It also offers a range of outdoor activities from surfing to cycling, walking, and birdwatching. Algarve in Autumn has a temperate climate for exploring the region on foot.
With a stunning coastline and hilly, softly contoured mainland, this part of Portugal offers hiking trails to suit all ages. Algarve Tourism is highlighting day hikes and walks from the family-friendly walks to the more challenging.
1) Cape St. Vincent (Cabo de São Vicente)
This is the most southwestern point of continental Europe and offers striking cliffs and a lighthouse, which has existed on the Cape since 1520. Starting at Cabo São hikers can walk from the Cape to Sagres, or to Vila do Bispo and follow the Fishermen’s Trail, a part of the Rota Vicentina network that connects Cape St.Vincent with both towns.
2) Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is considered as one of the beautiful hikes in Europe and has long been the most popular of the Algarve hikes. It takes in some of the region’s most stunning scenery while passing through limestone cliffs, hidden beaches and natural arches. The 5.7km route connects Praia da Marinha to Praia de Vale Centeanes and is moderate.
3) Fóia, Monchique
One of the attractions to Serra de Monchique is the mountain peak of Fóia which, at 902m, is the highest point of the Algarve. From the top there are views of the Algarve coastline including Portimão and Lagos and Cabo de São Vicente. There is the chance to take a guided hike by Algarvian Roots or Proactivetur on a moderate hike. www.algarvianroots.com/courses/throughthe-mountain-valleys
4) Ria Formosa Natural Park
Covering over 18,000 hectares, the park comprises a series of saltwater lagoons and islands. It's an excellent bird watching spot for flamingos and other migratory birds. Walking paths include the São Lourenço Walking Trail takes you through different habitats: marshland, scrubland, and freshwater lakes. The Marim Walking Trail, located in Olhão, takes up to two hours and is good for families, taking in the habitats in the Ria Formosa Nature Park as well as Roman ruins and a tide mill.
5) Fonte da Benémola Nature Reserve
Fonte da Benémola, one of the lesser known natural springs, is surrounded by 400 hectares of land, the protected area fed by the waters of the Ribeira da Menalva. This is an important ecological system and supporting flora and fauna and animals such as insects, butterflies, turtles, lizards and salamanders. Fonte Fonte da Benémola walk is an easy 2.5-mile circular track in the Loulé.
6) Via Algarviana trail
The north-eastern part of the Algarve is less frequented by visitors, but offers a unique blend of rolling hills, traditional villages and natural beauty. The Via Algarviana hike spans the entire region from Alcoutim, near the Spanish border to Cape St. Vincent on the western coast. In the north-eastern section there is the chance to walk from Alcoutim to Balurcos, and have views of the Guadiana River, cork oak forests, traditional villages, and rich flora and fauna.
7) A Window to the Guadiana
This moderate trail begins in Azinhal, a village in the Baixo Guadiana, Eastern Algarve, and ends at Várzea das Almas. Along the route, trekkers will get views of the Guadiana River and take in wetlands, dryland orchards of almond and carob trees and hills covered in cistus, gorse and lavender. Along the riverbank, the salt marches take over the wide wetlands, and, looking south, walkers will be wowed with the bridge connecting Portugal and Spain, near the mouth of the Guadiana.
A place to stay
Casa Modesta
Casa Modesta is is located in Quatrim do Sul, in the heart of the Ria Formosa Nature Park. It and has a contemporary Portuguese edge, using natural ventilation, wastewater reuse and farm to table concept in the Mediterranean inspired cuisine. www.casamodesta.pt/en/
Grand House Algarve
Grand House Algarve is a Relais Châteaux Belle Epoque hotel in the historic town of Vila Real de Santo António. It looks to revive the splendour of the Roaring Twenties and the country’s rich past with the architectural details and furniture featuring art deco and colonial touches.
Praia do Canal Nature Resort
Praia do Canal Nature Resort is located within the Vicentine Coast Natural Park of 74,000 hectares of rolling hills, marshland, cliffs, rocky coves and broad beaches. The resort is a mid-way point for many of the walks listed above. www.praiadocanal.pt/
Pure Monchique Hotel
Pure Monchique Hotel is located in Serra de Monchique Natural Park with views overlooking the mountains and valley. Along its 39 hectares, guests can walk different pedestrian paths, enjoy several green areas and streams where the water of Monchique flows. www.puremonchiquehotel.com/
* Surinder Manku at surinder.manku@p1communications.com
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