Best Places For Hiking In Algarve

The pristine beaches, rugged cliffs, and whitewashed fishing villages of The Algarve have made it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe and Portugal’s most scenic region.

Hiking Algarve is one of the great things to do along with a slew of other things no matter what you are into.

As a result, it has become a haven for surfers, yogis, party animals, and nature lovers alike. No matter your reason for visiting this beautiful part of Portugal, one thing you should make time for is some Algarve hiking.

There is a wide variety of walking trails throughout the region with diverse terrain and landscapes. 

So, whether you want a short and gentle coastal walk in town or a countryside day hike rich in nature, there is a hike for everyone here. So read on to discover the eight best hikes in Algarve.

Ponta Da Piedade Boardwalk Trail

• Distance: 1.1 miles (1.8 km)
• Duration: 30 minutes

The Ponta da Piedade trail is one of the shortest and easiest Algarve hiking trails. It is just a 10-minute drive from Lagos, and the trail follows a newly built boardwalk that takes you to the beautiful Canavial beach. 

However, this is not just another pretty beach; it is one of the most picturesque parts of the Algarve. Here, you will see a cluster of towering rock formations standing 66 feet (20 meters) above the ocean and the naturally formed arches, caves, and towers.

Although the boardwalk is flat, there is a set of stairs that takes you down to the cove at the base of Ponta da Piedade. Therefore, it is not entirely stroller-friendly.

Nevertheless, you’ll get the best views of the rock formations from the bottom of the staircase. What’s more, if it’s a windy day, you’ll witness the incredible sight of the waves hitting the cliffs.

Seven Hanging Valleys Trail

• Distance: 7 miles (11.4 km)
• Duration: 3- 4 hours

The Seven Hanging Valleys is one of the most popular hiking trails in the Algarve. It starts in Praia da Marinha and ends in Praia do Vale de Centeanes, but you can also do it the other way around.

With a total elevation gain of 394 meters (1,300 feet), this easy to moderate walk is suitable for most fitness levels.

The entire coastal path gives unobstructed views of the deep blue ocean and the magnificent limestone cliffs. It will take between 3 and 4 hours if you’re hiking both ways, covering 7 miles (11.4 km).

However, there is always the option of walking the route one way. Moreover, as the route passes various beaches and caves, you might want to stop to explore or take a drip in the ocean, adding additional time to the walk. 

Meia Praia Beach Walk

• Distance: 2.5 miles (4 km)
• Duration: 1 hour

If you’re after easy hiking in Lagos, you can’t beat a gentle stroll along the longest beach in the region. ​​Meia Praia is a 2.5-mile (4 km) stretch of golden sand that starts next to the Old Town and ends at Farol Da Meia Praia. 

There are no cliff vistas here, but you can walk directly over the dunes. And don’t worry if the beach looks busy when you start the walk, as it quickly gets quieter once you move away from the town center. 

One of the most scenic spots is Farol Da Meia Praia at the end. Here, the ocean joins the lagoon.

You’ll see another beach on the other side of the lagoon entrance, Praia de Alvor. Unfortunately, there isn’t a bridge adjoining the two coves, so the only way to reach it is to swim across!

Pontal Da Carrapateira Loop

• Distance: 6.4 miles (10.3 km)
• Duration: 2.5 – 3 hours

Pontal da Carrapateira near Aljezur is a picture-perfect headland on the Vicentine Coast, 45 minutes from Lagos. Here, you’ll see some of the best Jurassic limestone cliffs, with colorful orange, red, and yellow shades.

Several inlets, offshore stacks, and jagged islands are also dotted around, making it one of the most photogenic spots in Portugal. The 6.4-mile (10.3 km) Pontal da Carrapateira loop trail starts and finishes in the village of Carrapateira.

Half of the course gives an abundance of cliffside scenery, while the other half is inland. Therefore, it’s an excellent mix of countryside and ocean landscapes.

You’ll pass cool sights like the ruins of an ancient Islamic fishermen’s settlement. Some parts are a little rocky, so you will need good hiking shoes; however, the trail is generally flat.

