Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Connect with Sandy Toes Algarve: Website: sandytoes-algarve.com
Anton runs Sandy Toes private Jeep tours on the West Coast after 22 years living in Aljezur. He shares the thunderbolt moment that changed his life: driving to Arrifana during his first surf trip, seeing the views toward Monchique, and literally jumping out of the jeep to soak it all in. Three years later he risked everything and moved with no real plan.
Coming from working on scientific research vessels visiting every continent, Anton explains how he went from professional marine technology career to winging it in a foreign country. He discusses the naivety of arriving without backup plans, exploring square kilometers of West Coast by mountain bike and Land Rover over two decades, and discovering hidden beaches, valleys, and off-grid communities including Friday night pizza parties in Marmelete.
Anton reveals Aljezur's three distinct communities (traditional Portuguese, assimilated foreigners, and alternative lifestyle newcomers), the Bronze Age necropolis mystery at Atalaia involving students and midnight military trucks, how surf school licensing solved the 200-people-in-the-water problem, and his VIP Jeep tours for Portuguese tourism boards showcasing authentic West Coast culture including 89-year-old women demonstrating traditional wool weaving.
Perfect for West Coast explorers, adventure seekers, sustainable tourism advocates, or anyone drawn to authentic Algarve experiences beyond the beaches.
CHAPTERS
00:00 22 Years Running West Coast Tours
02:02 The Thunderbolt Moment: Why I Moved Here
05:46 From Research Vessels to Winging It in Portugal
11:50 Sandy Toes Tours: Showcasing the Real West Coast
18:56 Bronze Age Mystery: The Midnight Military Trucks Story
23:22 Guest Nearly Jumped Out at Carrapatera Headland
27:50 What I've Found in These Hills: Off-Grid Communities
32:24 Aljezur's Three Communities: Portuguese, Assimilated, Alternative
37:13 Gentrification and Housing Crisis Reality
42:33 VIP Tours and Adventure Motorbike Dreams
49:47 What Keeps Me Excited About Exploring
➣ CONTACT US for relocation assistance algarveaddicts.com/contact
Check out our Instagram instagram.com/algarveaddicts
Connect with Sandy Toes Algarve: Website: sandytoes-algarve.com
Anton runs Sandy Toes private Jeep tours on the West Coast after 22 years living in Aljezur. He shares the thunderbolt moment that changed his life: driving to Arrifana during his first surf trip, seeing the views toward Monchique, and literally jumping out of the jeep to soak it all in. Three years later he risked everything and moved with no real plan.
Coming from working on scientific research vessels visiting every continent, Anton explains how he went from professional marine technology career to winging it in a foreign country. He discusses the naivety of arriving without backup plans, exploring square kilometers of West Coast by mountain bike and Land Rover over two decades, and discovering hidden beaches, valleys, and off-grid communities including Friday night pizza parties in Marmelete.
Anton reveals Aljezur's three distinct communities (traditional Portuguese, assimilated foreigners, and alternative lifestyle newcomers), the Bronze Age necropolis mystery at Atalaia involving students and midnight military trucks, how surf school licensing solved the 200-people-in-the-water problem, and his VIP Jeep tours for Portuguese tourism boards showcasing authentic West Coast culture including 89-year-old women demonstrating traditional wool weaving.
Perfect for West Coast explorers, adventure seekers, sustainable tourism advocates, or anyone drawn to authentic Algarve experiences beyond the beaches.
CHAPTERS
00:00 22 Years Running West Coast Tours
02:02 The Thunderbolt Moment: Why I Moved Here
05:46 From Research Vessels to Winging It in Portugal
11:50 Sandy Toes Tours: Showcasing the Real West Coast
18:56 Bronze Age Mystery: The Midnight Military Trucks Story
23:22 Guest Nearly Jumped Out at Carrapatera Headland
27:50 What I've Found in These Hills: Off-Grid Communities
32:24 Aljezur's Three Communities: Portuguese, Assimilated, Alternative
37:13 Gentrification and Housing Crisis Reality
42:33 VIP Tours and Adventure Motorbike Dreams
49:47 What Keeps Me Excited About Exploring
➣ CONTACT US for relocation assistance algarveaddicts.com/contact
Check out our Instagram instagram.com/algarveaddicts
