4–5 hours walking daily · Intermediate level · Sand dunes, cliff paths & hills · The Fishermen's Trail · Rota Vicentina
The Retreat
Set on Portugal's wild and unspoilt Atlantic coast, this retreat follows sections of the Fishermen's Trail, part of the world-renowned Rota Vicentina, through the protected landscapes of the Costa Vicentina Natural Park. Each day involves 4-5 hours of guided walking across sand dunes, cliff paths and rolling hills. No crowds, no overdevelopment, just the kind of natural beauty that helps you slow down, breathe deeper and reconnect with yourself.
Evenings are spent discovering the flavours of Portugal in some of Aljezur's finest restaurants. Think fresh Atlantic seafood, legendary pastéis de nata from a tiny Rogil bakery, and the unhurried rhythm of Portuguese village life.
Walk, Reflect, Restore
What to Expect
Guided walks along Portugal's spectacular Fishermen's Trail, following dramatic cliff paths, sand dunes with mountain views through the protected Costa Vicentina Natural Park. Expect 4–5 hours of walking each day at an intermediate pace, with breathtaking views and plenty of time to soak it all in.
Experience the authentic flavours of Portugal, from fresh Atlantic seafood and local sweet potatoes to legendary pastéis de nata. We'll explore Aljezur's Saturday market, dine in outstanding local restaurants and enjoy unforgettable sunset dinners overlooking the Atlantic.
More than a walking holiday. Throughout the retreat, Keris will share insights drawn from over 20 years of helping people improve their physical health, mindset and wellbeing. Through guided conversations, practical exercises and time to reflect, you'll leave feeling clearer, calmer and more connected to what matters most.
The Walking
Each day we'll walk a carefully chosen section of the Rota Vicentina Fishermen's Trail, one of Europe's most celebrated coastal walking routes. Expect dramatic cliff-top paths overlooking the Atlantic, golden sand dunes, cork oak woodland and rolling hills with far-reaching views across the landscape.
The pace is intermediate, ideal for anyone who enjoys regular walking and wants to feel challenged without being pushed to their limits. The focus isn't on speed but on immersing yourself in the landscape, enjoying the journey and ending each day feeling energised and inspired.
To make the experience as enjoyable as possible, private transfers will take us to the start of each walk and collect us at the finish. That means every day brings a new stretch of trail and a fresh perspective on this remarkable corner of Portugal.
Healthy Mindset
Portugal's wild west coast has a way of quietening the constant mental chatter. Day after day, as you settle into the rhythm of walking, conversations become deeper, priorities become clearer, and the things that have been competing for your attention start to fall away.
This isn't about switching off from life. It's about creating enough space to reconnect with what matters most.
Hours spent walking in nature, breathing fresh Atlantic air and following a simple daily rhythm can be surprisingly powerful. Many people leave feeling calmer, more rested and mentally clearer than they have in months.
The cliffs, the ocean, the changing light and vast open skies demand your attention in the best possible way. Without constant notifications and distractions, it's easier to be exactly where you are.
Good food. Meaningful conversation. Daily movement. Time outdoors. Proper rest. The simple foundations of health that are often hardest to prioritise at home become part of everyday life here.
Local Food & Dining
Portugal's west coast is home to some of the finest local restaurants in the country—simple, seasonal and deeply connected to the Atlantic. We'll be eating grilled fish fresh from the boats, sharing dishes in family-run tavernas, and stopping at the famous Rogil bakery for its legendary sweet potato pastéis de nata.
Dinner is the social heart of the retreat: a chance to unwind after a day on the trail, share stories from the walk, and enjoy the kind of food that tastes all the better for being earned.
A welcome dinner awaits on Wednesday evening. On Sunday, we'll gather for a relaxed poolside barbecue before heading home. Between the two, you'll discover the flavours, hospitality and slower pace of life that make this corner of Portugal so special.
Your Guide
Keris Marsden is a BANT Registered Nutritional Therapist and mindbody coach with more than 20 years of experience helping people improve their health through nutrition, mindset and sustainable wellbeing.
She has spent many years returning to Portugal's west coast and knows this landscape intimately. With the Atlantic Ocean on one side, the Monchique Mountains on the other, and the Fishermen's Trail winding between them, it's a place that invites you to slow down, breathe deeper and reconnect with yourself.
Keris first came here while recovering from chronic illness and was struck by the effect the landscape had on her wellbeing. Days spent outdoors, walking beneath vast skies and alongside the ocean, brought a sense of calm and clarity that was difficult to find elsewhere.
Over time, she became increasingly interested in the connection between movement, nature and wellbeing. This retreat is a reflection of that experience - a chance to step away from everyday demands and rediscover the simple habits that help us feel our best.
Alongside Matt Whitmore
Keris is joined by Matt Whitmore, an experienced strength, fitness and nutrition coach with more than 20 years of coaching experience. Together, they'll be with you throughout the retreat, guiding the walks, sharing conversations on the trail and ensuring everyone feels supported from arrival to departure.