Alto Da Fóia Trail

• Distance: 4.7 miles (7.6 km)
• Duration: 2 – 2.5 hours

Though the coastal trails are the most popular, some of the best hikes in the Algarve are located inland, like the Alto da Fóia trail in the charming mountain town of Monchique.

Monchique is one of the towns that the famous 200-mile multi-day Via Algarviana trail passes through. However, there are various short walking routes around too.

The 4.7-mile (7.6 km) Alto da Fóia trail is truly a hidden gem. It starts at the Foia viewpoint, the highest point of the Algarve at 3,000ft (902m). From the start, you get expansive 360-degree views of the mountain range. 

The trail then abruptly descends down through the countryside and a dense forest of maritime pines and eucalyptus trees towards the town of Monchique.

The area is full of rich vegetation, making it a pleasant change of scenery from the jagged cliffs on the coastal hikes. 

Another highlight of this route is the abandoned monastery ‘Nossa Senhora do Desterro Convent’ that you pass. Take a moment to go inside and look at the intriguing ruins of this landmark. 

Castelejo Environmental Trail

• Distance: 2 miles (3.5 km)
• Duration: 45 – 75 minutes

Another pleasant inland trail is Castelejo Environmental Trail (Trilho do Castelejo) in Vila do Bispo, western Algarve. It’s located within Vicentine Coast Natural Park so expect to see plenty of plants and wildlife here.

The trail takes you through groves of Pines, Spanish lavender, and strawberry trees. The area is abundant with bird species, including Woodpeckers, and sightings of wild boar, foxes, and rabbits are common too.

The 2-mile loop (3.5 km) takes around one hour to complete and is mostly flat, so it is accessible for most people. Just before the trail circles back towards the town, you’ll glimpse the ocean in the distance.

If you want to extend your walk, you can detour to the nearby Castelejo Beach to mix up the scenery. 

Rocha Da Pena Trail

• Distance: 4 miles (6.4 km)
• Duration: 2 hours

Rocha da Pena is a protected landscape that sits deep in the countryside between the villages of Salir and Benafim. This vast rocky outcrop has a steep limestone ridge and a 1.24 mi (2 km) plateau.

It stands 1,571 feet (479 meters) above sea level at its highest point, allowing you to see for miles across the Algarve countryside. 

The entire trail is extremely picturesque as the unique geology of this area has resulted in an astonishing amount of plant species (apparently around 450). Therefore, it makes for one of the best Algarve hiking areas in late spring or early summer when everything is in full bloom.

In addition, there have been sightings of approximately 70 species of birds here. The route is clearly marked the entire way.

It is classed as moderately challenging as there is a fair amount of incline, particularly a steep climb to the plateau at Talefe. Some parts are very rocky, so you’ll need hiking boots with a good grip.

Don Quixote Trail

• Distance: 10.5 miles (17 km)
• Duration: 6 hours

You’ll find the 10-mile (17 km) circular Don Quixote Trail in the small village of Cachopo, a one-hour drive inland from Faro. This is one of the lesser-known hiking trails in the Algarve, so it is perfect if you are looking for a peaceful day hike in the countryside.

You’ll find the trailhead by the Discovery Center in the village.

This hike is fantastic as the landscape is so varied, switching from oak forests to scrubland to orchards and even vineyards and pine plantations. There are also various points along the trail that give panoramic views.

So, although the hike is long, you’ll never get bored as there is always plenty to see. 

One of the best viewpoints along this route is up the top of Cerro do Bicudo. This peak overlooks Odeleite River, which is nicknamed the “Blue Dragon River” because of its bright blue hue and the dragon-like shape it has from above.

Final Thoughts On Hiking In Algarve

From rugged cliffs and sandy coves to rolling hills and dense forests, hiking in the Algarve never feels boring.

So, if you’re planning a road-trip to Algarve, make time to reconnect with nature by exploring this picturesque region on foot. 

Visiting Portugal soon? Read one of the following blog posts:

• Hiking in Porto
• Hiking in Sintra
• Hiking in Lisbon
• Best beach destinations in Portugal