Hike through the most beautiful coastlines of the Algarve

 
 
The Algarve is a region of Portugal located in the south. Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the south and west, the region has many beaches. It is known for its warm climate and seaside resorts. Not far from the capital, Lisbon, it is also known for its big cities such as Lagos, Faro and Portimão. 
The Algarve benefits from varied landscapes and numerous protected sites. Nature has its place in the region and biodiversity abounds. One of the best ways to visit the region and enjoy the best views is by walking, hiking or trekking. Especially coastal hiking. This allows you to discover various corners of nature while enjoying the view of the sea.
 
In order to make the most of the scenery that these different places offer, here is a selection of hiking routes in the Algarve, on the south and west coasts bordering the ocean.
 

South Coast

Path of the Seven Hanging Valleys (Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos) 
 
- Location: Loulé, Portimão 
- Duration: 4h30 Distance: 13 km
 
This route is one of the most famous. It runs from Praia da Marinha beach to Praia De Vale Centianes beach. One of the stops on this route is the Praia de Benagil beach. It is famous for its cave of the same name. However, it can only be reached by sea, so you will need to take a boat if you wish to get closer to it. Boat trips are available from the beach, or you can also hire a paddle boat.
On this route you will reach the Praia do carvalho beach. Cliffs and rocks make up the aesthetics of this place. This beach has the peculiarity of being accessible through a hole in the rock. Before reaching the final stage, you will see the Alfanzina Lighthouse.
 
 
Praia Grande Interpretation Route (Percurso de Interpretação da Praia Grande)  
 
- Location: Silves 
- Duration: 2 hours Distance: 5.5 km
 
This route allows the discovery of numerous species of birds and benefits from an observatory to better observe them. It has been created to enhance the area and at the same time allow you to visit the Praia Grande beach. Part of the trail runs along the Praia Grande beach. You can reach it via a wooden footbridge. For your relaxation, you will find restaurants and bars along the coast.
 
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Pedestrian itinerary of the Marim Environmental Interpretation Centre (Percurso Pedestre do Centro de Educação Ambiental de Marim)
 
- Location: Olhão 
- Duration: 1h30 Distance: 3 km
 
Olhão is located near Faro. The route passes through the 60-hectare estate bordering the sea. The estate is home to wildlife research centres such as the PNRF (Parque Natural da Ria Formosa) and the CEAM (Centro de Educação Ambiental de Marim). The site has observation posts for birds. The route is varied, you will travel through forests, lagoons and dunes, while being close to the coast and the sea, near the islands.
 
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West Coast

Environmental itinerary of Castelejo (Trilho Ambiental do Castelejo) 
 
- Location: Aljezur 
- Duration: 1h30 Distance: 3,5 km
 
Enjoy the greenery of the area as you wander through the pine forests that stretch down to the beach. There is an abundance of flora and fauna, you will have the opportunity to see different species and smell the scent of lavender and thyme. The highest point in the area has been designated near the Torre de Aspa. These places also offer a breathtaking view of the forest accompanied by immense coastlines with a sea bottom.
 
 
Luz-Lagos, Fishermen's Path (Trilho dos Pescadores)
 
- Rental: Lagos 
- Duration: 4 hours Distance: 11 km
 
This route consists of 13 stages over a distance of more than 200 km. The last stage is 11 kilometres long between Luz and Lagos, the city of world discovery. On your way you will cross many monuments such as the Lighthouse of Ponta da Piedade on the rocks and the fort of Ponta da Bandeira in front of the port and the beach that will welcome you in the city of Lagos. The landscapes mix coloured rocks, cliffs and the sea. Don't miss the famous Ponta da Piedade, a rocky hill that contrasts with the turquoise of the sea. The cliffs and layers of rocks are marks that date back millions of years . You can find fossils of leaves or shells.
 
 
Pontal da Carrapateira
 
- Location: Aljezur
- Duration: 7 hours Distance: 19 km
Nicknamed the wave ride, this route promises breathtaking scenery. Throughout your walk you will be accompanied by beach and sea landscapes. You will be able to observe nature and various birds or climb the hills. Here you will see the contrast between the sea and the greenery. The further you walk towards the greenery, the more the landscape will change. On the road you will also find restaurants serving fish. This route can also be covered by car.
 
There are many routes with maps in the Algarve region. Most of the routes are marked with colours or signs. 
These routes will allow you to discover the region and its landscapes while staying close to the coast and its many beaches. Your adventure near the coast can continue after the end of the walk. Indeed, after a long day, you can rest by the beach.