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Discover the Most Scenic Hikes in the Algarve

Written on : 29 December 2020
By : Laura Wendy Harders López
Discover the Most Scenic Hikes in the Algarve

The Algarve is known as one of the most attractive places in Portugal. Its idyllic beaches, mouth-watering gastronomy, and hospitable people make it a top destination for tourists who want to soak up the sun, chill out on a hammock, and lounge around while sipping on cocktails. However, there's more to the sun, beaches, and idleness. 
 
The Algarve boasts a myriad of beautiful sceneries, stunning lagoons, protected nature reserves, distinctive fauna, along with multiple adventure trails. The possibilities for all-encompassing nature are endless for an invigorating hike. One only needs to plan which routes to explore, pack one's bag with the necessary food and water, take one's camera to immortalize the adventure, and enjoy what this marvellous region has to offer. 
 
Come and join us on this adventure through the Algarve, and discover its most scenic hiking routes!
 
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1) The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail

Enjoy spectacular views from beginning to end along The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail. It is a 4-hour round-trip hike of 12 km, located near Armaçao de Pêra, which links Vale Centeanes beach and Marinha beach. 
The distinctive features of this route are the dramatic cliffs, caves, and the rocky formations with its turquoise sea backdrop. Wherever you look, nature in its purest form and jaw-dropping views of the Atlantic will envelop you. 
 
Among the many plant species that you can find -- and many prepared in Algarvean gastronomy-- are juniper bushes, carob trees, and prickly pears. 
One of the places that deserve a stop on the way is the Alfanzina lighthouse, being also an ideal place to take fantastic instagrammable shots. Your next unmissable ports-of-call are the Carvoeiro cave, Carvalho beach, Benagil cave, and Marinha beach. 

2) Venta Moinhos Wetlands Trail

Ventas Moinhos Wetlands Trail is a 2-hour 7km round trip hiking route, located in Castro Marim, Guadiana. Become marvelled by the wondrous wetland fauna of the region. One can spot unique bird species along the way, such as avocets, spoonbills, white storks, and black-winged stilts. It is essentially a birding wonderland. 
 
One can contemplate the beautiful marshes, salt pans and green lagoons this remarkable habitat has to offer.
 
The area is separated by two distinctive landscapes. One is characterised by its dry-land fields in the northern part of the region, peppered with carob trees and scattered patches of olive trees and rye. The other features marshy habitats with traditional salt flats and long channels which carry tidal waters.  
 
Furthermore, one can find distinctive aquatic fauna such as aquatic birds, various fish species, molluscs and crustaceans around the salt marshes, which are important shelters and breeding sites for these beautiful animals.  
 
Taking the path towards the old Fiscal Guard building overlooking the river bordering Spain, one can observe sprawling pastures for bovine cattle and goats. 

3) Ponta da Piedade

Ponta da Piedade is a 2-hour scenic route of the 6km-round trip. Another beautiful journey for meandering through dramatic coastline landscapes. 
 
This marvellous hike will not disappoint you. Its most distinguishing features are its promontories and grottoes which protrude making a stark contrast with the tranquil shimmering sea in the background. Many different sculpted forms and shapes make this route ideal for taking fabulous shots. Drift through the picturesque trail and take in the breathtaking scenery of the beautiful Portuguese coast. One's next stops that are not to be missed out in one's hiking map are Praia Dos Estudantes, Praia do Pinhao, and Praia Dona Ana. 
 
What most marvels hikers are the beautiful natural coves of the sandstone cliffs.

4) Rocha da Pena Trail

Rocha da Pena Trail is a 2-hour moderate hiking route of 6.4 km. Located in Loulé, Barrocal, its impressive rocky outcrops will nothing but amaze you. The distinctive geological formations on a steep 2km cornice plateau offer magnificent panoramic views that will leave a lasting impression on its beholder. Tantalising rural landscapes where one can see characteristic flora such as thyme, rockrose, carb trees, cork oaks, rosemary and peonies make for a lush and appealing trail. 
For the "David Attenborough fans", this region is ideal for contemplating abundant and amazing wildlife-- where you can encounter mongooses, badgers, foxes, hedgehogs and hares. This route undoubtedly sounds like it's straight out of a "Wind and the Willows" story. 
 
What's more, this area is also home to colonies of bats, various amphibious species such as toads and salamanders which are found in small lakes. This trail is also ideal for some bird-watching, where you can marvel myriad flights of prey birds such as Bonelli's eagle, buzzards, long-eared owls, eagle owls, kites, and kestrels. 

4) Rocha da Pena Trail

4) Rocha da Pena Trail

Rocha da Pena Trail is a 2-hour moderate hiking route of 6.4 km. Located in Loulé, Barrocal, its impressive rocky outcrops will nothing but amaze you. The distinctive geological formations on a steep 2km cornice plateau offer magnificent panoramic views that will leave a lasting impression on its beholder. Tantalising rural landscapes where one can see characteristic flora such as thyme, rockrose, carb trees, cork oaks, rosemary and peonies make for a lush and appealing trail. 
For the "David Attenborough fans", this region is ideal for contemplating abundant and amazing wildlife-- where you can encounter mongooses, badgers, foxes, hedgehogs and hares. This route undoubtedly sounds like it's straight out of a "Wind and the Willows" story. 
 
What's more, this area is also home to colonies of bats, various amphibious species such as toads and salamanders which are found in small lakes. This trail is also ideal for some bird-watching, where you can marvel myriad flights of prey birds such as Bonelli's eagle, buzzards, long-eared owls, eagle owls, kites, and kestrels. 

5) Castelejo Environmental Trail

Castelejo Environmental Trail is a gentle hike route of 1.5 h and 3.5 km-- located in Vila do Bispo and near the Vicente Coast. For those nature lovers, this trail will amaze anyone wherever they look. 
One can cross through a pine forest drenched in shrubby vegetation, lavender, and strawberry trees. The vegetation is rich and offers jaw-dropping panoramic views of the extending fields, undulating slightly on hills and valleys. On your way, admire the quaint little farms you'll encounter.
 
The distinctive animal species are the spotted woodpecker, the Eurasian jay, the wild boat, foxes, and rabbits. So don't forget to pack your binoculars if you have any, it's a brilliant trail for bird-watching too!
 
 
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