The Algarve

It starts at the lighthouse of Cape São Vicente — the most southwestern point of Europe. Here we stand, backpacks on, gazing out over the Atlantic Ocean. This is the beginning of something big.

The first ten stages take us along the rugged cliffs of the Algarve, where waves crash on the rocks far below. We walk the Fisherman's Trail, climb along steep coastal paths and sleep on campsites where the ocean lulls us to sleep at night. The beaches are overwhelmingly beautiful — golden sand surrounded by red and ochre rock walls.

But it's not all sun and sea. The wind batters us mercilessly at times, the cliffs demand concentration, and our untrained legs protest after every long day. We learn quickly: carry less, pack smarter. Near Lagos we see the famous rock formations, at Ferragudo we cross the river by boat, and in the Ria Formosa we walk among flamingos and little egrets.

Ten stages, nearly 200 kilometres, and we've only just begun.