Algarve is the place to be for those who appreciate the out of doors. With the abundance of flora and fauna, not to mention the great weather enjoyed by the region, visitors are spoilt for choice when looking for walking, running or cycling routes.
Trilho dos Pescadores, Fishermen’s Trail, is a coastal footpath consisting of 13 stages totaling just over 226kms in length.
The trail runs through the national park known as Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina, following paths made by locals along the cliffs, down to the beaches and the many fishing spots. It is essentially a sandy trail and therefore quite demanding physically however, the opportunity to enjoy nature at its best should not be missed.
Condé Naste certainly agrees as the Trilho dos Pescadores was voted one of the top six most beautiful trails in the world – who are we to disagree?
Following the coast from São Torpes just south of Sines to Lagos, the trail’s longest stage is 22kms (Odeceixe to Aljezur) with the shortest being 10kms (São Torpes to Porto Covo).
The last leg of the Fishermen’s Trail is from Luz to Lagos and is 11kms long. This section is full of interesting rock formations with the white limestone to the black volcanic formations all providing a backdrop to wildlife living along the cliffs.
In support of outdoor activities this autumn, Lagos council is promoting the third year of the Walk & Art Fest in Barão de São João. Taking place over three days, November 6-8, the festival is bursting with workshops, walks and gastronomy. Click here to contact the organisers for more information.
At the end of November, the fourth Algarve Ultra Trail (ALUT) takes place – an endurance running race over 72 hours. It begins in Alcoutim on the 26th and covers over 300kms, mostly along the Via Algarviana, ending in Vila do Bispo on the 29th – click here to download information on the Via Algarviana.
We have touched on just two of the trails, Fishermen’s and Via Algarviana, that walkers and runners can enjoy. For information on more walking/running trails click here and for road cycling routes click here.
For information on other areas in the western Algarve visit our site.
Image courtesy of Karl Egger from Pixabay