The great outdoors
The Algarve enjoys over 300 days of sunshine every year, with more daylight hours than any other major European destination. Warm summers and mild winters allow you to make the most of the outdoors any time of the year. While the blue seas, golden sands, and rugged coastlines offer a wide range of hiking adventures, the winding valleys of the hills known as the Barrocal are home to countless species of flora and fauna, perfect for photography, bird watching, and cycling.
The Algarve offers a rich diversity of landscapes, from the lush valleys inland to exotic blue lagoons filled with nesting flamingoes and golden sand beaches lined with hidden coves. There are also busy market towns and traditional fishing villages, riverside vineyards and the secluded forests in the mountains of Monchique, places that invite us to get off the beaten track and discover the authentic heart of the region.
The most popular way to do this is by hiking some of the many marked trails on offer throughout the Algarve. In the west, the Telheiro, Cordoama, and Amado Trails pass through the Vicentine Coast Natural Park, with its rugged coastline presenting panoramic views from its high cliffs. The rich birdlife can be enjoyed from the Vale Santo Birding Hotspot, with many rare species waiting to be spotted.
Lagoa is a popular hiking destination with the stunning backdrop of the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail following the Algarve coastline. Here you can stop off at some of the most spectacular beaches in the Algarve, including the famous Praia da Marinha, or explore the ancient grottos and vivid geology of a place out of time.
The boardwalk of Salgados Lagoon Trail begins in Armaçâo de Pêra and takes hikers through salty and freshwater marshes, Algarvian farmland, and white-sand dunes. Here, you will find a rich and abundant birdlife, including nesting flamingoes. Heading inland, the Paderne Castle Trail circles around the distinctive red walls of a ruined Moorish castle dating back to the 12th century.
Cycling is a great alternative to exploring on foot, enabling you to cover longer distances while still appreciating the unique scenery and natural beauty of the region. The Ecovia do Litoral is a 214 km cycle path stretching from one end of the Algarve to the other, linking Vila Real de Santo Antônio, on the Spanish border in the east, to Cape Saint Vincent, at the south-western tip of Europe.
For beginners however, there are many interesting trails and quiet villages to spend a pleasant day on your bike. Near Loulé, the village of Querença is a delightful village of cobbled streets and traditional architecture, as is Alte famous for its whitewashed villas and fresh-water springs.
Cycling along the Funcho Dam Dirt Track will take you to the Moorish castle of Silves, a historic town that was once the Algarve’s capital city.
Alto da Foia is the highest point in the Algarve, high above even Monchique, and is a popular spot for both hiking and cycling. With views that seem to span the entire Algarve, this is a fantastic place for selfies! On your way up, be sure to stop off at the Barranco do Demo Trail which features an incredible, recently built wooden walkway with a suspension bridge spanning across one of the chasms in the rocky terrain.
The Algarve is a beautiful region filled with history, culture, and nature. Take the time to explore the great outdoors and you will discover a different side to a unique region far beyond the typical tourist areas - so take a hike, get on your bike, and explore the Algarve’s great outdoors for yourself!