Walking in Southwest Portugal, rugged coastline, traditional villages and unspoilt nature
Southwest Portugal is a walker’s paradise. Along the coast you can hike along rugged cliffs where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Atlantic Ocean, along deserted beaches and through small coastal towns.
Inland you will find rolling hills covered with cork oaks and wild strawberry trees, and vast areas of unspoilt countryside. It is still authentic and, above all, very peaceful.
Walking is a great way to explore this region, especially in spring and autumn. But even in summer, if you don’t start too late, you can still enjoy a nice walk.
From Portugal Nature Lodge you can take several short walks. For example, a 6 km circular walk to the Mira River, which ends in the village of Troviscais.
A short drive to the bridge over the small river Torgal, where a beautiful walk starts to Pego das Pias, a paradise spot with a gorge where you can swim in or walk on top.
Or you can walk along the coast, which is always beautiful.
But if you want to walk a bit further, here are a few routes to add to your itinerary.
1. Rota Vicentina: one of Europe’s most beautiful walks
The Rota Vicentina consists of two long-distance walks and a number of circular walks.
The Historic Route (Caminho Histórico) runs inland, but not too far from the coasts of the Alentejo and Algarve. It is 263 km long and starts in Sines and goes to Cabo de São Vicente, the extreme south-western tip of Portugal.
You’ll pass through traditional villages, cork oak forests and rolling countryside.
The Fishermen’s Trail (Trilho dos Pescadores) is 230km long and is considered one of the most beautiful coastal walks in the world. It runs along the rugged Atlantic coast and offers spectacular views of cliffs, hidden beaches and the endless ocean.
Circular walks. From Portugal Nature Lodge you can easily reach a number of stages. You can choose to take a taxi back to your car or do a circular walk.
Directly from your tent you can walk the Troviscais Circuit , a 12 km roundtrip that takes you to and along the shores of the river Mira.
2. The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail.
Considered the most beautiful walk in the Algarve
If you are planning a day trip to the Algarve, the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is highly recommended. This trail runs between Praia da Marinha near Lagoa and Praia de Vale Centeanes near Carvoeiro and offers some of the most spectacular views in the Algarve. It is approximately 6 kilometres long and takes you past dramatic cliffs, hidden caves and azure waters.
You can walk up and back along the same path; the views are very different on the way back.
From Portugal Nature Lodge you can walk this trail as a day trip. It is less than 2 hours drive to the starting point in Algarve
3. Serra de Monchique: the mountains of Monchique
Walking along the coast is of course beautiful, but if you really love walking, it would be a shame to miss out on Monchique.
From the village of Monchique you can walk to the top of Foia, the highest point in the Algarve (902 metres). From here you have a panoramic view of the whole region and on a clear day you can even see the Atlantic Ocean.
Another special walk in the Serra de Monchique is the route to the suspension bridge at Alferce. This impressive bridge hangs over a gorge and offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The walk starts in the picturesque village of Alferce and takes you through woods and over hills up a long flight of steps to the bridge.
The walk can be combined with a visit to Monchique, where there are several good restaurants where you can eat vegetarian food.
The best time to go walking in south-west Portugal
The best time to go walking in south-west Portugal is in spring (April to mid-June) and autumn (mid-September to November), when temperatures are pleasant and nature is at its best.
In summer it can get very hot in the afternoons. But if you set off early and stop around midday, you can still have a wonderful walk.
In winter, temperatures are fine, but there is a greater chance of rain, which can make some paths impassable.
Practical tips
Wear good walking shoes: Trails can be rocky and uneven, especially along the coast. Flip-flops are fine on the beaches, but along the cliffs you will want to have something sturdier on your feet.
Take plenty of water and snacks: There are few facilities on many routes.
Protect yourself from the sun: Wear a hat, sunscreen and light clothing.
Respect nature: Stay on marked trails and don’t leave litter.
Check the weather forecast: Conditions can change quickly, especially in winter.
Eating along the way: It is always best to bring something to eat. The unique thing about walking in south-west Portugal is that there are so few built-up areas. The downside is that you can go 25km without coming across an open café or restaurant. There are also not always water taps.
Especially if you eat vegan, the chances of being able to buy something to eat on the way are very low.
If you let us know at least one day in advance, you can order a packed lunch from Portugal Nature Lodge or take a large breakfast from which you can make your own packed lunch.
Hiking from Portugal Nature Lodge
Hiking in south-west Portugal is an unforgettable experience for nature lovers. Along the coast it can be busier, especially from June to September, but even here there are many beautiful coastal walks where you won’t meet many people.
The historic path of the Rota Vicentina is always quiet and the scenery is more varied and shady than the coastal route.
If you have your own (rental) car, you can make day trips from Portugal Nature Lodge to the Algarve and Monchique, but also to the vast interior of the Alentejo.
Here it is really too hot in summer, but in April, May and October the landscape is very special. Even the Spanish border is ‘only’ 2 hours away, where you can walk along the Guardiana River and then visit a castle village or an old Moorish town like Mertola.
Don’t expect too many tourist facilities when walking outside the Algarve, but enjoy the nature, tradition and tranquillity you’ll find here. Bring a good pair of walking boots and discover it for yourself!