This book describes 33 walks in the beautiful Algarve in southern Portugal. Boasting good weather, easy access, stunning scenery and some great hiking trails, the region is a perfect destination for a walking holiday. It is best known for its spectacular coastline: the coastal trails presented here afford ample opportunity to admire the plunging sinkholes, striking sea-cliffs and rock-hugged beaches. However, the interior is every bit as beautiful and other walks explore the forested slopes of Monchique and the tranquil countryside between the mountains and coast.
The routes range from 3.5 to 17km and cover the sun-kissed south coast, the rugged Vicentina Coast, the Monchique mountains and traditional villages of the eastern Algarve. Many can be accessed by public transport and details, along with tips on refreshment opportunities on route, are provided in the text. The route description is accompanied by clear mapping and notes on local points of interest.
Showcasing the region's varied landscapes, highlights include Cabo de São Vicente, Europe's most southwesterly point; the Algarve's highest peak, Fóia (902m); historical sites; dramatic cliffs, arches and sea-stacks; and idyllic beaches. With information on the Algarve's history, plants and wildlife and advice on travel and potential bases, Cicerone Guides: Walking in the Algarve is an ideal companion to exploring this captivating region.
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 Mina e Albufeira
Walk 3 Masmorra trail
Walk 4 Cerro dos Negros
Walk 5 Fonte Benémola
Walk 6 Rocha da Pena
Walk 7 Paderne castle
Central region
Walk 8 Levada trail
Walk 9 Fonte Santa
Walk 10 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 Barragem da Bravura
Walk 16 Barão de São João art trail
Walk 17 Barão de São João forest circular
South Coast
Walk 18 Albufeira to Galé
Walk 19 Praia do Vale do Olival to Praia da Marinha
Walk 20 Praia da Marinha to Praia Vale de Centeanes
Walk 21 Praia Vale de Centeanes to Ferragudo
Walk 22 Praia do Barranco das Canas short coast walk
Walk 23 Alvor boardwalk
Walk 24 Lagos to Luz
Walk 25 Luz to Salema
Walk 26 Salema to Sagres
Walk 27 Sagres to Cabo de São Vicente
Costa Vicentina
Walk 28 Cabo de São Vicente–Praia do Telheiro circular
Walk 29 Castelejo circular
Walk 30 Carrapateira circular
Walk 31 Bordeira circular
Walk 32 Fortaleza da Arrifana circular
Walk 33 Praia da Amoreira circular
Appendix A Route summary table
Appendix B Portuguese-English glossary
Appendix C Useful contacts
Nike Werstroh and Jacint Mig 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. She always loved travelling and with Jacint she visited many countries. Her love of outdoors emerged after visiting Madeira in 2008. She was mesmerized by the trails and views and since then wherever she and Jacint go they try to seek out the best trails. Nike really enjoys walking in the mountains and would happily spend every day on the trails. They operate the website www.trailnotes.co.uk.