Perched on the northern most tip of the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal is a world-renowned country known for its wondrous nature and adventure.
With 200 km of pristine coastline, calm waters and fabulous beaches, the Algarve coast stands as a shining jewel among the global sightseeing and hiking destinations.
From myriad landscapes, towering cliffs and lagoons on the coast and scrub forest in the uplands, Algarve’s diverse attractions captivate visitors at every turn.
Whether you are drawn to ancient castles overlooking rolling wine country, or wish to hike the Algarve coastal trails, this blog will take you on a sea and land journey to experience the best of both worlds.
The primary cruise ship dock here is Portimao, and plenty of European cruises choose this port as a perfect spot for both relaxation and exploration. Guests have the option to explore the secluded sea coves, dramatic cliffs and the legendary beaches Algarve is famous for.
A typical European cruise to Portugal departs from Southampton and ends at Lisbon, but those who want to go further afield to Ponta Delgada and Madeira should sail from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
While the hilly capital of Lisbon has wonderful architecture and a thriving culinary scene, the old city of Porto is the gateway to the scenic Douro Valley. For hikers, the preserved old city of Funchal has some of the finest coasts walks in Europe.
Venture inland, beyond the sun and the sea, to Algarve, a globally popular hiking destination.Trails in the region pass through protected nature reserves, home to endemic flora and fauna, a place no ship can access.
The Algarve hiking routes span the country’s entire southern coastline for about 160km from the border with Spain to the dramatic limestone cliffs of Lagos in the west.
This curated selection showcases highlights of both the distinct coastal regions and the golden south-west with its fishing culture and peaceful lagoons.
The routes begin in east Algarve, from the town of Tavira, where the Ria Formosa National Park forms a natural barrier between the barrier islands and the tidal channels.
From here, you can follow the coast westward towards central Algarve’s famous golden cliffs and the sea caves before reaching the south western shores around Lagos.
Three kilometres south of Lagos lies the Ponta da Piedade, a dramatic hiking route that features spectacular views of caves, grottos and sea arches carved from sandstone cliffs over thousands of years.
The trail also passes through some of the most picturesque beaches in the region namely Praia do Pinhao and Praia Dona Ana, both surrounded by rock formations to provide respite from the midday sun.
The verdict
While a cruise is often the best way to explore the Algarve and the scenic coastline by sea, a hike allows you easy access to secluded beaches, smaller inland villages and offers unparalleled cliffside views that are not accessible by any other means of transit.
