Experience A Different Algarve

23 March 2022

There is a whole world of natural diversity awaiting in Portugal's Algarve region from the undulating Algarvian Mountains to the coastal ecosystems of native birds, molluscs and crustaceans.

Experience a different Algarve this year, away from its beautiful golden beaches, amidst the scenic landscapes where miles of walking trails can be followed.

Routes

Get to know the Algarve on foot with routes stretching for 300km across the region. If you prefer to cycle, the Coastal Ecovia is a good alternative, offering direct access to a number of beaches, as it runs from one end of the Algarve to the other.

Viewpoints

Along the Vicentine Coast the Arrifana Viewpoint faces up to the Needle Rock, a giant rock rising up out of the Atlantic Ocean, and the Castelejo Viewpoint provides a sublime view all along the coastline.

Natural Springs

For a small piece of paradise, located in the transitional barrocal area, various species of trees and bushes rarely found in the Algarve, grow side-by-side with Ash and Willow, contrasting with the Mediterranean vegetation.

As you admire the natural landscapes you may even spot a raft of otters and, at certain times of the year, colonies of bats as they nestle within the caves.

Walking in the Algarve

The Algarve’s many trails and footpaths make for unforgettable hikes. The Castelejo Trail is a gentle hike that meanders through the Vicentine Coast Natural Park, crossing pine forest and shrubby vegetation. Meanwhile, the Don Quixote Trail is a more challenging outing that passes through an ever-changing landscape of vineyards, oak forests and scrubland, and passes by the Odeleite River.