Fancy a walk with a difference? Whether you like a stroll or a jolly good hike, Algarve has many coastal and hinterland walks.
How about Lagoa’s Seven Hanging Valleys Trail (Percurso Sete Vales Suspensos de Lagoa)?
Stretching from the car park at Praia da Marinha to Vale de Centeanes this 6kms trail can be enjoyed one way or another – or both!
Passing algares (sink holes) and small beaches, inlets and a 100-year-old lighthouse there is also the opportunity to stop for a break or a meal along the way (Benagil being the most obvious of choices).
Based on votes by over 28,000 visitors from over 150 countries, Lagoa’s coastal trail has been rated number one in the best hiking destination in Europe by the online portal European Best Destinations.
You can also extend the walk by starting at the chapel Senhora da Rocha and finishing in Carvoeiro – or the other way around of course.
Places of note include the lighthouse known as Farol de Alfanzina which had its 100th birthday in December 2020. Read more about Algarve’s lighthouses here.
Another trail within Lagoa is from Carvoeiro to Ferragudo or perhaps a gentle stroll along Alvor’s boardwalk would suit better? Click here for information on both.
The Fishermen’s Trail is a coastal footpath that covers over 226kms in 13 stages, click here for a lowdown on this coastal footpath that runs through the national park known as Parque Natural do Suoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina.
The Via Algarviana is another interesting route that spans the whole region, from Spain to the most south-westerly point of mainland Europe, Cape Saint Vincent.
With many different routes including themed and smaller paths this is a great way to discover the Algarvean hinterland.
For more information about the Via Algarviana click here.
Finally, a smaller walk can be found in the Monchique hills, ending at the thermal springs of Fonte Santa da Fornalha.
Read about the history of the springs and how to find them here.
For more information on walking trails search here and for cycling trails here.