Portugal Trail Weekend 2023

Join Running Adventures for a weekend of trail running in the stunning area of Carrapateira in Portugal. For this spectacular trail running holiday, we're based in a wonderful little house which allows us to hit the trails (and the beach!) straight from the front door. At Carrapateira you’ll be in the wildest and best preserved part of the Algarve coast, right in the heart of the South West Alentejo and Vicentina Coast Natural Park. 

This running weekend will combine epic trail running with time spent enjoying the company of like minded people and relaxing.

Our runs will cover different parts of the area. We'll discover the HUGE beach of Bordeira and the nearby dunes where the vegetation is lush: thyme, yellow amaranths, rosemary, lavender, crowberries, blue pimpernel and sea lavender can all be found. We'll explore the cliff paths, where we will come across various viewpoints, with superb views of the escarpments, the sands of Bordeira and Amado and also the ruins of an ancient Islamic fishermen’s settlement.

We'll visit the local Carrapateira Hills, where we'll discover pine and cork forests and visit the tiny villages of Vilarinha and Bordeira, as well as enjoying views as far as the top of Monchique mountains.

We'll also enjoy amazing hospitality from our hosts at Pensão das Dunas, offering us lovely accommodation, and the most amazing breakfasts and 4 course dinners. Perfect after a day on the trails.

"I have just returned from an awesome time in Portugal with Running Adventures (my second trail running weekend, I had so much fun in the Peaks back in July I couldn’t wait to book onto another!). Such an enlightening weekend to meet like minded people who inspire and encourage, without even realising it! And not just through running; wise words, conversation, shared life stories and running experiences! The weekend reminded me what life is all about - good company, laughing, eating good local food and drink, getting outside to nature’s beauty and doing what makes you feel great! One step at a time... literally! Thanks again to Matt and Ash. Highly recommend the Trail Weekends."

Lucy Humphreys, Portugal Trail Weekender, 2019.

View photos from the 2018 event here.

Prices

Single in twin or triple shared room - £390

Non refundable deposit of £100 required during registration. (deducted from balance)

COVID-19 CANCELLATION PROTECTION: If the trip is cancelled by Running Adventures due to COVID-19, you will be refunded your deposit and balance (if paid).

Itinerary

Day 1

Group transfer from Faro Airport at midday. (plenty of flight options get in for this time)

10km coastal cliffs run.

Welcome dinner and drinks.

Day 2

Continental style breakfast.

15 mile run, visiting the local hills, sea cliffs to the north and the wonderful village of Borderia.

Trip to Bordeira beach to play on the sand dunes and paddle in the sea.

Dinner in Carrapateira. (not included)

Day 3

Continental style breakfast.

8 mile trail run through the valley to Vilarinha.

Free time in the afternoon.

Celebration dinner and drinks.

Day 4

Continental style breakfast.

5'ish mile run to Praia Amado with option of some fun scrambling on the cliffs.

Group transfer back to Faro at 2pm. (gets you to the airport by approximately 3:30pm, plenty of flight options after this time)

Please note. Itinerary subject to last minute changes without warning

All runs are guided by me, a Salomon sponsored ultra runner and coach. We will run at a social pace and walk the hills if we have to. This is not a race! We will stay as a group so if you are a faster runner, please expect to run slower than you would normally. Previous trail running experience is not necessary. The terrain will be hilly and sandy in places, but the trails will not be technical. The views will be incredible. You should be able to cover the distances at a pace of at least 10-11 min/miles to enjoy this event.