Portugal's Algarve is one of Europe's most rewarding winter walking destinations, with a mild climate, dramatic Atlantic coastlines and a surprisingly varied landscape that stretches far beyond its famous beaches. From the rugged cliffs and golden coves of the south coast to the forested hills of the Serra de Monchique and the wild, unspoilt shores of the Costa Vicentina, this is a region that changes character with every walk.

This third edition Cicerone guidebook by Nike Werstroh and Jacint Mig covers 32 graded day walks across the Algarve, ranging from 4 to 18km (2 to 11 miles) and suited to walkers of all abilities. Route descriptions are paired with 1:25,000 and 1:50,000 mapping and downloadable GPX files, with practical information on access, parking, public transport and refreshments for every walk.

• 32 graded walks across four areas are included, covering the eastern Algarve, the central region, the south coast and the wild Costa Vicentina, with walks graded 1 to 3 and taking between 1 and 6 hours
• The south coast offers some of the Algarve's most dramatic walking, with clifftop routes linking Albufeira, Carvoeiro, Lagos and Sagres, including the celebrated Seven Hanging Valleys trail above Praia da Marinha
• The Serra de Monchique, the Algarve's highest mountain range, is described with multiple routes, including the ascent of Fóia, the region's highest peak at 902m, through cork oak forests and traditional villages
• 1:25,000 and 1:50,000 mapping and downloadable GPX files are provided for every walk, with information on access, parking and public transport so you can reach each route with ease
• Notes on geology, history, plants and wildlife are present throughout, alongside a Portuguese-English glossary and practical guidance on getting to and around the Algarve

The Algarve walking season runs from October to May, making it one of the best European destinations for a winter or spring walking break. This guidebook is a comprehensive companion for walking in the Algarve, covering everything from an easy coastal stroll to a full day in the Monchique hills.

Walking in the Algarve - Quick Facts

Area: Algarve, southern Portugal 
Total walks: 32 
Walk distances: 4 to 18km (2 to 11 miles) 
Walk duration: 1 to 6 hours 
Grades: 1 to 3 (1 = easy/short; 2 = moderate; 3 = longer or more difficult terrain) 
Difficulty: All abilities, from gentle coastal strolls to longer mountain routes 
Areas covered: Eastern Algarve, central region, south coast, Costa Vicentina 
Walk highlights: Seven Hanging Valleys trail, Cabo de São Vicente, Fóia summit (Serra de Monchique), Carrapateira circular, Praia da Marinha coastal walk, Sagres to Cabo de São Vicente, Fonte Benémola, Rocha da Pena 
Highest point: Fóia, Serra de Monchique (902m) 
Notable landmarks: Cabo de São Vicente (the most southwesterly point in continental Europe), Costa Vicentina Natural Park, Paderne Castle, Caldas de Monchique 
Wildlife and nature: Cork oak forests, carob and almond groves, coastal birdwatching, endemic plants and flowers 
Mapping: 1:25,000 and 1:50,000 maps included for every walk 
Digital navigation: Downloadable GPX files included 
Centres: Faro, Lagos, Sagres, Albufeira, Portimão, Monchique, Carvoeiro, Loulé 
Best time to visit: October to May; spring starts early with wildflowers 
Special features: Portuguese-English glossary; notes on geology, history, plants and wildlife

Author Highlight

“Walking is the best way to explore the Algarve’s surprisingly diverse scenery. The Algarve might not be considered a walking destination as there are no high mountains; however, there are two long-distance trails across the area. Shorter hiking and biking trails are advertised as well, and active holidays are encouraged for the growing number of people who want to explore beyond the sandy beaches.”

- Nike Werstroh and Jacint Mig, authors of Walking in the Algarve

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.

April 2026

Walk 2 Ludo Trail

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