The impressive Via Algarviana commences near Alcoutim Pier, an homage to the region’s smuggling history by the picturesque Guadiana River. Traversing the town and aligning briefly with PR3 ACT – The Charms of Alcoutim Path, it proceeds along the riverbanks, showcasing active rural orchards. Diverging westward to Cortes Pereiras, it ventures through old drystone wall-bordered paths, leading past Lavajo Menhirs and rural hamlets like Afonso Vicente and Corte Tabelião. The journey advances southeastward, crossing roads, gullies, and streams until Torneiro, merging momentarily with PR2 ACT – Ladeiras do Pontal, culminating in Balurcos.

Amidst this stretch lies the “Guadiana” Site, sheltering endangered fauna like Spanish minnowcarp and avian species such as Bonelli’s eagle and Eurasian golden oriole. Notable mammals, including otters and various bats, inhabit this zone.

The next leg, originating from Balurcos, navigates southward through country paths, unveiling the Foupana Stream, rural architecture, and abandoned landmarks like windmills. Traversing holm oak forests and ascents, it reaches Corte Velha, showcasing remnants of cereal farming and grazing. Climbing to a water tank, it offers scenic views before concluding at Furnazinhas, a cultural hub retaining rural traditions and serving as the sector’s endpoint.

Streams like Foupana and Odeleite thrive here, adorned with ash, willow, and oleander trees. The sector houses diverse mammals like cape hares, European rabbits, and elusive wild boars and foxes. Avian enthusiasts can spot species like Bonelli’s eagle, Dartford warblers, and short-toed snake eagles.

Beginning at Furnazinhas, the third leg heads north, encountering rugged landscapes, small settlements, and maritime pines. Passing uninhabited hamlets like Monte Novo and Monte das Preguiças, it proceeds to Vaqueiros, revealing Roman archaeological remnants and traditional rural life. Holm and cork oak groves adorn this zone, alongside watercourses teeming with lush vegetation.

Birdwatchers can delight in spotting numerous species, including Dartford warblers and buzzards, amid the rich natural tapestry. The sector culminates near Vaqueiros Dam, framing the village against its backdrop. Vaqueiros stands as the most populated village, resonating with Moorish history and a multitude of settlements, adorned with Roman archaeological remnants and vegetable gardens sustaining its inhabitants year-round.

The Via Algarviana’s second segment unveils the heart of the Mú Hills, offering challenging terrains amid breathtaking vistas. The winding path traverses rugged landscapes, presenting uphill panoramas and downhill escapes through green valleys and streams.

Beginning from Vaqueiros, the route meanders southwestward past stone-walled vegetable gardens and rockrose-laden landscapes. Monchique, Amoreira, and Casas Baixas grace this journey, showcasing rural traditions and friendly settlements, intersecting with footpaths like PR1 TAV – D. Quixote Path and PR3 TAV – Montes Serranos Path.

Settlements along the route boast family gardens and preserved architectural gems, inviting interactions with amiable locals. Moving towards Cachopo, a serene cork oak forest prevails, framing the village’s traditional essence, culminating at the Church of Santo Estêvão.

Embarking on the following leg from Cachopo, the route navigates through Currais and Alcaria Alta, providing vistas of uplands and traditional produce. Crossing Odeleite Stream, it ascends to Parises, a pivotal point linking to Connection 1 – Via Algarviana to São Brás de Alportel, known for its traditional charm.

Continuing westward, the trail traverses gorges, reaching Cerro da Relva with panoramic views. Veering through the Vale Formoso Stream and PR5 LLE – Montes Novos Walking Path, it intersects with Connection 6 – Ameixial to the Via Algarviana at Barranco do Velho. This hamlet showcases cork oak landscapes, a testament to cork’s significance in the region’s economy.

Intersection with PR17 LLE – Barranco do Velho Walking Path at Barranco do Velho leads through shaded paths abundant in cork oaks. The hamlet invites exploration, offering local produce and glimpses into cork-related industries.

Subsequently, the trail diverges to the right, leading past Faranhão Windmill and offering panoramic viewpoints. The route descends into Carrascalinho, revealing ravines and dense Mediterranean scrubland. The Rio Seco Stream serves as a serene spot for relaxation before transitioning into a barrocal landscape, characterized by dryland farmlands and orchards leading to Salir.

Salir, a hub rich in historical and cultural heritage, straddles the Alentejo-Algarve border, resonating with ancient Celtic and Moorish legends. This sector, abundant in orchids during spring, offers a mystic allure, inviting exploration and storytelling entrenched in local folklore.

The journey on the Via Algarviana starts from the historic city of Silves, nestled by the River Arade. The route commences amid the picturesque settings by the Moorish castle and the old Cathedral, both crafted from the renowned Silves sandstone. Moving through the Monchique Hills, the landscape transitions from citrus groves to the dramatic relief dominated by extensive rockrose bushes and pine groves. As you venture deeper, embracing the hills, panoramic views unfold, offering a sensory delight amid diverse flora like French lavender and thyme.

