Portugal·October - December
LISBON - ATLANTIC CLIFFS
If you are day-dreaming world-class limestone, uncrowded crags, and (why not!?) the ocean...well, you are certainly thinking of Portugal!
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Overview
If you are daydreaming about world-class limestone, uncrowded crags, and (why not!?) the ocean...well, you are certainly thinking of Portugal. The country’s climbing potential is usually overlooked by climbers, but we assure you that there is no better place if you are looking for off-the-beaten-track climbing adventures. You will find yourself climbing cliffs right on the ocean, where, most of the time, the only sounds you’ll hear will be the waves and your belaying buddy’s “Alléz”. Then, after the climbing, there will be near-crag pristine white beaches hosting your post-send victory beers. Last but not least, expect great local food and wine, good weather, and rich culture the locals are happy to share.
Local Partners
Meet our local partners from Portugal
Filipe
Filipe is a local expert with a vast experience in sport-climbing, alpinism, and trail running. He's finishing up his Ph.D. in Economics and he has been in research and teaching for 12 years.
Eduardo
Eduardo is a former journalist who couldn’t resist the call for adventure and became a mountain and local expert. Himalayas and Patagonia are just two of the many adventures he’s had across the world.
The Experience
Our Atlantic Cliffs rock trip is a unique opportunity to enjoy and explore world-class limestone by-the-ocean crags while being based in an organic farm with super chill-out vibes. We will visit 5 legendary crags with superb routes available to all levels, have two yoga practices for climbers, a movie night, and the opportunity for some extra activities such as coasteering and ocean Kayak.
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DAY 1
Arrival + welcome dinner
Our local guides Filipe and Eduardo will come and pick you up at the airport and bring you to our basecamp, Biovilla. It is located in the Arrábida Natural Park, about 40 minutes drive from the airport. Here we will have our 100% organic vegetarian welcome dinner where you can get to know the group, feel the vibe and relax before the next day climbing!
DAY 2
Sesimbra + Yoga
Early morning head out toward Portugal dos Pequeninos, one of the two crags in Sesimbra. Suggestive routes on a beautiful piece of rock raising directly out of the ocean. Once you get to the route's top, remember to take a minute to enjoy the ocean view. Back from the crag, there will be a yoga session at Biovilla to prepare your body and soul for the next day's climbing activities.
DAY 3
Fenda + Movie Night
Another day, another crag. Today we are going to Fenda. It is a long fissure of overhung, bomber orange limestone replete with pockets and tufas. Ready to get pumped? This crag hangs right above the Portino da Arrabida beach. Sounds like post-send victory beers on the beach to me! Once we get back to Biovilla, we planned a movie night with the whole group.
DAY 4
(Not so) Rest Day + dinner
Active rest day. We save some skin for the next day's hard climbs, but, surely, we stay on the move. Filipe and Eduardo can propose various activities such as Kayaking or Trekking, just to name a couple. Up to you to choose your favorite!
Second 100% organic vegetarian group dinner prepared by Biovilla home chef.
DAY 5
Fojo
Start the morning with a mobility and flexibility session. Today we head to an Arrabida Natural Park hidden gem. Fojo dos Morcegos is one of the less frequented crags in the area, but also one of our favorites. Untouched landscapes, epic views of the Ocean and, of course, the route's quality are just mind blowing. On the way back, we stop at the local village for proper traditional seafood meal.
DAY 6
Atlântida/Meio Mango + dinner
Both located at Cabo Espichel region, Atlântida and Meio Mango are two iconic crags with cliffs hanging right on the ocean. Tides, waves, and humidity are to consider when climbing here, and local knowledge is a must. Good that Filipe and Eduardo are with us! Keep an eye on the waves, you can often spot dolphins playing here. A Yoga session will be closing the trip and relaxing the body after a week-long climbing experience.
DAY 7
Departure
All the cool things come to an end. Our local partners will take you back from Biovilla to the Airport. Now, it is time to go back home and plan the next Mapo Tapo expedition to Portugal!
The program is very flexible to take into account weather conditions, climbing level, and endurance of the group
Gallery
Arrábida Natural Park, Portugal
Portugal’s mild climate means that its best-in-class coastal crags are climbable all year-round
Portugal’s potential as a climbing destination is often overshadowed by its proximity to Spain, yet this country is home to some excellent coastal climbing crags! In addition to boasting 800km of stunning coastline, peaceful beaches, and world-class surfing spots, Portugal is the place to come for great weather, amazing seafood dishes, good wines, and a rich culture. Most of the crags we’ll explore are within 50km from Lisbon, making it possible to extend the staying and visit this fascinating city and the cultural activities it offers. Portugal’s mild climate means that climbing is possible year-round.
Basecamp
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Biovilla
Biovilla is a fully sustainable organic local farm, located forty minutes away by car from Lisbon. Here you will have the opportunity to compensate for emissions by planting a tree at the basecamp and to taste 100% organic local vegetarian meals, prepared by the home chef.
Biovilla
At Biovilla you will stay in 3 people shared comfortable and natural-materials rooms prepared for you to relax and enjoy quiet nights and deep dreams about that project or that cool move.
Biovilla
Our home will be your home during your stay and in our main room we will enjoy some movie nights as well as open the space for music jams and creativity to flow.
Biovilla
To nourish your body and spirit we serve fully organic, local, vegetarian and super tasty food prepared by our resident chef Marta Dinis.
Biovilla
Biovilla is located within the eastern tip of Parque Natural da Arrábida where you will find plenty of beautiful trails to explore, run, meditate and/or find yourself. We also have our own food garden and food forest where you can explore your senses and connect deeper with nature.
What's Included
What's Included
4 days climbing
1 (not so) rest day
2 local guides
Ropes/quickdraws/belay dev.
6 nights accommodation
Breakfast included
3 dinners included
Transport to activities
Airport transfers
Accident insurance
What's Not Included
All lunches and snacks
Remaining dinners
Personal climbing equipment
Contact us for shoes/harness!
Flights
Everything not specified in the paragraph “What is included”
More Info
Climbing Skills
This is a climbing trip for autonomous climbers exclusively. We do not mind about your grade as much as your ability to be a fully independent climber. If you are unsure about your climbing level and you prefer to be guided or assisted in climbing, book onto one of our trips labelled 'Certified guide included' or contact us.
Liability
Mapo Tapo selects crags and local partners with the utmost care. For any inaccuracies, however, we can not accept any liability. Rock climbing is a risky sport that takes place in nature. Ultimately, you are fully responsible for the choices you make. Mapo Tapo recommends that anyone who does not have sufficient knowledge and skills not to go outdoor alone. Contact us to organize a trip with a certified mountain guide instead.
Travel
Please DO NOT book your flights until this trip is confirmed. Most of our trips require a minimum number of participants to run. Wait for the status of the trip to be confirmed and for more information go to the "How it works" section
Blog Posts
Mon 22 Nov 2021 · Climbing Tips
How to explore with low impact - Interview with Arnaud Petit
An interview with professional climber Arnaud Petit discussing how to reduce your environmental impact as a climber and outdoor enthusiast.
Mon 29 Nov 2021 · Community
Bolters - Heroes in the Shadows
What does it take to put up a new route? Ale tells us a bit about what she has learnt from working alongside bolters with Mapo Tapo.