The Vagabond Hiker

Hiking, trekking, and climbing the world

Algarve Coastal Hikes

For several years I’ve been trying to schedule a hiking trip to this area of southwest Portugal, but other travel plans kept on postponing it. In late September I finally managed a week at an AirBnb in the coastal town of Lagos, joined by Maggie. While we didn’t do as many hikes as I planned – barely scratching the surface of the potential for an avid hiker – our week was a great introduction to the area, its paths, beaches, food, and history. Enjoy a few highlights. . .

Morning balcony view from our Airbnb apartment. Located just outside of the Old Town, since we were renting a car, with all the mod cons it was perfect for a one week stay.
Jacaranda mimosifolia. In typical fashion, this tree was about the only photo I took in the lovely historic center of Lagos!

From Lagos to Porto de Mos and beyond

This 14 km started right out of our apartment door. Although popular on a Sunday, it was absolutely amazing!

Steps to the sea at Ponta da Piedade, the southern-most point near Lagos
An arch at Ponta da Piedade
Coastal grasses and rock formations, Ponta da Piedade
Praia do Canavial. A gorgeous beach that required a steep descent to reach. Either because of that or because it is a nudist beach, there were few people!

Rota Circular do Cabo de Sao Vicente

The southwestern-most point in Europe was our trailhead for this 17 km loop hike. The coastal portion was definitely more interesting than the inland part!

Forto de Santo António de Belixe
Red squill (Drimia marittima). I had seen this autumn-blooming species on both Crete and Sardinia.
Snails on a pole. Was it the warmth or the moisture that drew them?
Maggie at Praia da Ponta Ruiva where we had our picnic lunch
Selfie with Maggie near Praia das Eiras
Coastal view north from near Pedra das Gaivotas
Autumn squill (Prospero autumnale). If it weren’t for the squills, we would have seen very few wildflowers in late September!

Alvor Walkways

This wasn’t really a hike, more an easy stroll. My plantar fascia had become inflamed and I needed two days rest before attempting even this easy 8 km walk.

Marsh view. I was hoping to spot some migratory birds as this was right along the coast east of Lagos, but there was little to reward my endeavors.

Seven Hanging Valleys

Easily the most popular hike in the area, and perhaps the entire Algarve. With great weather, lunch at a beach café at the halfway point, and a spectacular coast, this must-do hike was a fantastic choice for our last day in Lagos.

Rocha do Elefante
Farol de Alfanzina
Praia do Carvalho

I’m not sure exactly when this post will be published, but I am either in Morocco, the Canary Islands, or back for a short stay in Hastings before heading to Southeast Asia and Australia for the winter.

Happy Trails wherever you happen to be,

The Vagabond Hiker

Comments

    • I hope to get back to Monterey Bay next spring to visit some friends. I do miss it, though not all the traffic!

Categories

Subscribe for Updates