A year-round hiker’s paradise
Few places in Europe are quite as pleasant year-round as the Algarve. From warmer summer months when any exercise should be interspersed with dips in cooling water, to balmier winters with little rainfall and clear skies, it’s no wonder the region is well-known as a walker’s paradise. With walking season in the Algarve onsidered to be between September and June in the region, walking enthusiasts will find trails for all tastes and abilities.
When you stay at the Rocha Brava Village Resort in Carvoeiro, you’ll be within easy reach of
all the best options, so keep reading to find out what they are.
Dive into Nature in the Algarve
Though at first glance the Algarve may seem dry and scrubby, or built up and busy – depending on where you are – if you look in the right places, you’ll find a region rich in flora and fauna just waiting to be discovered. From spotting migratory birds out towards Sagres, to watching flamingos stalk through the Formosa Lagoon, southern Portugal’s unique ecosystems are home to birds of all shapes and sizes, ideal for one birdwatching expedition or many. Other local wildlife includes chameleons in the hills and dolphins diving among the waves, otters among the rocks, and squid and octopus hiding in the deep, drawing in all nature enthusiasts.
National Parks in the Algarve
Away from the bustling beaches, the Algarve is home to 4 nature parks, each uniquely beautiful and worth a visit.
Starting in the western Algarve, lining the Spanish border, the 2,000 hectares/almost 5,000 acres of the Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António Nature Reserve and Salt Marsh is a haven for countless species of birds, making it well-known as a birdwatching location of excellence. Salt pans make for striking scenery, with a walk through the reserve promising a surprise at every turn.
The most famous reserve, the Formosa Lagoon Natural Park, covers 18,000 hectares/ around 50,000 acres of lagoon that stretches almost from the Spanish border to Faro, hemmed in by barrier islands and peninsulas. Featuring untouched beaches, tidal flats, marshes, and idyllic islands, its unique properties provide unforgettable experiences for all who visit.
Towards the Algarve’s western edge, between Portimão and Lagos, the Ria Alvor Nature Reserve serves as a resting area for migratory birds on their way to and from Africa for winter.
Covering an area of almost 1,500 hectares/3,700 acres, it’s an idyllic location for walks of all lengths, including on a miles-long boardwalk through fascinating habitats, and along the banks of the Alvor River.
Finally, heading up the Algarve’s western coast, is the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, which, stretching over almost 90,000 hectares/ just under 220,000 acres, has been named among the best-preserved coastlines in Europe. Home to a dramatic coastline of soaring cliffs and rugged boulders, lush greenery, and hidden coves, the park is well-known as a hiking location of excellence, whether for a day or a week of exploration.
The Algarve Walking Trail you won’t want to miss
Though there are many pathways and boardwalks along the Algarve’s 155 kilometres of coastline, one of the most famous is the “7 Hanging Valleys” trail. Voted one of the best hikes in Europe, the moderate/medium-high difficulty, 12 km, linear trail runs along the coastline between Marinha Beach and Vale Centeanes Beach, over the cliffs past some of the Algarve’s most beautiful beaches. A must for hiking enthusiasts who want to take in the best of the Algarve.
The Rocha Brava Village Resort – the place to stay for Hiking in the Algarve
When booking an Algarve walking holiday, one very important aspect to consider is accommodation that will allow you to rest your feet and refuel after a long day. At the Rocha Brava Village Resort, you’ll find your home away from home in the very middle of the Algarve, with an endless list of amenities including an on-site supermarket, restaurant, and café. All this in a resort committed to sustainability and doing its bit to preserve our region’s all- important flora and fauna.
Ready to book your stay?
