Let’s be honest: you didn’t come to the Algarve just for the beach. Yes, the region is famous for its golden sands and turquoise coves.
But if that’s all you experience, you’re only seeing one side of the story.
The real Algarve — the one locals know by heart and slow travelers have the pleasure to meet — lives along its wilder edges, on trails that snake through fig orchards, limestone cliffs, and whitewashed villages where time politely refuses to move on.
This is an invitation to ditch the everyday-flip-flops (you’ll thank me later) and trade them for hiking boots or a solid pair of cycling shoes. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a Sunday cyclist, or someone who just wants to feel alive again, here are the most stunning — and surprisingly under-the-radar — trails to explore in the Algarve.
1. The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail (Sete Vales Suspensos)
Lagoa to Marinha Beach | Distance: 6 km one way | Difficulty: Moderate
This is the Sophia Loren of Algarve hikes — iconic, dramatic, and guaranteed to steal the spotlight. Hugging the edge of the coastline between Praia da Marinha and Vale Centeanes, this trail delivers cliffside theatre at its best: think ochre rock formations, hidden sea caves, and an Atlantic so blue it might be Photoshopped.
Pro tip: Go early in the morning or just before sunset to skip the crowds and bask in that magical Algarve light.
2. Via Algarviana
Alcoutim to Cabo de São Vicente | Distance: 300 km (choose your segment) | Difficulty: Varies
The Via Algarviana is the Algarve’s answer to the Camino de Santiago — minus the tourists and with better food. It cuts through the untouched rural Algarve, from the Guadiana River on the Spanish border to the southwestern tip of Europe.
Expect ancient Roman roads, almond trees in bloom (if you catch it in February), and the kind of silence you didn’t know your nervous system needed.
Cycling-friendly? Yes — especially for gravel or mountain bikes.
3. Ria Formosa Natural Park Trails
Faro, Olhão, Tavira | Distance: 3–10 km options | Difficulty: Easy
If birds are your thing (or even if they’re not), this is where you’ll fall in love with the Algarve all over again. The Ria Formosa is a labyrinth of salt marshes, lagoons, and barrier islands, home to flamingos, chameleons, and migratory birds that know how to pick a winter home.
The flat terrain makes it ideal for leisurely bike rides, especially around Olhão’s EcoVia and Ilha de Tavira.
4. Fóia – Monchique’s Peak Challenge
Monchique | Distance: 7–14 km options | Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Hike or bike your way up to Fóia, the Algarve’s highest point (902 meters). The view stretches all the way to the Atlantic, and on a clear day, you’ll swear you can see Morocco.
Along the way: eucalyptus forests, wild herbs perfuming the air, and that special kind of silence only mountain towns offer.
Vibe: Rustic, mystical, deeply grounding.
5. The Ecovia do Litoral
Sagres to Vila Real de Santo António | Distance: 214 km | Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Cyclists rejoice. This coastal trail is part of the EuroVelo 1 network and runs east to west across the Algarve, mostly on flat terrain. Ride past salt flats, fishing ports, wild beaches, and pastel-colored villages — and yes, there are plenty of cafes en route for a bica and pastel de nata.
Best for: Touring cyclists, e-bikers, and anyone who prefers long-distance views with short-distance effort.
A Final Word — Before You Book Your Trip…
Just go. Walk. Ride. Sweat a little. Breathe a lot. And discover that the real luxury might be in a cork forest at golden hour, with no one around but a stork flying overhead.
Looking to explore the Algarve like a local? Discover authentic holiday rentals, local experiences, and hidden gems on www.algarvehousing.net — your partner to a more soulful Algarve.