Cicerone Guides: Walking in the Algarve 32 Walks in the South of Portugal including Serra de Monchique and Costa Vicentina

About this book

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 Sao Vicente and Foia (the highest peak in the region's Serra de Monchique mountains)
- Notes on local geology, history, plants and wildlife

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    
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 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

Customer Reviews

Biography

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. It wasn'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.