10 Best Algarve Hiking Trails For Every Type of Adventurer

If you’re planning a trip to my beloved Portuguese region and are wondering if the Algarve is good for walking, wonder no more. The Golden Coast is the perfect region for hiking thanks to its ridiculously scenic scenery, unspoilt nature, fantastic weather conditions, and a vast number of mapped trails.

Whether you’re a hiker or an occasional stroller, there are many Algarve hikes to choose from and it’ll be easy to find some that suit you.

I’ve been going to the South of Portugal regularly for the last 14 years and one of my favourite things to do in the Algarve is explore its breathtaking coast on foot.

It’s the reason why I decided to write this guide to the 10 best hikes in the Algarve. From coastal walks across sand dunes and stunning beaches to hiking through lagoons and mountains, here you will find hiking trails for every type of adventurer.

Where to Find the Best Walks & Hikes in the Algarve, Portugal

1 – Seven Hanging Valley Trail, Lagoa

One of the most famous and scenic Algarve coastal walks is undoubtedly the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, which is considered one of the best hikes not only in Portugal but in the whole of Europe.

This impressive natural trail, extending from Vale de Centeanes Beach through the famous Benagil Beach until Marinha Beach, is well-marked, easy to follow and suitable for all ages.

The hiking path follows the winding outlines of the cliffs, and you will find secluded beaches, magnificent sea caves, a working lighthouse, unique fauna and flora, and amazing rock formations. Not to mention the ultra-scenic views, like the one pictured above 😍

Difficulty: Medium; Total distance: 11.4Km (7.1mi); Average duration: 3 – 5 hours.

Tip: The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is not difficult, but the heat can make it hard. Do it early in the morning, bring plenty of water and wear a hat because there isn’t much shade.

2 – Carvoeiro cliff walk, Carvoeiro

The Carvoeiro boardwalk is a picturesque cliff-top walk that stretches from Nossa Senhora da Encarnação Fort to Algar Seco.

This one of the most popular walks in the Algarve and you stroll along an elevated wooden walkway, which skirts the top of the cliffs and offers wonderful views over the gorgeous Algarvian coastline.

At the end of the boardwalk, there’s a long flight of stairs leading to Algar Seco, a series of rock formations that have been carved out of the limestone bedrock. The most prominent is the limestone pinnacle, but the highlight is the famous “A Boneca” (the doll) a cave featuring two eroded arches providing great views out over the sea.

Difficulty: Easy; Total distance: 1.4Km (0.8mi); Average duration: 30min

3 – Ponta da Piedade, Lagos

Lagos has some of the best beaches in the Algarve. While in town, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to go hiking on the Ponta da Piedade boardwalk, which starts at Farol da Ponta da Piedade and finishes at Praia do Canavial.

Hiking along this phenomenal coastal path, you can peruse the unique geological formations and fauna and flora of the Algarvian ecosystem and discover beautiful Lagos beaches and coves.

If you want, you can walk all the way from Lagos city centre to Luz (11Km) via the ‘Passadiços da Ponta da Piedade’, as this path is part of the Fishermen’s trail, one of the most famous hikes in Portugal which include a total of 13 sections covering 263Km.

Difficulty: Easy; Total distance: 5Km (3.1mi); Average duration: 2h.

Tip: My recommendation is to hike the Passadiços da Ponta da Piedade during the sunset because of the heat.

4 – Pontal da Carrapateira Trail, Aljezur

One of the most popular hikes in the Algarve, Pontal da Carrapateira is a circular route which starts in the village of Carrapateira, 110Km from Faro, Algarve’s capital, and takes you through a route full of beautiful places to see and explore.

Carrapateira is a well-marked trail (yellow and red markers) with a mix of wooden platforms, gravel slopes and dunes. Along the way, you will find several viewpoints with superb views over the cliffs and beaches of Bordeira and Amado, as well as the ruins of an Islamic seasonal fishermen’s village.

This is a fabulous hike and provides the opportunity to admire the wonderful views of the countryside and the ocean, the exuberant vegetation, and go birdwatching.

Difficulty: Easy to moderate; Total distance: 10.5Km (6.5mi); Average duration: 3h.

Tip: When strolling along Carrapateira Cliffs, you will find several paths that lead towards the sea. Remain only on the wooden walkways.

5 – Fishermen’s Trail, Carrapateira – Vila do Bispo

If you’re looking for the best hikes in Algarve, and a more challenging one, this part of the Fishermen’s Trail is the route for you.

Starting at Largo do Comércio, Carrapateira, this hiking trail has steep hills, slippery descents, deep ravines, and footpaths meandering dangerously to the cliff edge.

But it offers some of the most stunning scenes in the Algarve and features many points of interest, such as an archaeological site, an Islamic village, white-washed houses towns, pastoral landscapes, and, of course, impressive beaches.

Difficulty: Challenging; Total distance: 16Km (10mi); Average duration: 6h.

