It’s hard to proclaim anything as the world’s best without experiencing everything in the world but of all the day tours I have taken on my travels, The West Coast Adventure Co. tour that I took in Portugal, still stands as one of the most amazing tours I’ve ever taken. Here is why visiting Lagos, Portugal is worth it simply for this tour!
About the Tour
The West Coast Adventure Co. is a tour company run by one person, T.J. T.J. was born in the United States and took a week-long trip to Portugal only to decide to skip his return flight and stay in the country that he had fallen in love with. Many years later, T.J. is still in Portugal and has started this tour company to share his passion and love for the lands of Portugal that inspired him to uproot his life.
The tour is a full-day hike through the less-visited, untouched, but ever-so-beautiful, Vicentina coast (Costa Vicentina Natural Park). The Vicentina coast is the coast of Portugal where you won’t see sunbathers, beach tourists, vendors, and yachts; Instead, you will see beautiful cliffs, peaceful sunsets untouched land, and endless ocean views.
The tour departs from Lagos, Portugal, and takes an entire day. Transportation to and from the coast is provided by T.J.
How Difficult is the Hiking?
The tour is designed for any and all hiking skill levels. T.J. does a great job in reading the skill levels of the group and taking routes that are best fit for everyone. This being said the hike will not be a cakewalk either. Part of the experience and T.J’s mission in exploring these beautiful lands involves tackling its features and challenging yourself. You will hike up cliffs, crawl through boulders, pull up ropes, and walk through sand as you experience the incredible natural landscape of the west coast alagarve. While this may sound intimidating, trust me when I say you will get through it no matter how skilled of a hiker you are. I was amazed at how well T.J. guided every person through each hiking challenge. Our group had a range of hiking skill levels (as well as age levels) but at the end of the tour, everyone was amazed at what they were able to accomplish.
How Big is a Typical Tour Group?
The tour is designed to be small and intimate. Our tour group had 10 people and that is probably the maximum that you will see.
What Makes the Tour So Special?
Ok, so we’ve all seen hiking tours before, why is this one so much more special? Well, the beauty of this tour starts with T.J. himself. T.J. makes this day much more than just seeing stunning views on a hike. The day’s itinerary is crafted to challenge you, encourage group bonding, provide a connection with the land, and show you the more untouched and raw side of Portugal’s incredible coast. While the views are stunning, a good tour focuses on more than just views. You will leave this tour feeling very connected to the Portuguese land. Spending an entire day on the coast, and tackling its obstacles, while marveling at its beauty is truly special. As you go through the hike, T.J. will teach you about plants, animals, rocks, and everything else the land has to offer.
The cherry on the top is, of course, the views themselves. The Vicentina coast may be Portugal’s most beautiful hidden gem. Our day was an endless repeat of challenging hikes, followed by rewarding views. Through it all, the entire hiking group bonded and helped one another out, adding an additional element of beauty to an already incredible day.
If the hiking views and group bonding aren’t enough, the tour also ends with a mouthwatering homemade meal cooked by T.J. himself. What’s even better is the meal is enjoyed in true camping fashion. Dinner is served post-sunset (and post a full day of hiking!) with lamps illuminating the ground as everyone sits on the floor and uses a loaf of bread as their plate. The group will sit and enjoy a simplistic yet incredible meal while sitting on the magnificent coastal cliffs of the West Algarve. The dinner was one of the most wholesome (and most rewarding) travel moments I have ever experienced.
How to Book?
If you are interested in booking I recommend booking directly through T.J.’s website (to avoid Airbnb fees). Please book fast and ahead of time as there is only 1 tour run per day, with only a few people per tour.
Review of The West Coast Adventure Co.
This is an easy one- Hands down 5 out of 5 stars. It is hard to describe the magic and beauty of this tour in words. You simply have to embark on the adventure to experience it for yourself. If you have any doubt or hesitation about booking this tour, just look at the reviews; This may be the only tour I have ever seen that does not have even 1 review with less than 5 stars! This was truly worth every dollar we spent on it.
Always looking forward to read your different experiences with each trip you go. You truly are daring and live to experience the impossible adventures in life. Great job finding TJ and your most beautiful hike.