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Portugal Active in South Western Portugal have been getting some great reviews! Cycling training camps, family activity holidays, short breaks and walking holidays in the beautiful Alentejo. Click the read more below to see what people have been saying (including some customer tips and tricks) and you can find out much more on their website at www.portugalactive.com
Walking - Merv and Helen Wilson
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The fabulous coastal views, the variety of terrain/countryside we walked through, the opportunity to spend time in places that were a true reflection of life in the area rather than a tourist view, the great people at the tour company. If we had to pick one thing, which is near to impossible as the whole experience was fabulous; maybe the sight of lone local fishermen way out on the tips of horrendously dangerous looking rocks with waves crashing up to them will be a lasting memory and the sound of cow bells.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Have a 4G photo card - you will take lots of pictures! Don't rush - there is so much to see and there are no prizes for doing it in record times. Ladies - wear cotton underwear rather than synthetic! Use the recommended restaurants, they were all good. Walking gaiters for lower legs would be useful on the last day as there is quite a bit of very prickly blackberry to push through on quite a long section. Carry water and nibbly food. And my biggest and craziest tip is this - take an umbrella! Of the 6 days walking I used mine for 5 of them - 4 as a sunshade and 1 for rain protection. It is so much more comfortable than a sunhat on your sweaty head. It looks nerdy but makes comfort so much better and all tracks were wide enough for it not to be a hindrance. Just do this walk - it will add a whole new perspective on your experience of Portugal.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, we spent money at cafes along the way as well as in the towns we stayed in, we left no trace of our presence in the way of rubbish (although unfortunately it seems the local tourists to the coast don't get this as the entire coastline was disappointingly littered with trash in spite of an abundance of rubbish receptacles everywhere we went - it was much better inland) and we will promote this experience to all who will listen, hopefully bringing more tourist dollars into the economy. We feel we have compensated for our horrendous air miles footprint from New Zealand by spending 7 weeks on the other side of the world adding to local economies with our tourist dollars.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This walk added a whole extra dimension to our holiday in Portugal, we feel our understanding of the people and their lives, especially in the Alentejo area, is so much more realistic than it would have been if we had just done the usual tourist destinations without this being part of it.
Walking - Lynne Lamstein
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I couldn't single out any part. It was all wonderful...the landscape was exquisite, the arrangements were perfect, the company personnel personable and responsive, even the weather was great.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Consider flying into Faro or Lisbon, sometimes one is better, sometimes the other.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes. We provided some economic benefit from our food and lodging. We were polite and appreciative guests. Other than the flight over, our impact on the environment was minimal.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent!!
Walking - Peter Nash
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing Storks on their nests. Walking along magnificent cliffs with the Atlantic Ocean crashing below. Walking through Eucalyptus and Cork-Oak woodland.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Think about the time of year. It will be far too hot in the summer, but January may not be the best time as we didn't see a huge amount of sun. On the other hand, the place was deserted and very quiet. It was warm enough to walk in T-shirts a lot of the time. Take a flask if you like a hot drink during the day. Take a phrase book. If you are a vegetarian be prepared to ask around.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, and the people organizing the walk were wonderful and helpful. We stayed in small guest houses and ate in local restaurants. Obviously the flight has an environmental impact.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A great break. Lovely and varied scenery. I would like to spend more time in Portugal.
Walking - Harvey May
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We were impressed with the operators handling of all aspects of this trip... i.e. baggage handling, choice of hotels... briefing and trip instructions and maps… this was a self guided trip. All staff encountered was friendly and efficient and eager to offer assistance... a great trip. I would definitely recommend this operator to anyone.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Just do it... you can trust this operator completely.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Great.
Walking - Alix Noga, Jean Burris, Grande Praini, Alberta - Canada
Great week of hiking! Beautiful weather, beaches, cliffs, vegetation. It was all fantastic. Delicious food, friendly people. Thank you Miguel, Ricardo, Sónia and Lúcia. We were well taken care of and felt safe and well looked after all our days. We will keep this holiday in our heart. Vida longa Portugal! (and especially Alentejo!)
WALKING - Lynne and Elliot – USA and Amsterdam
We live in different continents + wanted a week to spend time together, be active, + see something new. This trip was better that I could ever have expected. From the first contact, by internet, Miguel instilled confidence in the company + made me feel confident we would be well taken c and g. The personals + friendly attention has been wonderful, yet your left us alone o enjoy ourselves He enjoyed being out of outdoors in a varied landscape. The hiking route covered so many different natural environments – The beaches were so dramatic, + we liked that it is an unspoiled place, not very touristic. We didn’t have much contact with local people, but what we did have was positive, friendly. Everything was well planned – the route, the hotels, the arrangements. Ricardo helped when we were lost – it was a comfort to know we could call if we need help. We appreciate this low-impact tourism – a way to enjoy the environment without hurting it. A perfect vacation, thank you.
Short Break - Malcolm Isaacs
Hi All, I too would also just like to thank everyone involved in making it a most enjoyable weekend. One certainly worth writing home about. Miguel & the team everything was perfect, food; accommodation & activities - it just doesn't get any better (one exception though is to go easy on the city girls with the mountain biking next time, ha-ha… Will I return? yes!! of course!! I will need to practice my surfing skills & techniques now & maybe do some of the other activities you have there as well like the abseiling, horse riding, zip wire, paragliding, canoeing, etc.... Once again thank you everyone!
Short Break - Mark T
Miguel, the group and all those at alentejo adventures, I too want to add my thanks.., it was a great weekend away. Thanks for the photo's as well.., some great shots. Miguel as for things you could change and feedback.., all I can say is, make sure you keep the small company feel, energy and friendliness that everyone had.., I am still singing your songs.
Short Break - Kerryn
We had a fantastic time in Milfontes. The accommodation was great and Calhi was a brilliant teacher. Thanks so much for organising everything so well for us. It was great to meet you (and Luna the dog!). Take care! ps: I am already missing Portuguese coffee...
Triathlon training camp - Phil
Hi Guys - I would just like to say another huge thank you to you all for making myself and my family feel welcome last week on what was a fantastic week for us all. You were all great role models for my 2 boys! - Unfortunately for me it could be turn out to be a very expensive Training camp - Eliott now wants a racing bike, wet suit and a pair of trainers like Daves! Big ups to Dave and Miguel again. p.s Miguel - we're all sufferring with cake withdrawel already!
Family Activity - Jane Forsyth
The kids and I had a great holiday. Was not quite sure what to expect when I booked but it more than lived up to expectations. The scenery on the 4th day was spectacular; it was like something out of a movie. We enjoyed each day. Duncan, in particular, loved every bit of this holiday and was a natural at most things. (Scared me lots!!!) He is quite disappointed that he will not meet you guys again. I would like to thank each one of your staff for the attention they gave us and how good they were with my children. Pretty knackered now – going home for a rest!!!
Family Activity - Graham Chapman
A great week. Thanks to everyone at Alentejo Adventures. It was fantastic to be able to swim in the river and waterfalls/pools-you are right to be very proud of the Alentejo region! The instructors/leaders were very professional and were able to help me to face my fear of heights and abseil down the cliff. They were also very flexible in their approach and went out of their way to cater for our needs. Roy and Maria helped to make it even more fun! It was my first time to Portugal but I don’t think it will be the last. |
