A Taste of the Algarve, From Source to Table
Savour the Algarve through its food, people, and traditions. This immersive three-day journey takes you from coastal kitchens to mountain homesteads, meeting passionate producers who are keeping Portugal’s culinary heritage alive all with a modern, soulful twist. Expect hands-on experiences, unforgettable flavours, and plenty of time to simply enjoy being here.
Day 1 – Welcome to Portimão
Arrival and introductions
Settle into Portimão, a lively coastal town with a deeply local heart. Once shaped by the sardine-canning industry, today it’s known for fresh seafood, independent shops, and a scenic riverside promenade that tells stories of the past.
Your stay is at a highly rated four-star cliff-top hotel overlooking Praia do Vau, offering sweeping Atlantic views, a swimming pool, and an easy, relaxed coastal atmosphere.
We’ll gather in the early evening for welcome drinks and dinner at a vibrant local restaurant where two food-obsessed creatives reimagine Portuguese classics. Expect exceptional local fish, slow-cooked black pork tenderloin, and carefully chosen regional wines — the perfect introduction to the flavours and people you’re about to discover.
Day 2 – Mountains, Makers and Meaning
From goat’s cheese to medronho, wine, and olive oil
The day begins in the Monchique mountains at a small homestead devoted to sustainable living and permaculture. Here, you’ll get hands-on with traditional goat’s cheese making, learning the fundamentals while crafting your own fresh cheese from start to finish.
We continue deeper into the hills to an artisanal medronho distillery, where organic arbutus berries are hand-picked and distilled using time-honoured methods. This is a raw, honest glimpse into a fiercely local tradition rooted in the Monchique landscape.
Lunch brings us to a small mountain restaurant with sweeping views, serving regional dishes like wild boar stew or black pork with chestnuts.
In the afternoon, we visit a boutique wine and olive oil producer. Wander through vineyards, olive groves, and fruit trees in a setting of striking natural beauty. More than a tasting, this is a deeply sensory experience shaped by landscape, season, and the inspiring story of the makers whose passion and resilience have created something far beyond a vineyard.
The evening is yours to unwind and explore at your own pace.
Day 3 – Reinvention and the Art of Pastry Making
Canned fish, Portimão lunches, and pastel de nata perfection
Once overlooked, canned fish has become a star of modern Portuguese cuisine. You’ll visit a small artisanal cannery where every tin is produced by hand. Hear the inspiring story behind the brand, see how the fish is carefully selected and prepared, and taste products that prove simplicity can be extraordinary.
After lunch in Portimão, it’s time to roll up your sleeves. Join Julia for a hands-on pastel de nata workshop, diving into pastry lamination, custard filling, and the secrets behind that perfect circular swirl. You’ll finish by enjoying your warm pastéis with a glass of port — the ultimate (and very Portuguese) pairing.
The evening is yours to enjoy as you wish.
Day 4 – Market Life in Loulé
Immerse yourself in authentic Algarve market life
We end the journey at the iconic Loulé market, a Saturday ritual full of colour, energy, and everyday Algarve life. Fresh fish, fruit, spices, and local specialities fill the stalls, while conversations and laughter spill through the aisles. It’s a place with real soul — where food, culture, and community meet.
After exploring the market and wandering the charming surrounding streets, we enjoy a final lunch in Loulé before returning to the hotel, bringing the tour to a close. You’ll leave with new friendships, lasting memories, and a deeper connection to the flavours and people of Portugal.
Upcoming Experiences
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17 - 20 June 2026
£1,750 per person
3 night experience exploring local flavours, meeting passionate producers, and sharing moments around the Algarve table.
Limited places remaining.
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16 - 19 September 2026
£1,750 per person
3 night experience exploring local flavours, meeting passionate producers, and sharing moments around the Algarve table.
Limited places remaining.
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14 - 17 October 2026
£1,750 per person
3 night experience exploring local flavours, meeting passionate producers, and sharing moments around the Algarve table.
Places remaining.
Book your place now
Share your details and the dates you’re interested in to secure your place.
Group sizes are intentionally small, and dates fill up quickly. We’ll contact you to confirm your booking.
