While some travellers flock to the Algarve to spend a week lying on a beach in the scorching summer sun, others choose to take in the Algarve in a more active manner. Fortunately, just as the stunning beaches cater to families and sunbathers, the Algarve’s dramatic, varied terrain is perfectly suited to those who are looking to hike their way around the region. In this article, we cover everything you need to know before embarking on a hike around Portugal's Algarve.
Introduction to Hiking in the Algarve
Let’s start with the basics.
With such a varied landscape, your first task is choosing which parts of the Algarve are best suited to your adventure. The dramatic cliffs of the west or the flat trails of Ria Formosa? The heavily populated Albufeira or the hidden gem of Alferce? We’ll explore the different areas in more detail in the next section, but be prepared to spend plenty of time researching as there’s far more to the Algarve than sandy beaches!
Next, you’ll need to choose the right time to visit. Most travellers head to the Algarve in July and August, but the high temperatures in these months will make hiking quite a challenge. If you’re not acclimatised to the high temperatures that are seen between June and August in the Algarve and/or you aren’t an experienced hiker, it’s safer to look outside of these months.
September provides the perfect conditions for hiking around the Algarve. Temperatures start to drop to the mid-20s during the day and sub-20 in the evenings, while still getting around 9 hours of sunshine a day.
If you’re taking on a particularly challenging hike or a long-distance cycle around the Algarve, you may want to delay until the last 3 months of the year when temperatures move towards the low 20s. Beware that November and December may come with a few days of wet weather.
The Different Types of Hiking in the Algarve
Before you decide on a certain area, it’s important to understand the different types of hikes and trails that the Algarve has to offer.
Coastal
Coastal hikes offer what most would consider to be the best views, while also allowing you to visit some of Europe’s best beaches. Let the Atlantic Ocean provide the perfect backdrop to your Insta shots and plenty of hidden coves along the way. Sand and uneven surfaces can make this more challenging, so make sure you plan in accordance with your level of experience.
Inland
Head away from the Algarve’s coast, and you’ll find picturesque villages and rural trails that take you over sleepier hills and valleys. These can, but not always, provide a safer hike if you’re lacking experience while also having the advantage of allowing you to take in more authentic parts of the Algarve that many ignore in favour of more traditional tourist destinations.
Eastern Algarve
The wetlands of Eastern Algarve aren’t how most picture the region, but they can make for the perfect outdoor expedition. Not only do these hikes offer flatter trails, they offer a completely unique view of the Algarve. Expect lagoons, salt marshes, flamingos and kingfishers - a wildlife photographer's dream!
The Best Algarve Hiking Routes
Fishermen's Trail
One of Europe’s most popular trails is the Fishermen’s Trail, a 220km route split into 13 stages. While a good chunk of the trail is in the Algarve, hiking the full stretch would take you to or from Sines, which is located further north than the Algarve region.
The daunting cliffs, sandy sections and sheer size of the trail do make this one of the most daunting ways to see southern Portugal. But nevertheless, if you’ve got the experience and fitness that allows you to take this on, you’ll be rewarded with a plethora of jaw-dropping views.
Via Algarviana
This one’s more for those who want to experience an inland hike or cycle through the Algarve. The full route is approximately 300km long, taking you up and down Portuguese mountains and through rural villages.
While the mountain stages should only be attempted by those who have hiked before, there are plenty of short, scenic walks along the way which take you through the Algarve’s countryside without the high risk.
Ria Formosa
A far cry from the luxury Algarve villas and buzzing nightlife found in other parts of the Algarve, lies the unique trail of Ria Formosa. The coastal lagoon brings together exotic birds and a variety of other wildlife, offering a completely different side to the Algarve. Stretching just 60km and with much flatter terrain, it’s a much easier Algarve hike compared to the two previously mentioned routes.
WRITTEN BY
After completing a University degree in Journalism, Darcy Fowler has dedicated a lot of time to travelling around the world and experiencing a variety of cultures. Darcy is determined to provide interesting and insightful content with the hope of inspiring others.