3 Best Hikes In The Algarve, Portugal To Experience This Summer
1. Caminho dos Promontórios historic coastal hike
Time: 2-3 hours
Skill Level: Medium
Known in English as the Trail of the Headlands, Caminho dos Promontórios is one of the newest hikes in the Algarve. It takes hikers along the cliffs with spectacular views all the way. However, this hike isn’t just about the dramatic landscapes; it also passes some historical monuments along the way. One is the Torre da Lapa, a restored 17th-century watchtower used to alert villagers of pirate attacks off the coast. Nearby, are a few remains of the Presa da Moura, a reservoir used by the Romans for salting and preserving fish.
Along the way, many viewpoints give views of the craggy limestone cliffs formed around 150 million years ago. However, the beautiful beaches are only accessible by sea, making them the perfect spot for seabirds.
2. Quinta do Lago and the wetlands trail
Time: 2 hours
Skill Level: Easy
While the Algarve is known for its craggy cliffs, the eastern Algarve features one of the most important wetland reserves in Portugal. The Parque Natural da Ria Formosa features a biologically rich landscape of salt marshes, barrier islands and lagoons. This hike heads through some of the diverse ecosystems in the park and is wonderful for birdwatchers.
The hiking trail starts a little southwest of Quinta do Lago, close to Passadiço do Anção, where birds such as black-winged stilts and pied avocets can be seen searching for food.
A little further along the trail is the entrance to the pedestrian-only Ponte Quinta do Lago – the longest wooden bridge on the Iberian peninsula. Here a detour can be made to a beautiful beach, backed by dunes. Close by, a freshwater lake is full of water-loving birds, such as black-crowned night herons, glossy ibis and purple gallinules.
3. Pontal da Carrapateira
Time: 2-3 hours
Skill Level: Medium
The coast northwest of Faro becomes a region of mixed woodlands and rocky outcroppings. Meanwhile, the Rocha da Pena escarpment dominates the landscape. When following a well-marked trail, you are likely to spot bee orchids, peonies and other beautiful wildflowers, along with the scent of lavender, rosemary and thyme.
This trail doesn’t feature much in the way of birdlife, but you might spot Bonelli’s eagles or vultures in the sky overhead. Meanwhile, the views over the landscape are particularly impressive, especially if you take a short detour to Talefe, the highest point in the Rocha da Pena. Here the remains of defensive walls, likely dating back to the Celtiberians, can be seen, who predate the Romans.
Read about the many other great hiking trails in the Algarve here.