Bookings 2026/2027 are open!
Wintering In The Algarve
Dreaming of escaping the cold and grey?
The Algarve in winter is warm, sunny and surprisingly quiet: the perfect place to bridge the gap between autumn and spring.
Join a small group, take part in activities as much or as little as you like, and spend your days walking, exploring and recharging in the sun.
Kiki has become the expert in the Algarve — setting out hikes with lots of variety in views, different types of paths and landscapes to discover, mixed with cultural visits and activities that show off the hidden gems and the authenticity only locals know.
A winter program designed for active 60+ travellers.
Couples and friends groups equally welcome.
Choose Your Program
Your winter, your way. Choose the location that calls to you and the length that fits your life.
All locations are within easy reach of shops and restaurants.
The program & what's included
Hike through breathtaking landscapes, explore hidden villages and discover the authenticity only locals know — with a guide who carefully selects every experience with respect for the local culture, history and tradition.
Our intermediate-level trails typically cover around 12km with 200m of climbing — a basic level of fitness is recommended. Some paths are gentle and easy-going, others offer a bit more of a challenge with longer stretches or trickier terrain like soft sand or loose rocks. Shorter options are always available, and we do our best to make sure everyone can join.
Every program includes (but is not limited to)
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3 guided hikes per week
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1 cultural visit per week
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Welcome coffee on arrival
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Weekly Friday after-hike drinks
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Farewell lunch on your last day NEW
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Airport / Train / Bus station transfers included on your arrival and departure days. NEW
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Transport to all activities and the supermarket
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Accommodation with fully equipped kitchen
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Guidance in English and Dutch
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Insurance
Flights and meals are not included. Need help with flights? We can organise them for a €30 fee.
Where you'll walk & explore
Summer can be boiling in the South of Europe, but winters have the perfect weather to walk through the inland hills, along beaches and cliffs. Finishing a perfect day like this with a drink on a terrace in the sun.
Parque natural de
Ria Formosa
The coastline of the eastern Algarve is characterised by a 50km-long network of sundrenched dunes and barrier islands which protect the marshes and flooded areas of Ria Formosa from the open sea. Small fishing boats navigate between sea and lagoon through the barras, small inlets between the sandy islands.
West Coast
"Fishermen's Trail"
Parque natural de Costa Vicentina
It is said that to get to know Portugal “you must feel the earth under your feet”. Walking the Rota Vicentina, a 400km signed walking route from Cabo de Sao Vicente along the Alentejo coast up to Santiago de Cacém, smugglers’ tracks which, by their very nature, follow this coastline. Pass secret beaches, accessible only at low tide or by steep tracks running down. Perilous paths fork away from the advised Rota, too risky for any but the fisherman’s dog.
South Coast
Lagos, Ferragudo, Carvoeiro, Loulé
Opposite to the wild West Coast of the Algarve, the South Coast has a much gentler feel to it. Stunning rock formations, peaceful yellow sand beaches, little remote bays and wonderful cliffs paths on offer. Traditional fishermen’s villages are scattered along the coastline and are a delightful refuge to take a break and let the beautiful surroundings settle in.
Serra de
Monchique
Inland Hills
Inland you will find the towering hills of Monchique, with Foia, the peak at 902m, an island emerging from clouds covering the hills below. At this summit, pilgrims leave stones balanced in prayerful columns, mariolas, representing a symbolic act of remembrance or unburdening. Kean into the wind, weightless, as your view soars over the Algarve to the dunes marking the border of land and sea.
Testimonials
Because real experience deserve real feedbacks
When you look back on KiKi’s Winter Escape after four weeks and realize that in just eleven days, you’ve hiked about 120 km with over 1,800 meters of elevation gain—covering parts of the Grandes Randonnées, the Fishermen’s Trail, and the Percurso do Cerro de São Vicente—you truly grasp what an adventure it was!
You’ve crossed so many different landscapes, taken in breathtaking views, walked along wide golden beaches beneath red cliffs, passed through orange groves, climbed and descended the Serra da Picota at 750 meters above sea level, jumped over streams, and even dared to follow the edges of steep rocky cliffs. And that’s just part of the experience.
On top of that, you’ve explored the cultural side of the Algarve, visiting stunning historic towns like Loulé, Silves, and Tavira—getting lost and capturing the beauty of their winding streets. You’ve wandered through local markets, attended a fado performance, and on ‘free’ days, taken the train to explore even more of the region.
If you want to experience all this, KiKi Trips is the place to be!
- translated from Dutch -
Marion
Wintering in the Algarve with KiKi Trips
How wonderful it is to escape the dreary, gray, and rainy weather in the Netherlands and trade it for the lighter, sunnier, and warmer climate of the Algarve in Portugal. That’s exactly what we, as the first group of winter travelers with KiKi Trips, did.
The program offered a variety of hikes, visits to towns and markets, the opportunity to attend a fado concert, a shared meal once a week, and a Friday afternoon get-together. And all of it was entirely optional. In our group, many participants took full advantage of these offerings.
The hikes were very diverse; we walked along beaches, across cliffs, on parts of the Fishermen’s Trail, through forests, over hills, and through cities—something for everyone. If necessary, due to weather conditions, adjustments were made to the program so that all activities could still take place.
Every activity was led with great enthusiasm and plenty of personal attention for the participants.
For me, wintering with KiKi Trips was a wonderful, active, and relaxing experience—one I would definitely want to repeat.
- translated from Dutch -
Annette
Even for those under 60, wintering in the Algarve was a complete success.
The hiking days were full of variety, with an emphasis on nature: beaches, cliffs, forests, hills—guided by the always cheerful Kiki.
The location in Parchal was perfect, within walking distance of Ferragudo and Portimão. The free days were ideal for discovering the surrounding towns, with convenient connections via public transport, bus, and train.
All of this under the wonderfully soothing Portuguese sun (for the most part).
- translated from Dutch -
Danny
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "wintering" mean?
It means swapping the coldest, darkest weeks at home for somewhere warm and sunny — not a 10-day holiday, but a proper reset of 2 to 4 weeks. Long enough to actually unwind.
Is it suitable if I'm travelling alone?
Absolutely. Many of our participants travel solo. With our small groups and our welcoming guide, you'll feel at home quickly.
Do I need to be fit?
A basic level of fitness is recommended — trails average 12km with 200m of climbing. But shorter options are always available and we do our best to make sure everyone can join.
What's the difference between the locations?
Praia da Luz is a quiet fishing village — slow pace, right on the beach. Ferragudo is a riverside hotel with a train 10 minutes away by foot. Lagos puts you just a few steps away from the heart of the old town with restaurants and the beach a few streets away.
Who typically joins these programs?
Most of our participants are 60+ and active — travelling solo, as a couple or with friends. If you're comfortable walking 12km and curious about the world around you, you'll fit right in.
Can I book just 2 weeks?
Yes! March program is 14 days. December, January and February run for 28 days each.
Are flights included?
No. You book your own flights to Faro (FAO). We handle transfers to and from the airport on your arrival and departure days.
We can help book flights for a €30 coordination fee.
