Walking in the Algarve: 32 walks in the south of Portugal including Serra de Monchique and Costa Vicentina

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

Table of Contents:
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

About the Author :
Nike and Jacint met many years ago on a long coach journey as they both travelled into the unknown to build a new life in a different country. It wasn and #039;t long before they became inseparable. Travelling quickly emerged as their favourite activity and now wherever they go they try to find the best trails. They would love to share their passion for walking with others. Nike went to journalism school and Jacint is a keen photographer. They moved from London to Surrey where they can enjoy the countryside and hills.