Almonds and the Art of the Harvest in the Algarve Hills

A full day living the traditional almond harvest in the Algarve hills

Set out from a local farmhouse for a hike through Algarve mountain trails to reach the almond harvest site, passing centuries-old trees along the way. Take part in the traditional harvest using ancestral hand techniques passed down by the villagers of the Algarve hills, an almost-forgotten craft that once supported entire communities. The day culminates with a traditional lunch in the shade of a great oak: a slow-cooked stew of chickpeas, green beans, and squash, prepared in a pressure pot. Before heading back, crack open the almonds you harvested using natural tools — stones and a wooden block — in the same way generations of Algarve farmers have done before you.

What is included

• Almond variety guide sheet, detailing characteristics of each type (Portuguese and English)
• Local guide accompaniment throughout the full-day experience
• Hands-on participation in traditional almond harvesting techniques
• Cane tube for collecting harvested almonds and plants along the trail
• Traditional lunch: chickpea, green bean, and squash stew, slow-cooked under the shade of an oak tree

What’s Not Included

• Transportation to and from the farmhouse (private transfer available on request)
• Gratuities for the guide

Itinerary

• 7:30 — Meet at the local farmhouse
• 9:15 — Hike through Algarve mountain trails to the harvest site
• 10:00 — Traditional almond harvesting using ancestral hand techniques
• 13:00 — Traditional lunch: chickpea, green bean, and squash stew, slow-cooked under an oak tree
• Crack open harvested almonds using natural tools (stones and wooden block)
• 14:00 — Return to the local farmhouse

Highlights

An Almost-Forgotten Craft. The traditional almond harvest is a fading art, and this experience offers a rare chance to learn the hand techniques once used by generations of Algarve hill villagers to earn their living.

Centuries-Old Trees, Hands-On Work. The day takes place among ancient almond trees, with guests taking part directly in the harvest rather than simply observing.

A Lunch Earned the Hard Way. After a demanding morning, lunch is served in the shade of a great oak or holm oak: a slow-cooked chickpea, green bean, and squash stew, a true taste of rural Algarve tradition.

Crack Your Own Harvest. Guests get to crack open the almonds they collected using only natural tools, connecting directly with the final step of a centuries-old process.

A Demanding, Rewarding Day. This is not a leisurely stroll — it’s an engaging, physically active day under the summer sun, ideal for travelers seeking authentic, hands-on rural experiences.

Transportation

• Not included – contact us if you need private transfer

Meeting point

• After booking we will send all the details of the farm, location (meeting point) and contact.