An ideal opportunity for those looking to stay fit and active during the winter months, keen ramblers can escape the British gloom and take on a trail in the Portuguese scenery instead thanks to the upcoming schedule of walking festivals
Take a hike. The Algarve Walking Season, a project promoting joint walking festivals held in the Algarve’s interior, has unveiled its calendar for the 2024/25 season.
We all know the Algarve for its sun, sand and of course, golfing opportunities – but there’s plenty for an adventurer to explore too. An ideal opportunity for those looking to stay fit and active during the winter months, keen ramblers can escape the British gloom and take on a trail in the Portuguese scenery instead.
Algarve Walking Season’s website provides a comprehensive guide to walking opportunities throughout the year in the Algarve. Visitors can easily view the calendar of all walking festivals in the region, including their locations and key features. It also provides regular updates on these festivals and walking-related news in the area.
Key benefits of walking:
Walking is simple, free and one of the easiest ways to get more active, stay trim and become healthier. Just 30 minutes every day can increase cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, reduce excess body fat, and boost muscle power and endurance. It can also help reduce your risk of developing conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers.
Barão de São João Walk & Art Fest, Lagos
Combining walking with art, a range of extensive and varied activities are on offer to suit all tastes. The schedule includes long, short and themed walks (geology, botany, birdwatching, history, drawing), workshops, activities for families, mountain bike rides and wellbeing activities, inviting participants to relax and enjoy nature. The festival celebrates the local artistic community.
1-3 November. More information HERE
Monchique Walking Festival, Monchique
The Monchique Walking Festival is a tribute to water, offering a journey of contemplation and discovery. The event draws much-needed attention to the preservation of water and the importance of it as a resource.
The festival includes several activities, such as sports walks, themed and cultural walks, family and children’s activities, workshops, ateliers, theatre, yoga and astronomical observation.
29 November – 1 December. More information HERE
Santa Barbara de Nexe Walking Festival, Faro
The much-anticipated Santa Barbara de Nexe Walking Festival will debut in 2025. The event will focus on popular culture and celebrate the richness of this rural location through numerous walks, entertainment, workshops and other activities.
7-9 February. More information HERE
Caminheiros Border Experience, Alcoutim and Sanlúcar de Guadiana
Held annually in late winter, Caminheiros is a hiking festival that takes place in the cross-border region of Alcoutim and Sanlúcar de Guadiana, celebrating the connection between nature and culture. Situated amongst the mountains and the Guadiana River, the event invites you to discover the natural beauty and authentic historical, cultural and gastronomic heritage of the region.
Through a wide range of activities, the festival offers unique experiences for all interests and fitness levels. From traditional hikes along historic trails and stunning landscapes, to themed routes that explore astronomy, botany and ancient history.
7-9 March. More information HERE
Ameixial Walking Festival, Loulé
As the oldest walking festival in the region, this annual event is incredibly popular. The festival celebrates hiking whilst showcasing the Algarve’s mountains and their natural, cultural and human heritage. In addition to the more traditional walks, there will be themed walks related to local history such as the Southwest Writing Walk and nature.
25-28 April. More information HERE
For those looking to experience the more adventurous side of the Algarve independently, keen hikers can try Via Algarviana, a 300 km inland route connecting Alcoutim in the far east to Cabo de São Vicente in the far west that consists of rural paths across the mountains and valleys that will allow you to see the great variety of fauna and flora of this region and to immerse into the local culture of rural villages.
There are range of different trails available and visitors can use their website and app (G13 – Via Algarviana) for navigation as well as a tool to identify accommodation, food, transport, activities and tour operators in the territory. All partners involved prioritise sustainable tourism and celebrate local residents.
For further information on the Algarve, please visit www.visitalgarve.pt
