful and nothing was too much trouble for Cam and Vera the hosts. The food (largely locally grown and sourced) was absolutely incredible, and the local wines were a nice touch, and delicious too! I had to skip one of the holes as I was unwell but the rest of the group loved it, and the one I did was also fab. Loved, loved, loved the yoga on the deck in the forest. As well as a fabulous teacher who encouraged us to challenge ourselves, it was just such beautiful surroundings to be practicing in. All in all, an absolutely fab 4 days. I can’t wait to come back!

Naomi(October 2023)

This trip was amazing! I feel so refreshed and energized that it feels like I was away for much longer than I really was. I particularly appreciated the mix of activities on offer, from yoga to some stunning hikes, and SUP, and that there was a perfect balance of activities and downtime. The accommodation was interesting and really cool and the food was a highlight too - everything locally sourced and every meal had its own story. The hosts know their area really well and the trip felt very rooted in authentic Alentejo.

Julia(October 2023)

I returned from the trip feeling energised, empowered and inspired. Our group bonded really well, helped by the relaxed atmosphere and ambiance created by Vera and Cam. Cannot fault the accommodation, food or activities. Would love to do it all over again.

Caroline(October 2023)

Quinta Camarena is a beautiful setting for this trip. There’s a great balance of activities and free time to relax in a hammock or by the pool. It’s also an easy walk into the town if you wanted to. The food served was incredible and all locally sourced. I will definitely be returning!

Leila(June 2023)

Had an absolutely wonderful trip. Quinta Camarena is beautiful and offers great hospitality. The food is out of the world! All activities were really enjoyable and at just the right level of difficulty for everyone. I left the trip feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Would highly recommend to anyone.

Gary(June 2023)

Absolutely amazing trip to Portugal. Hosts were brilliant. Yoga, SUP and hiking were very well organised. Beautiful food and wine. Will definitely return!

Kirsty(May 2023)

This is an excellent trip. The hosts are absolutely wonderful and go out of their way to make you feel welcome and your stay easy. The food was fantastic and I really enjoyed hearing about the local sourcing and processes for making it. The activities were great, my favourite was the stand up paddle boarding. The guides were all friendly and knowledgeable. The only thing that couldn’t be organised was the weather - when our SUP trip had to be abandoned due to a storm, Cam and Vera rearranged the schedule and we went the next day. They also arranged for a local masseuse to visit at an additional charge. I highly recommend this trip!

Rachel(May 2023)

Vera and Cam were amazing hosts. Their dedication to their food, guest house grounds, and sustainability was palpable. Their home cooked meals were extremely flavorful and artful. A clear labor of love. The local wine was also a highlight. It seemed like every ingredient we ate had a story and was harvested within a small radius of the grounds. Hyper local! They had a wonderful guide for the hikes who was extremely knowledgable about our local surroundings and up for answering tons of questions. The yoga instructor was amazing. Her guidance for poses and meditations during the practices were perfect. Really great experience.

We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.

What's the number?
It works out on average at 132kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.

The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.

But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:

  • Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
  • A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
  • 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.

What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.

Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.

All you need is a basic level of fitness. No previous yoga or SUP experience is required as qualified local instructors will be guiding you through these activities if you are a novice. The hikes are short and will be conducted at a leisurely pace, showcasing some of the best rural and coastal trails in the area. The terrain varies with dirt tracks, sand and the occasional rocky trail, but there are no challenging sections to be expected other than a few gentle hills. There will be also some leisure time built into the trip so you can fully enjoy the serene environment as you wish - reading by the pool, taking optional walks or rides into the local village and slowing down to the pace of nature. The order and timing of the activities may be altered by your host depending on the weather conditions, particularly for the water-based activities.

Absolutely not! This is far from a standard yoga retreat. Don't expect following rigid and strict activity schedules or a restrictive detoxing diet. This adventure was designed for people who practice and love yoga, or they’re just curious about it and want to experience the amazing benefits it brings for the first time. But it’s also fun, with plenty of opportunities to explore the surrounding nature trails on foot, enjoy delicious food and wine, all in the company of like-minded people. Relaxing and not taking yourself too seriously is kind of mandatory here!

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Tap water is safe to drink and your will also have access to fresh filtered water throughout to stay. Just bring your own refillable bottle for the daily activities.

The trip runs mostly in the lower season, between March and May and October to December when temperatures are milder. The weather in the Alentejo region is usually dry and warm. Average monthly temperatures range from 31-35°C in the peak summer months of June-August, and 20-24°C in the shoulder months of May and September. During March-April and October-December there is a higher chance of rain, but temperatures remain mild and comfortable for all outdoor activities. Springtime is one of the best times to visit if you'd like to experience the explosion of endemic wildflowers. Your hosts will adjust the activity schedule and program following the most favourable weather conditions and forecasts.

We recommend checking out the country specific information here and also talking to a travel nurse.

The daily yoga classes will be accessible to all levels, even to first-timers. The certified local instructors will mainly teach Vinyasa practice, with some Hatha and Ashtanga influence. The yoga will take place at The Ground, a peaceful and secluded platform surrounded by pine and oak trees.

The SUP will take place on the calm waters of the Mira estuary, a great place to learn the basics and enjoy the natural setting where the river meets the ocean. The activity may take place at different times depending on tides and should the conditions really not be suitable for SUP, an alternative kayaking excursion will be offered. It'll be a very scenic and fun day, with loads of opportunities to play around and perfect your balance.

Yes, if you wish to extend your trip or book any additional activities, you can do this locally with the help of your hosts. Some of the options available include a massage, bike rental, a surf class, horse riding or a visit to a local winery.

Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.

Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.

Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.

We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

  • 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
  • 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
  • 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.

Our team of Adventure Hunters create exclusive adventures with highly vetted, specialist hosts. We only work with independent, local in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. See here for more info about the local teams we partner with.

TRIP DEPARTURE DATES

April 2024

Saturday • 13th April 2024

to Wednesday • 17th April 2024
Guaranteed to run
Last minute offer - save 15%

Saturday • 18th May 2024

to Wednesday • 22nd May 2024
Guaranteed to run

Saturday • 14th September 2024

to Wednesday • 18th September 2024
Guaranteed to run

Saturday • 19th October 2024

to Wednesday • 23rd October 2024
Guaranteed to run
Private trip

Go private and split the bill with ease.

Forget complex logistics, we've taken care of all the details to ensure a hassle-free get together. All of the adventure, none of the faff.

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