A guidebook to 32 rewarding walks in Portugal’s Algarve region, showcasing the area’s rich variety of landscapes — from dramatic cliffs and golden beaches to rolling hills, quiet valleys and traditional villages. The routes are carefully graded by difficulty, offering something for everyone, whether you’re a casual stroller or an experienced hiker looking for a challenge.

Walks range from 4 to 18km (2–11 miles), taking between 1 to 6 hours to complete. They are grouped into four sections that explore the eastern Algarve, the central region, the south coast, and the wild Costa Vicentina.

• Clear route description illustrated with 1:25,000 and 1:50,000 mapping
• GPX files available to download
• Information on refreshments, access, parking and public transport
• Highlights include Cabo de São Vicente and Fóia (the highest peak in the region’s Serra de Monchique mountains)
• Notes on local geology, history, plants and wildlife

Map key          
Route summary table
Overview map 

Introduction     
Geography and geology         
Plants and flowers      
Wildlife 
Brief history     
When to go     
Getting there   
Getting around
Accommodation          
What to take   
Waymarking    
Using this guide          
Eastern Algarve

Walk 1 Barrancos       
Walk 2 Ludo Trail        
Walk 3 Masmorra trail 
Walk 4 Santa Bárbara Trail    
Walk 5 Fonte Benémola         
Walk 6 Rocha da Pena           
Walk 7 Paderne castle            
Central region 
Walk 8 Levada trail     
Walk 9 Fonte Santa    
Walk10            Monchique–Fóia loop 
Walk 11           Caldas de Monchique to Picota and to Monchique   
Walk 12           Fóia–Penedo do Buraco circular        
Walk 13           Barbelote waterfall circular     
Walk 14           Marmelete circular      
Walk 15           Barranco do Demo     
Walk 16           Barão de São João art trail    
South Coast    
Walk 17           Albufeira to Galé         
Walk 18           Praia do Vale do Olival to Praia da Marinha  
Walk 19           Praia da Marinha to Praia Vale de Centeanes          
Walk 20           Praia Vale de Centeanes to Ferragudo         
Walk 21           Praia do Vau short coast walk            
Walk 22           Alvor boardwalk          
Walk 23           Lagos to Luz   
Walk 24           Luz to Salema 
Walk 25           Salema to Sagres       
Walk 26           Sagres to Cabo de São Vicente         
Costa Vicentina          
Walk 27           Cabo de São Vicente–Praia do Telheiro circular       
Walk 28           Castelejo circular        
Walk 29           Carrapateira circular   
Walk 30           Bordeira circular         
Walk 31           Fortaleza da Arrifana circular
Walk 32           Praia da Amoreira circular

Appendix A    Route summary table 
Appendix B    Portuguese–English glossary 
Appendix C    Useful contacts           
 

Seasons

Walking is best between October and May, summer might be too hot for walking, most rain occurs in the winter. Spring starts early.

Centres

Faro, Loulé, Albufeira, Mealha, Furnazinhas, Carvoeiro, Silves, Portimão, Monchique, Caldas de Monchique, Alferce, Marmalete, Lagos, Luz, Salema, Sagres, Cabo de São Vicente, Carrapateira

Difficulty

The walks range from a gentle stroll to longer routes. They are graded: Grade 1 - Easy and/or short walk, without any significant ascent/descent. Grade 2 - Moderate, medium length or a slightly longer walk but mostly on easy terrain. Grade 3 - a longer walk and/or more difficult terrain.

Must See

Don’t miss the dramatic Cabo de São Vicente, the southwestern tip of Europe, and explore the long-distance trails of the Rota Vicentina and Via Algarviana. Head inland to the Monchique mountains, where Foia and Picota offer sweeping views. On the coast, walk the stunning Seven Hanging Valleys Trail and admire the region’s rugged cliffs, sea stacks, and golden coves. Nature lovers can enjoy coastal walks and birdwatching, while history enthusiasts will find atmospheric fort ruins. The inland landscape is dotted with cork oak forests, as well as carob, almond, and olive groves.

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