After breakfast we walk down to Praia de Benagil again where we start our swim east towards the majestic bay of Praiha de Marinha. After a stunning pass under a double sea arch we arrive at Praiha de Marinha where we get out and walk through an inland cave which has under cliff access to the next beach. After getting back in to the sea we carry on swimming past sinkholes, stacks and beaches inaccessible to anyone not coming by sea, until we reach Submarine Rock where we board the boat & return back to Benagil, arriving back late morning.

In the afternoon, after time to relax and have lunch, we retrace our swimming route by walking along the Seven Hanging Valleys cliff top path back to Praiha de Marinha. We then return home for a stroke technique session in the swimming pool next to our accommodation, where you will be videoed both above and below the water.

This morning we head west from Benagil towards Carvoeiro. The Alfanzina lighthouse is visible over most of this swim section. The coastline here is a combination of bays and cliffs, with some stunning underwater vistas. The swim finishes in the town of Carvoeiro where there is time to relax and have lunch before we again retrace our swimming route walking back to Benagil along the Seven Hanging Valleys cliff path.

This morning we head out early by boat to Carvoeiro and carry on with our swim west towards Caneiros Beach, at the mouth of the Arade River. On the opposite bank the town of Portião is clearly visible. Sinkholes and sea caves dot this part of the coastline and it's an excellent last swim where you can hone your technique and really stretch out. Following some time to relax and recover we board the boat and head back to Benagil and our accommodation where this trip comes to an end.

Swimming Distances

You can always jump onto the escort boat at any stage.

Walking Conditions

We walk along the Seven Hanging Valleys which is a walk along the whole length of our swim route. The views are stunning and give you an entirely new perspective on where you have just swum. The trails are on marked tracks, and we advise that you wear appropriate walking shoes.

As the tides dictate the direction of the swims, the amount of walking can differ from trip to trip. Having said that, as we have the afternoon free for other activities, it is always possible for people to undertake the walks independently in the afternoon. The example itinerary is based on a trip with a high level of walking.

Temperatures

Equipment to bring along with you

In addition to "normal" daily clothes, you will need to bring the following:

• 2 swimming costumes
• 2 pairs of goggles- try to bring one clear lens and one tinted lens for different light conditions
• Towel
• Small daypack preferably waterproof
• Aqua shoes/sandals (which you don't mind getting wet!)
• Sweater/fleece
• Sun hat & Sunglasses
• Waterproof sun cream
• Walking shoes/sandals
• Waterproof jacket

Swim Hats, Flippers, Rashvests and Wetsuits and Water Bottles

Please note that SwimTrek will supply swim hats. We will have a limited supply/range of flippers, rashvests and wetsuits available on the trip, but we cannot guarantee sizes for all. If you have your own flippers, rashvest and wetsuit we would recommend you bring these with you in order to maximise your enjoyment of the trip. Please note that SwimTrek will provide water and electrolyte drinks in shared water bottles on your safety boat. If you prefer to use your own drink bottle, please feel free to bring one along.

If you think you would benefit from a wetsuit but don't want to commit to buying one outright you are now able to hire a wetsuit for £40 through the company Vigour Events. They will send the wetsuit directly to your door. For further information please click here.

Group Size

This trip has a maximum capacity of 15 swimming guests. Swimmers will be split into groups based on swim speed. There will be 2 swimming guides, a local boat pilot and 2 motorised boat escorts.

To get to Benagil, Faro is the closest international airport. There are a number of scheduled services operating to Faro from various British and European cities.

We recommend using Skyscanner as a good starting point when looking at flights.

Transfers

Taxis from Faro Airport to Terraços de Benagil take around 45 minutes and can be booked through Benagil Holidays by providing your name, number of passengers, flight details and mobile number. Email: info@benagilholidays.com Tel: + 351 96 2409864.

Prices are:

Accommodation

In order to maximise the enjoyment of the tour, our accommodation is a series of town houses located within the small complex of Terracos de Benagil which is ideally placed on the cliffs overlooking Praia de Benagail. Each town house has three bedrooms and three bathrooms. Accommodation is based on twin share with limited single rooms available (single supplement applies). The town houses we use are No 21, no 26 and no 27.

Meals

We will supply your town house with all your breakfast requirements at the start of the trip. Fresh bread will be delivered daily. You will be responsible for preparing your own breakfast, but we envisage that this can be shared between the guests in each town house.

Extra Expenses

You should bring extra money with you to cover such items as entertainment, lunches, dinners, souvenirs, etc. The local currency is the Euro (€). The nearest cash machine is in Carvoeiro, where we aim to be on Day 3. Allow around €30 per day although this will vary depending on the individual.

Passports and Visas

You require a full passport, that should be valid for 6 months beyond the expected length of stay. You should check if you require a visa. Most nationalities including EU, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens do not require a visa to enter Portugal. Visa regulations do change. Please check!

Vaccinations

There are no essential vaccination requirements for Portugal, but you should ensure that your immunity to tetanus and polio is up to date.