Skip to content

The Algarve in southern Portugal is famous for its golden beaches, rugged cliffs, and picturesque coastal towns, but did you know it’s also a hiker’s paradise? From cliffside walks with breathtaking ocean views to mountainous trails that wind through charming villages, the Algarve offers an incredible variety of hiking experiences for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging trek, this guide to the best hiking trails in the Algarve will inspire you to lace up your boots and hit the trails.

1. Seven Hanging Valleys Trail

Distance: 5.7 km (one way)

Difficulty: Moderate

Highlights: Stunning coastal views, hidden beaches, and dramatic cliffs

Arguably the most famous hiking trail in the Algarve, the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail takes you along the region’s iconic cliffs between Praia da Marinha and Praia de Vale Centeanes. This breathtaking coastal hike offers panoramic views of the Atlantic, dramatic rock formations, and access to some of the Algarve’s most beautiful beaches. Along the way, you’ll encounter landmarks like the famous Benagil Cave (viewed from above) and the striking Praia da Marinha, often considered one of Europe’s most beautiful beaches.

 

A stunning view of Marinha Beach with its dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters.

 

Insider Tip: Start early in the morning to avoid the heat and the crowds. Pack plenty of water and a picnic to enjoy at one of the scenic lookout points.

2. Rota Vicentina: Fishermen’s Trail

Distance: 75 km (split into multiple stages)

Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

Highlights: Remote beaches, wild cliffs, and untouched nature

For those looking for a multi-day hiking adventure, the Fishermen’s Trail along the Rota Vicentina is a must. This rugged coastal path follows the footsteps of local fishermen, taking you through wild landscapes, remote beaches, and quaint fishing villages. The trail is divided into several stages, with popular starting points like Odeceixe and Zambujeira do Mar, offering stunning views of the untouched western Algarve coastline.

 

A panoramic view of Odeceixe Beach in Portugal, where the golden sands meet the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean, framed by rugged cliffs. The landscape is pristine and natural, with rolling green hills in the background.

 

Insider Tip: You don’t have to hike the entire trail—choose a stage that suits your time and fitness level. Don’t miss the sunset views from the cliffs near Praia do Amado.

3. Ponta da Piedade Trail

Distance: 3 km (loop)

Difficulty: Easy

Highlights: Natural arches, sea caves, and stunning cliff formations

For a shorter yet equally spectacular hike, the Ponta da Piedade Trail in Lagos offers jaw-dropping views of natural rock formations, sea caves, and arches. The trail is relatively easy and family-friendly, with well-maintained paths and plenty of lookout points where you can stop to admire the turquoise waters below. The Ponta da Piedade cliffs are some of the most photographed in the Algarve, making this hike a photographer’s dream.

 

Stunning aerial view of the coastline and beaches in Lagos, Portugal, featuring golden sandy shores, crystal clear turquoise waters, and dramatic cliffs under a bright sky.

 

Insider Tip: Visit at sunrise or sunset for the best light and fewer crowds. Combine the hike with a boat tour to see the caves from the water.

4. Via Algarviana Trail

Distance: 300 km (multi-day)

Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

Highlights: Mountain landscapes, traditional villages, and rural Algarve

For serious hikers looking for a long-distance challenge, the Via Algarviana is a 300 km trail that runs from Alcoutim in the east to Cape St. Vincent in the west. This inland trail takes you through the Serra de Monchique mountains, quaint villages, and lesser-known parts of the Algarve, offering a completely different perspective from the coastal hikes. It’s a journey through the heart of rural Algarve, with opportunities to experience traditional Portuguese culture along the way.

 

A scenic view of the rugged coastline and the lighthouse at Cape St. Vincent

 

Insider Tip: If you can’t commit to the entire trail, consider hiking the section through the Serra de Monchique, known for its lush greenery and thermal springs.

5. Praia da Amoreira to Monte Clérigo Trail

Distance: 6 km (round trip)

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Highlights: Sandy dunes, river estuaries, and wild beaches

Located near the town of Aljezur, this trail takes you from the pristine Praia da Amoreira to Monte Clérigo, two of the most beautiful beaches on the western Algarve coast. The hike offers a mix of coastal and dune landscapes, with stunning views of the Aljezur River Estuary. The trail is well-marked and perfect for a relaxed day hike with plenty of opportunities for swimming and picnicking along the way.

 

A beautiful coastal landscape with cliffs and a sandy beach at Monte Clérigo in Aljezur.

 

Insider Tip: Pack your swimsuit and enjoy a refreshing dip in the ocean or the calmer estuary waters at Praia da Amoreira.

6. Foia Mountain Trail (Serra de Monchique)

Distance: 10 km (loop)

Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

Highlights: Panoramic mountain views, cork oak forests, and wildflowers

For a change of scenery from the coastal trails, head inland to the Serra de Monchique, where the Foia Mountain Trail offers a more challenging hike through lush forests and up to the highest point in the Algarve, Foia (902 meters). From the summit, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the Algarve coastline, rolling hills, and on clear days, even the Atlantic Ocean.

Insider Tip: Visit in the spring to see the wildflowers in bloom. Stop at the traditional village of Monchique for a taste of local cuisine and medronho, a traditional fruit brandy.


7. Alvor Boardwalk Trail

Distance: 5 km (loop)

Difficulty: Easy

Highlights: Salt marshes, birdwatching, and sandy beaches

For a more relaxed hiking experience, the Alvor Boardwalk Trail offers an easy stroll through the Ria de Alvor Nature Reserve, a protected area known for its diverse birdlife and salt marshes. The wooden boardwalk leads you through a network of paths that wind around sand dunes and estuaries, with plenty of opportunities to spot birds like flamingos, herons, and ospreys.

Insider Tip: Bring binoculars for birdwatching and visit at low tide for the best wildlife viewing.


Final Thoughts: The Best Hiking Trails in the Algarve

The Algarve’s hiking trails offer a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and tranquility. Whether you’re exploring the dramatic cliffs along the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, embarking on a multi-day journey along the Via Algarviana, or taking a leisurely walk along the Alvor Boardwalk, there’s a trail for every type of hiker.

So, grab your hiking boots, pack your camera, and get ready to discover the best hiking trails in the Algarve. These trails will not only take you to some of the most beautiful spots in Portugal but also leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

 

Back To Top