The 5 Most Breathtaking Hikes in the Algarve

As seabirds glide by, you stand on a high cliff, observing the Atlantic waves crashing against the rugged coastline.

The trails of the Algarve lead to numerous viewpoints that showcase the dynamic beauty of the coast. Along your journey, you can encounter wildlife, uncover ancient ruins, or unwind on a secluded beach that’s only reachable by foot.

Venturing just a bit inland reveals contrasting landscapes, from the woodlands and blooming wildflowers of the barrocal region (a transitional area between mountains and sea) to the rich birdlife found in the Ria Formosa wetlands.

In addition to these five must-experience hikes, the Algarve offers several long-distance trails, including the 300 km (186 miles) Via Algarviana and the dual routes of the Rota Vicentina, which meander along the west coast into the Alentejo region.

1. Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos

Top clifftop hike5.7km ( miles) one-way, 2-3 hours, moderate

Experience enchanting views over the turquoise waters along the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, a clifftop pathway on the Algarve’s central coast. As you step onto the boardwalk near Vale de Centeanes beach, you’ll leave behind the noise of modern life and enter a world filled with salty air and geological marvels. Towering above the crashing surf are vibrant rock formations that shimmer in the morning light.

The rugged trail features several ascents and descents, occasionally leading down to picturesque coves right by the water. Must-capture moments include views of the Alfanzina lighthouse and the twin arches above the water near Praia da Mesquita.

The path runs directly above the Benagil Caves, but for a glimpse of the hidden beach within, descend to Praia de Benagil to arrange a tour (by boat, paddleboard, or kayak). Don't forget your swimsuit for a refreshing swim at Carvalho beach along the way, and you can also take a dip at Praia da Marinha, the stunning beach at the end of your journey.

2. Caminho dos Promontórios

Top historical hike along the coast6.3km (3.9 miles) one-way, 2-3 hours, moderate

Opened in 2018, the Trail of the Headlands is one of the Algarve’s newest hiking paths. Similar to the nearby Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, this route guides you along the cliffs, offering breathtaking views throughout your hike.

In contrast to its more famous counterpart, the Caminho dos Promontórios showcases several historic landmarks, such as the Torre da Lapa, a refurbished 17th-century watchtower that warned villagers of imminent threats—primarily pirate attacks—along the coast. Just to the east, remnants of the Presa da Moura, a reservoir constructed by the Romans for preserving and salting fish, can be observed.

You'll encounter numerous viewpoints that overlook rugged rock formations and the layered limestone cliffs that formed approximately 150 million years ago. Gorgeous beaches, only reachable by sea, serve as vital habitats for seabirds. Near the Ponta do Altar lighthouse, the offshore pillar of Leixão da Gaivota acts as an essential breeding site for herons. The last stretch of the hike (between Praia de Salgadeira and Praia do Paraíso) is largely impassable due to erosion, so it's advisable to turn back at Praia de Salgadeira.

3. Quinta do Lago and the Ludo Trail

Top wetlands trail4.5km (2.8 miles) one way, 2 hours, easy

The eastern Algarve is home to one of Portugal's most significant wetland reserves. Spanning 18,000 hectares (44,479 acres), the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa features a biologically diverse landscape of lagoons, salt marshes, and barrier islands. This trail navigates through the park’s varied ecosystems, making it a must-visit for bird enthusiasts.

Beginning near the Passadiço do Anção, just southwest of Quinta do Lago, keep an eye out for pied avocets or black-winged stilts hunting for food in the shallow waters. As you progress, you’ll encounter the pedestrian-only Ponte Quinta do Lago, the longest wooden bridge in Iberia. Here, you can take a detour to a beach backed by sandy dunes.

To the east of the bridge lies a freshwater lake adorned with cattails and reeds, where you can spot glossy ibises, black-crowned night herons, and purple gallinules among other species. The São Lourenço trail meanders around a golf course, but for a change of scenery, retrace your steps a few hundred meters to the Ludo Trail. This flat path (popular with cyclists) takes you past lagoons and saltpans that attract vibrant flocks of flamingos searching for invertebrates.

4. Rocha da Pena

Top inland hike 6.6km (4.1 miles) round-trip, 2-3 hours, moderate

Located less than an hour's drive northwest of Faro, the landscape shifts to a mix of woodlands and rocky formations. The 2km (1.2 miles) escarpment of Rocha da Pena stands out, and as you traverse the well-marked trail, you may encounter bee orchids, peonies, and other wildflowers amidst the fragrant thyme, lavender, and rosemary in this botanically diverse area. While birdlife is somewhat sparse, you might catch sight of griffon vultures or Bonelli’s eagles soaring above.

The panoramic views of the countryside are striking, especially if you take the brief but steep detour to Talefe, the highest point of Rocha da Pena at 479m (1571ft). Early inhabitants of the region cherished these distant vistas. The remnants of defensive walls along the trail likely date back to the Celtiberians, who predate the Romans, while the nearby caves were believed to be the last refuge for the Almohad people fleeing the violent Christian reconquest in the 13th century.

5. Pontal da Carrapateira

Ideal for wild coastlines10.5km (6.5 miles) round trip; 3-4 hours, moderate

Hiking along the Costa Vicentina in western Algarve immerses you in a breathtaking landscape of untamed beaches framed by windswept cliffs and steep headlands. Near the beginning of the trail, you’ll wind along the meandering Ribeira da Carrapateira, passing the expansive dune-backed Praia da Bordeira as you approach the sea. Further along, you can witness the sheer power of waves crashing against the cliffs at Pontal da Carrapateira, an overlook offering panoramic views of the coastline.

The path closely follows the coast, passing the 13th-century remnants of a fishing village from Portugal’s Islamic era. Just south of this point, it’s tempting to take a detour down to the golden sands of Praia do Amado, where you can watch surfers ride the impressive waves that break just offshore. Heading inland, you’ll traverse through scrubland and rolling pastures before reaching the tranquil village of Carrapateira, where you can end your day with a seafood meal or stay overnight in one of the town’s charming yet simple guesthouses.