Portugal
February 21 - 28, 2027
8 participants · 8 days · €1,250
A LANDSCAPE SHAPED BY THE OCEAN
Southern Portugal is where the land meets the Atlantic in dramatic ways. From the sculpted cliffs and hidden coves of the Algarve to the wild beaches of the southwest coast, the landscape is constantly shaped by wind, waves and time. Golden cliffs, dark rocks, sea caves and endless stretches of sand create an extraordinary variety of forms along the coast. Further north, the giant waves of Nazaré reveal another side of the Atlantic, where the ocean becomes a force of almost overwhelming scale.
February brings a different side of Portugal. Away from the summer crowds, the beaches are quieter and the coastline feels more open and wild. The winter light is soft and warm, while the milder climate offers a welcome escape from the cold of Central Europe. Changing Atlantic weather can transform the same landscape from calm and minimal to raw and dramatic, often within a matter of hours.
This journey is about slowing down and exploring the coastline at its most expressive — following the changing winter light, discovering remarkable beaches and looking beyond the obvious views for the shapes, textures and moments that make the Atlantic coast so compelling.
This 8-day journey explores Portugal through changing light, remote landscapes and a flexible itinerary designed around photography rather than fixed schedules.
Period: 21 - 28 February 2027 Group size: 8 participants
Duration: 8 days Fitness Level: easy
Meeting Point: Lisbon Airport
Day 1–6
We will meet around 17:00 at Lisbon Airport, where our journey begins. From there, we’ll head south towards the Algarve, which will be our base for the next five nights.
Over the following days, we’ll explore the dramatic coastline of southern Portugal, following the Atlantic from wide sandy beaches to rugged cliffs, hidden coves and remarkable rock formations.
We’ll spend our days exploring the coast at a relaxed pace, looking for changing light, interesting compositions and the many different faces of the Atlantic. With February bringing quieter beaches and softer winter light, we’ll have the freedom to adapt our schedule to the weather, tides and the best photographic conditions.
Day 6–7
We’ll leave the Algarve behind and head west along the wild southwest coast of Portugal, where the landscape becomes more rugged, exposed and remote. Among other locations, we’ll explore Praia da Cordoama, with its vast beach and dramatic cliffs, and Cabo Sardão, where the rugged coastline meets the open Atlantic.
This part of the journey will have a very different character from the Algarve, with windswept beaches, towering cliffs and a much wilder Atlantic landscape. We’ll follow the light and weather conditions, looking for the moments when the interaction between ocean, rock and sky is at its most dramatic.
Day 7–8
We’ll continue north along Portugal’s Atlantic coast, leaving the remote landscapes of the southwest behind and heading towards the more dramatic coastline of central Portugal.
The final part of the journey will take us through Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, before reaching the spectacular coastline around Nazaré, where the scale and power of the Atlantic become truly impressive. We’ll also explore the coastal landscapes around Praia da Concha, looking for different perspectives of the cliffs, beaches and ocean.
If conditions are right, we’ll have the opportunity to photograph Nazaré’s famous giant waves, one of the most extraordinary expressions of the Atlantic’s power.
Day 8
We’ll make the most of our final morning exploring the coast and photographing the early light before heading back towards Lisbon Airport, where we’re scheduled to arrive around 15:00.
✓ Included
Accommodation for 7 nights
Transportation throughout the tour
Fuel and parking fees
Airport transfers
Photography guidance in the field
Small group (maximum 8 participants)
Breakfast at our accommodation for the first five nights.
✕ Not Included
Flights
Meals (approximately €150)
Travel insurance (mandatory)
Personal expenses
Weather
Portugal’s southern coast enjoys a mild climate in February, but the Atlantic can still bring changing weather, wind and rain. Temperatures are generally comfortable during the day, while evenings can be cooler, especially along the exposed coastline. Layered clothing and a waterproof jacket are recommended.
Winter Light
February brings beautiful winter light to the Portuguese coast. With the sun still relatively low in the sky, we can enjoy softer light, longer shadows and warm tones across the cliffs and beaches. The shorter days also give us a natural rhythm for early morning and sunset photography.
Off-Season
We’ll be travelling outside the busy summer season, when the Algarve’s beaches and coastal towns are much quieter. This means fewer people, more freedom to explore and a very different atmosphere from the Portugal most visitors experience during the summer months.
Tides & Conditions
The Atlantic tides will play an important role in our photography. We’ll take them into account when planning our days, as changing water levels can reveal beaches, rock formations, pools and compositions that are not always accessible.
What to Bring
A detailed packing list will be shared before the tour. Waterproof clothing, comfortable hiking shoes, warm layers and a small daypack are recommended, as we’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors and along exposed sections of the coast.
A tripod and filters are highly recommended for coastal photography, allowing us to make the most of long exposures, changing light and the movement of the ocean. A polarizing filter can also be particularly useful for managing reflections and enhancing contrast in certain conditions.
Coastal Walks
The tour involves regular walks along beaches, cliffs and coastal trails. Most locations are accessible without long hikes, but some viewpoints and beaches may require walking over uneven or sandy terrain. Comfortable footwear and a reasonable level of fitness are recommended.
Meals
Breakfast is included at our accommodation for the first five nights.
All accommodations feature fully equipped kitchens, allowing us to prepare many of our meals together. This gives us the flexibility to adapt our schedule to the changing light, weather and tides rather than planning our days around restaurant hours.
We’ll also enjoy dinners together at local restaurants throughout the tour, depending on our itinerary and photographic opportunities.
Tour Price
€1,250 per person
Deposit
A €350 deposit is required to secure your place on the tour and should be paid within one week of booking confirmation.
Final Payment
The remaining balance is due no later than November 2026.
Booking
Places are limited to 8 participants and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Once you submit the booking form, I’ll get in touch with all the details, including your booking confirmation and payment instructions.
I’ll be leading this tour together with Horia Bogdan, combining our experience, knowledge and love for nature and photography to create a relaxed and rewarding experience in the field.
Horia is a biologist, photographer and passionate explorer of the Nordic regions, with a particular fascination for the landscapes and nature of the North. His photography covers everything from macro and intimate details to vast landscapes, photographed in daylight, at sunrise, sunset or under the night sky.
He loves sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with people who share the same passion for nature and photography, both in the field during photo tours and through his YouTube channel.
What You’ll Photograph