The trail traces through ancient farming villages, Carapinha and Romano, now in ruins, preceding the approach to the Odelouca Stream. Here, nestled along the tributaries, small villages like Zebro, Barreiro, Touril, and Foz do Barreiro thrive with subsistence farming and scenic landscapes. The trail meanders alongside the Monchique Stream, its riparian beauty marking an uphill journey toward Fonte Santa and the ancient thermal complex, now owned by the Municipality of Monchique.

Continuing the ascent, eucalyptus-lined pathways offer stunning views of the mountains and the coast, guiding travelers past Fornalha, Corte Grande, and Portela de Monchique before reaching Picota, the second-highest point in the Algarve. The breathtaking scenery here, with views extending to the Alentejo on clear days, resonates with an almost ethereal charm. Heading towards Monchique, a dense grove of majestic cork trees envelops the path, creating a fairy tale-like ambiance.

Monchique’s presence in the Natura 2000 Network speaks of its ecological significance. Picota Hill, standing at 774 meters, offers unparalleled vistas, showcasing the native vegetation of the Monchique Hills. The landscape comprises diverse forestland, hosting rare and endemic plants alongside monumental trees like Norfolk Island pines, plane trees, and Algerian oaks.

Continuing from the Tourist Information Office, a 3km uphill journey commences, leading through Monchique’s charming streets before delving into a dense eucalyptus grove. Crossing the municipal road, the route winds through mountainous landscapes and vegetation, revealing the stunning vistas from Fóia, the highest point in the Algarve at 902 meters.

Descending through terraced farmlands, villages like Vale da Moita, Barbelote, and Porta da Horta punctuate the trail, leading to Madrinha and a wind farm. The path traverses eucalyptus forests, eventually crossing the national road 1087 towards Picos, offering captivating views. The landscape transforms into cork oak forests, leading to Marmelete, known for silviculture, cork cultivation, pig farming, and the production of local delights like “medronho” brandy.

This sector of the Via Algarviana unfolds diverse terrains, historical landmarks, and rich biodiversity, providing an immersive journey through the captivating landscapes and cultural heritage of the Algarve.

This section of the Great Route starts from the center of Bensafrim heading southwest towards Barão de São João. This is the most rural part of Lagos municipality, where agriculture, especially organic farming, is prevalent. After passing the Parish Council office, our path intersects with Link 4 – Lagos Train Station to Via Algarviana (Bensafrim) for about 300 meters. Then, this Link turns left, while our section continues ahead, still on a stretch of paved road.

The initial phase of this stage traverses a typical landscape of the “barrocal,” featuring dense Mediterranean scrubland with plenty of holm oaks, arbutus, rosemary, lavender, and other shrubs. We’ll pass through a large and beautiful cork oak forest, providing cool, dappled shade.

The terrain is gently undulating, and we soon arrive at Barão de São João, where you can replenish supplies at the grocery store and snack bar. There’s also interesting heritage to explore, particularly the parish church. Over the years, Barão de São João has attracted a diverse community of people from various countries, including many artists who have chosen to reside here. Take a stroll through the village and discover the sculptures and paintings that adorn the area.

After crossing the village, the Via Algarviana heads northwest into the Barão de São João Forest Perimeter. This pine forest is possibly the largest in the region, serving as a refuge for wildlife and a leisure space for visitors to rest and picnic. Here, you’ll encounter one of the 12 complementary walking trails to Via Algarviana, the PR1 LGS – Pedestrian Route “Pedra do Galo”.

The typical mountainous landscape resumes along the route, with hills and valleys intersecting continuously. Highlights include the Vinha Velha valley, a fertile agricultural area connected to agrotourism, and the Monte de São Lourenço, near the Pardieiro geodesic marker, one of the highest points in this area (144 meters).

As we approach the Sesmarias site, the landscape changes once more, now surrounded by extensive agricultural plateaus. Passing by Budens Lagoon, a small wetland area hosting various species of waterfowl and amphibians, springtime heralds the croaking of frogs in this location.

This sector is close to the former “granary of the Algarve” and the Costa Vicentina, marked by limestone outcrops, scattered vegetation, extensive pastures, and agricultural fields. It’s in this area that we catch the first glimpse of the sea! South of EN 125, we enter the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, one of the most beautiful protected areas in the country, ultimately arriving at Vila do Bispo.

Close to Raposeira, we intersect with another complementary pedestrian route to Via Algarviana, the PR4 VBP – Pedestrian Route “Pelas Encostas da Raposeira”. In Raposeira, take a break at the cafés or snack bar. The journey concludes in Vila do Bispo, the starting point for the last day of this adventure through the lesser-known Algarve.

The Barão de São João Forest Perimeter, spanning 207.7 hectares, is part of the Natura 2000 Network – Southwest Coast, dominated by stone pine (179 ha) and acacia (38 ha), with small patches of Portuguese cypress, eucalyptus, and Monterey cypress.

In this section, walkers can admire a diverse landscape, from agricultural fields, orchards, cork oak and pine groves to coastal scrubland, wetlands, limestone cliffs, and beaches.