Figs On The Funcho

Award-winning riverside retreat in Portugal’s Algarve, specialising in experience-led art and vegetarian cooking holidays. Here, small group learning retreats where guests come to take part, create and connect. View Upcoming Retreats

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Art Retreats

Cooking Retreats

Private Retreats

GLAMPING HOLIDAYS

Experience Our Retreats

Art Retreats

Cooking Retreats

Private Retreats

GLAMPING HOLIDAYS

Occasional Day Experiences

Art Day Experiences

Cooking Day Experiences

Nature Day Experiences

Occasional Day Experiences

Art Day Experiences

Cooking Day Experiences

Nature Day Experiences

A Retreat Centre Designed for Learning, Creativity & Slow Travel

Figs on the Funcho is an award-winning riverside retreat centre in the Algarve, Portugal, specialising in residential art retreats and vegetarian cooking holidays for adults seeking meaningful travel experiences.

Set beside the Funcho river near São Bartolomeu de Messines, our small-group programmes combine outdoor creative practice, seasonal Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, and time immersed in nature. Guests come not simply to stay, but to take part — to cook, paint, walk, and reconnect.

Accommodation includes a private retreat villa and eco-friendly riverside glamping, supporting an intimate and experience-led environment rather than a traditional hotel stay.

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Why Choose Figs On The Funcho

Guests choose Figs on the Funcho for its small-group, residential retreat experience rooted in calm, meaningful learning, and thoughtful care.

Peaceful riverside location designed for rest and reflection
Outdoor art practice shaped by landscape and season
Seasonal vegetarian cuisine rooted in local markets
Direct access to the Via Algarviana walking trail
Abundant birdlife and immersive nature throughout the property
Sustainability practices woven quietly into daily operations
As a result, Figs on the Funcho is recognised internationally for hospitality and experience design

Recognised for Excellence in Hospitality, Sustainability & Experiential Travel

Figs on the Funcho has received national and international recognition for its approach to small-scale hospitality, sustainability and experience design. Together, these recognitions our long-term commitment to thoughtful hosting.

World Luxury Travel Awards – Eco-Friendly Glamping (Winner)
Algarve Business Awards – Tourism & Hospitality (Winner)
LuxLife Hospitality Excellence Awards – Art & Culinary Wellness Escapes Destination of the Year
Featured in The Guardian’s Best Learning Holidays UK & Europe 2026
Member of Responsible Travel

Our Sustainability Promise

Sustainability at Figs on the Funcho is practical rather than performative.

As a result, it shapes how the retreat is cared for, how food is sourced, and how guests are welcomed into the landscape. By staying here, guests support a way of travel that respects place, community and environment — an approach recognised through our listing with Responsible Travel.

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responsibletravel recommends Figs on the Funcho

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Reviews

I would definitely recommend this beautiful place. I am hopefully going to return next year with the family.

Caryl

I had a lovely holiday walks were great food was amazing Graham and Cheryl were great hosts and I felt I got to experience the true Portugal

Aileen M

Had the most brilliant painting holiday at Figs on the Funcho. The painting classes were so well organised and really great fun, with a super teacher (Tony) who made every step enjoyable.

Patricia Brookwick

I had a wonderful time at Figs on the Funcho! Our art teacher was a very good teacher, our hosts were friendly, informative, fun and their food was just amazing! As well as the art it was like a retreat! Thank you Cheryl, Graham and all my new friends!! X

Dorothy Brown

The venue was very attractive with walking trails to explore when we weren’t painting. I can’t say enough about the hosts and cooks Cheryl and Graham. They were very welcoming and caring.

Debra Laxton

The scenery was varied and we had several different guides so each day was new and interesting. The food was excellent, again carefully planned in advance, and beautifully prepared and presented. The accommodation was stylish and comfortable, with everything I needed and the hosts are very friendly and helpful.

Julie Fox

The location of Figs on the Funcho was perfect, outside in the Algarvian sun overlooking the Funcho lake. Cheryl and Graham looked after us very well, were served beautiful lunches and were able to take a dip in the pool to cool off.

Sarah Chivers

My second visit to Figs on the Funcho and it really is an amazing place. Cheryl and Graham are excellent hosts and the vegetarian food is delicious. Lots of things to do in the area or just relax by the pool !!! Highly recommended !!

Jesmond Murray