Holidays in Aljezur

Our most popular experiences

  • A Vegetarian Retreat: Cook, Dine and Unwind in the Algarve image

    A Vegetarian Retreat: Cook, Dine and Unwind in the Algarve

    calendar/duration icon 4 Nights location icon Portugal
    • Available in March, May, September & November
    • Daily cooking tuition learning how to make vegetarian dishes, all ingredients & winery visit included
    • All meals included
    • Stay in an award winning luxury villa with pool

    Price from

    £873 pp*
    Take me there
  • Riverside Painting Holiday with Yoga image

    Riverside Painting Holiday with Yoga

    calendar/duration icon 6 Nights location icon Portugal
    • Available in May and September
    • Mixed media painting with optional yoga
    • Expert tuition in small groups
    • Award winning luxury villa with pool with all meals included

    Price from

    £887 pp*
    Take me there
  • Discover Portuguese World Cuisine – Riverside Cooking Holiday image

    Discover Portuguese World Cuisine – Riverside Cooking Holiday

    calendar/duration icon 4 nights location icon Portugal
    • Available April. May and October
    • Daily cooking tuition learning how to make iconic Portuguese dishes plus all ingredients included
    • Award winning luxury villa with pool - all meals included
    • Market visit & winery visit with tastings and tapas

    Price from

    £873 pp*
    Take me there
    • A Vegetarian Retreat: Cook, Dine and Unwind in the Algarve image

      A Vegetarian Retreat: Cook, Dine and Unwind in the Algarve

      SPT9427 duration icon 4 Nights location icon Algarve
      • Available in March, May, September & November
      • Daily cooking tuition learning how to make vegetarian dishes, all ingredients & winery visit included
      • All meals included
      • Stay in an award winning luxury villa with pool

      Price from

      £873 pp*
      View Experience
    • Riverside Painting Holiday with Yoga image

      Riverside Painting Holiday with Yoga

      SPT2100 duration icon 6 Nights location icon Algarve
      • Available in May and September
      • Mixed media painting with optional yoga
      • Expert tuition in small groups
      • Award winning luxury villa with pool with all meals included

      Price from

      £887 pp*
      View Experience
    • Discover Portuguese World Cuisine – Riverside Cooking Holiday image

      Discover Portuguese World Cuisine – Riverside Cooking Holiday

      SPT9377 duration icon 4 nights location icon Algarve
      • Available April. May and October
      • Daily cooking tuition learning how to make iconic Portuguese dishes plus all ingredients included
      • Award winning luxury villa with pool - all meals included
      • Market visit & winery visit with tastings and tapas

      Price from

      £873 pp*
      View Experience

    Overview

    Nestled in Portugal’s southwestern Algarve region, Aljezur offers the perfect backdrop for unforgettable holidays. This charming coastal town combines pristine beaches with lush countryside, creating an ideal setting for both adventure seekers and creative spirits alike. Known for its spectacular coastline along the Costa Vicentina Natural Park, Aljezur boasts some of Europe’s most unspoiled beaches, world-class surf spots, and dramatic cliff formations. The town’s Moorish castle ruins and whitewashed historic center speak to its rich cultural heritage, while the surrounding valleys produce the famous sweet potatoes that anchor local cuisine.

    Whether you’re catching waves at Arrifana Beach, hiking along scenic coastal trails, learning traditional Portuguese cooking techniques, or capturing the region’s unique light in a painting workshop, holidays in Aljezur offer authentic experiences away from crowded tourist destinations – a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation in Portugal’s wild west.

    What our travellers are saying...

    One of the most enjoyable holidays I’ve ever had. Great hospitality from Cheryl and Graham. A lovely place to visit. Wonderful communal cooking experiences and fabulous food as the result. A fun and relaxing break!

    Liz J

    "I spent a wonderful few days with Cheryl and Graham on a festive vegetarian cooking holiday. Each of the day's menus and recipes had been carefully planned out and tested in advance and, as a group, we prepared the dishes for multiple celebratory brunches and dinners with gentle guidance from our hosts. Sooo much yummy food! The accommodation was stylish and comfortable, with everything I needed."

    Julie F

    "We had a fantastic 3 days spent with Cheryl and Graham in their beautiful home. The cooking course was great fun and very informative with hands on cooking at all times. We learnt loads and the food that we all created was truly delicious. Cannot recommend this course enough!"