Tips:

• Be careful because in some parts of the trails you will have to cross paved roads.
• There are very few supports along this route. Bring water and food with you.
• Before passing Praia da Murração, please check the tides and weather as you can get wet in higher tides or strong waves. If you cannot cross it, take instead the circular route inland.

6 – Ludo Trail, Faro

Ludo, one of the best hiking trails in the Faro region, provides the opportunity to hike through a distinctive area in the Algarve, the Ria Formosa Natural Park, one of Portugal’s seven natural wonders.

The path extends through the western end of the Ria Formosa, where you can take a closer look at its diverse wildlife, including pink flamingos, Spoonbill, Kentish Plovers and Black-winged Stilts. My recommendation is to hike Ludo before sunset.

Difficulty: Easy; Total distance: 7Km (4.35mi); Average duration: 3-4h.

Tips:

• This route hasn’t many shades. So, it’s highly advisable to wear sunglasses, a hat and sun cream, and to bring plenty of water.
• Use insect repellent when visiting the trail at dusk or dawn.

7 – São Lourenço Trail, Quinta do Lago (Amancil)

If you still want to explore the Ria Formosa Natural Park and are looking for a shorter option to the Lido trail, Quinta do Lago, one of the most affluent areas in the Algarve, is the place to go.

Along the path you will walk past serene lagoons, the salt marshes of the Ria Formosa, a golf course, and even the ruins of fishing salting tanks, evidence of the Roman presence in the region.

This beautiful walking route encompasses the natural habitat of the Ria Formosa and is one of the greatest places in the Algarve for birdwatching. During the summer you may also encounter freshwater turtles native to Portugal.

Difficulty: Easy; Total distance: 3.3Km (2mi); Average duration: 1h30min.

8 – Serra de Monchique, Monchique

If you prefer hiking in the mountains instead of coastal areas head to Serra de Monchique, a chain of mountains in the western part of the Algarve.

At 902m, Serra de Monchique has the highest peak in the Algarve, Mount Fóia, with its spectacular panoramic views of the entire region and diverse vegetation. As far as trees go, you can find pine, cork oak, orange, eucalyptus and chestnut, as well as many flower species.

This peaceful and quiet area is perfect for birdwatching, long walks, and hiking. There are several hikes that you can do in Serra de Monchique, such as Rota dos Moinhos and Serra da Picota, but the most popular is Mount Fóia.

Difficulty: Medium; Total distance: 11Km (6.8mi); Average duration: 3h.

9 – Rocha da Pena, Loulé

If you’re looking for other hikes in the Algarve countryside and don’t want to make your way to Monchique, Loulé is the place to go.

Head to Rocha da Pena, a prominent rocky outcrop of the Algarve’s Barrocal with an impressive diversity of fauna and flora.

In this well-marked circular trail, you’ll find aromatic flowers such as lavender, rosemary and thyme, and birds of prey, like the griffon vulture, the Common Buzzard and the Eurasian Eagle-owl. You can also observe an Iron Age wall and caves. Not to mention admire the beautiful sea views and the typical Barrocal landscape.

Difficulty: Moderate – Challenging; Total distance: 6.4Km (4mi); Average duration: 2h.

Tips:

• The trail starts at Bar das Grutas and gets very rocky, winding and narrowing across the plateau. During your descent from the plateau, stay on the gravelled route after leaving Penina.
• The best months to see wildflowers are from January to April and to spot birds of prey is during the autumn.

10 – Castelejo Environmental Trail, Vila do Bispo

This loop trail located on the coastal plateau, near the southernmost end of Costa Vicentina Natural Park, is another great walk to put on your list.

It starts at the small parking lot and crosses a beautiful and diverse landscape, including a forest of stone pines, which extends over the ravine of Castelejo Beach, fields and a small lagoon.

You can spot birds, such as spotted woodpeckers, quails, and commons buzzards. As well as foxes, rabbits, etc.

Difficulty: Easy; Total distance: 3.5Km (2.2mi); Average duration: 1h

Extra Tips for Hiking in Algarve

Most of the hikes mentioned in this guide are suitable for the whole family and are open year-round. Just bear in mind that during the summer the Algarve gets very hot, and December is the wettest month.

Always wear hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers, proper clothes, a hat, sunblock, and sunglasses. Bring plenty of water and snacks.

It’s very common in the Algarve to find farms and cattle herds protected by guard dogs. Proceed with caution.

This is my guide to the best hikes and walks in the Algarve. I believe after doing any of them, you will understand why one of my favourite Algarvian activities is exploring this spectacular region on foot.

Safe travels and have fun in Portugal.

More posts about the Algarve that might interest you:

• 15 Best Algarve Tours, Activities & Excursions For An Unforgettable Trip
• 12 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Algarve
• Quad Bike Tour in Albufeira, Algarve
• Parasailing in Albufeira, Algarve – Portugal
• First Time Flyboarding – FLYBOARD ALGARVE EXPERIENCE
• Portimão Beaches, Algarve – Portugal: From Praia da Rocha do Alemão Beach

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