This morning, we will check out of our hotel and head to the Algarve, famous for its cliff-backed beaches, mouthwatering seafood and picturesque villages. Soaring cliffs, sea caves, golden beaches, scalloped bays and sandy islands draw over four million visitors to the Algarve each year. Over the next few days, we will discover the fascinating southern coast of Portugal in all its splendor.
Upon arrival in the Algarve, we will visit a local winery and enjoy a tasting of some of the regions unique varietals. When the Romans reached the southwestern point of the Algarve, they thought it was the end of the world, where the waters of the ocean boiled at sunset. Yet despite the impending sense of doom (or perhaps because of it), they planted vines in the region, finding the temperate climate and fertile terroir a nirvana for wine-growing.
Fast forward to present times and it isn’t just the grapes that relish soaking up the rays, as beach lovers, walkers, cyclists, golfers and water sports enthusiasts all bask in their share of a reputed annual 300 days of sunshine. At first, the coastal vineyards lost out to the consequent package holiday boom of lucrative hotels and seaside resorts developed from the 1960s onwards. But in a land deeply rooted in winegrowing traditions, artisanal viticulture is re-emerging in a flourishing revival of indigenous red and white grape varieties, especially the revered Negra Mole (meaning ‘black soft’).
After the tasting we will check in to our stunning home for the next three nights, Bela Vista Hotel and Spa. Planted on a cliff with a panoramic view over the beach and the deep blue of the Atlantic Ocean, the classic white chalet at Bela Vista Hotel & Spa stands out in the landscape of the western Algarve coast. A member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux, this 5-star boutique hotel in Praia da Rocha is a contemporary project that combines all the amenities of excellent hotels with the charm of 20th century history.
Dinner and evening are at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, light lunch and wine tastings
Overnight: Bela Vista Hotel and Spa or similar