    Rob T

    What a very special place! In a beautiful riverside setting this was the perfect venue for a cooking course. Very comfortable rooms (mine had a view of the infinity pool), well equipped kitchen and charming company. Graham & Cheryl are the perfect hosts with nothing being too much trouble from arrival to departure. We worked our way through many Portuguese and Portuguese influenced dishes, my favourites being the Bacalhau com Natas and the Catapl

    Johnathan Rowe

    Just returned from a wonderful 4 day cooking retreat. It's an idyllic setting in the Algarve countryside complemented by fabulous hosts Cheryl and Graham who immediately create a friendly and relaxed atmosphere among the guests. I'm no chef but I got so much more out of the experience than expected. Great fun and conversation with the other 'cooks' and magnificent food was the output. An added bonus was to stay in one of the glamping tents which

    Richard Parker

    What a lovely group to share the Ottolenghi vegetarian brunch experience! The cooking result was terrific . Graham and Cheryl are such gracious hosts.

    Mary Armstrong

    Just spent a wonderful week on this art retreat. A truly remarkable venue with great food and top hosts. Rooms were beautiful as was the setting, and the art workshops were a great way to spend the day. Thoroughly recommend and look forward to my next stay!

    Jo Ryder

    Just spent an amazing week at the River House on their residential course. Very well organised and run with a great art teacher who was patient and encouraging. Excellent accommodation and wonderful food provided by Cheryl and her husband Graham. Great company and beautiful location. Can’t praise the week highly enough and hope to return again next year.

    Ann Peak

    River views, fresh meals, local culture, and art lessons from a friendly skilled professional made for the perfect holiday retreat. The River House is a gem in the Algarve countryside. I spent a week relaxing to the peaceful sound of birds and goat bells, enjoying walks through the surrounding landscape, and lounging poolside after lively morning art sessions. Our host, Cheryl, and teacher, Tracy, were very knowledgeable and lovely to work with.

    A Rose

    It was a lovely 5 days of painting and drawing with a fantastic teacher and a beautiful environment. The River House is a special hidden place in the Algarve! I was glad I was able to join the retreat as an Alagarve resident. I definitely recommend it!

    M Gieling

    This was an amazing holiday! The tuition was excellent - I learnt so much from Tracy and my confidence has increased. I am inspired to try painting more. The riverside house is a lovely villa set in beautiful surroundings. The owner Cheryl was very welcoming and an amazing cook! Perfect week.

    R Ali

    This was a very different holiday for me and I loved it. A great relaxing location with fantastic views. Cheryl made us welcome and cooked some amazing vegetarian food from local fresh produce. Tracy our art teacher was extremely knowledgeable in a variety of techniques, gave you confidence and always made you feel at ease. A lovely break from normal life.

    S Pye

    "Cheryl and Graham were wonderful hosts who guided us through cooking a wide array of delectable Portuguese, Goan, South Africa and Macaun dishes. My husband made the most delicious orange cake having never baked before. The villa is in such a relaxing and picturesque spot. A beautiful setting in which to unwind in between the cookery workshops."

    Claris D'cruz

    "Amazing cooking class, Graham and Cheryl were so hospitable and friendly. We learnt how to cook some delicious dishes and have fun with the other people who came along. I would highly recommend."

    Aliya J

    "A wonderful few days with excellent host and hostess. The cookery was fun and informative. The area was very beautiful. We learnt so much. I totally recommend staying and doing this course. I do hope to return and see them again."

    Madeleine K

    What an amazing holiday we had. From the moment we arrived we felt at home and relaxed. It was a pleasure to cook the delicious food and of course to enjoy it afterwards. A big thank you for an unforgettable adventure.

    Heather Robinson

    What a really lovely experience, in a beautiful house having the opportunity to relax or wander in the countryside. Cooking so many fabulous dishes, alongside others in such an informal but well organised kitchen, and have the joy of eating so many different dishes. Most of all I enjoyed being part of your family and sharing a relaxed, friendly and chatty time.

    Elaine England

    What a very special place! In a beautiful riverside setting this was the perfect venue for a cooking course. Very comfortable rooms (mine had a view of the infinity pool), well equipped kitchen and charming company. Graham & Cheryl are the perfect hosts with nothing being too much trouble from arrival to departure. We worked our way through many Portuguese and Portuguese influenced dishes. There was a visit to a small local market and museum and

    Jonathan R

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