Algarve Hiking Guide: 8 Best Hikes by Locals

Hiking in Algarve is about far more than golden beaches and summer sunshine. Beyond the famous coastline lies a region packed with dramatic sea cliffs, quiet nature parks, rolling hills and scenic walking trails that locals return to time and time again. Whether you’re tracing striking clifftops above the beauty of the Atlantic or wandering through stunning valleys filled with birdsong, Algarve does not disappoint.

To make the most of your Algarve hiking adventure, travelling with Siesta Campers gives you unmatched freedom. With campervan hire in Faro as the ideal starting point, you can move easily between coastal trails and inland hikes, stay close to nature, and adapt your plans around weather, tides and trail conditions. No rushing, no fixed schedules—just the open road and incredible walks.

In this guide, we’ll share the best hikes in Algarve, focused on coastal cliffs, protected nature parks, and scenic walking routes, plus practical tips on when to hike, what to pack and why hiking Algarve-style is best done with a camper.

The 8 Best Hikes in Algarve

1. Seven Hanging Valleys Trail – Algarve’s Iconic Coastal Walk

Arguably the most famous hike in Algarve, the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail follows dramatic limestone cliffs between Praia da Marinha and Praia de Vale Centeanes. Expect jaw-dropping views, sea caves, arches, hidden beaches and endless photo opportunities for unforgettable memories.

Despite its reputation as one of the best hikes in Portugal, this trail remains a must for any keen hikers. Early mornings or late afternoons are best for uncrowded paths and softer light (especially in summer months). You’ll pass viewpoints overlooking caves like Benagil (from above) and several small coves where a swim is irresistible on warmer days.

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Distance: 12.4 km
• Elevation Gain: 421 m
• Route type: Out and Back
• Starting Point: Praia da Marinha
• Best time to hike: Autumn to spring
  

Tip: Park near trailheads early—campervan-friendly spots are available nearby.

Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, the most popular hike in Algarve

2. Trail of the Headlands – Wild Cliffs & Hidden Beaches

Less crowded than Seven Hanging Valleys, the Trail of the Headlands (or Rota dos Caminho dos Promontórios as it is also called) offers a quieter Algarve coastal experience. The path weaves along incredible headlands, passing secluded beaches, sea caves and unspoiled viewpoints that feel far removed from the usual busy resorts.

This trail is perfect for hikers looking for solitude and dramatic scenery, especially outside the peak summer months.

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Distance: 6.3km
• Elevation Gain: 183 m
• Route type: Point to point
• Starting Point: Praia do Molhe or Praia do Paraíso
• Best time to hike: Spring and autumn
  

Tip: Make sure to check out the signs and displays along the way explaining the geology, fauna and flora, plus the unique history of the settlements in the region such as Torre da Lapa.

Trail of the Headlands

3. Ponta da Piedade Walk – Short, Scenic & Unforgettable

Located in Lagos, the Ponta da Piedade Walk delivers some of Algarve’s most iconic views in a relatively short distance. Wooden walkways and dirt paths guide you along the cliffs, offering plenty of amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean.

This walk is ideal if you’re short on time or want a relaxed sunset stroll after a longer hike earlier in the day.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 2.6km
• Elevation Gain: 77 m
• Route type: Out and back
• Starting Point: Praia de Dona Ana
• Best time to hike: Early morning or sunset (Year Round)
  

Tip: Make sure to check out an unmissable highlight on this route; the Ponta da Piedade Lighthouse, which has become a favourite tourist attraction for anyone exploring the area.

 Ponta de Piedade

4. Ludo Trail – Ria Formosa Natural Park

For a completely different Algarve hike, head to the Ludo Trail in the heart of the Ria Formosa Natural Park. This flat, peaceful walk takes you through wetlands, salt marshes and lagoons teeming with birdlife in one of Portugal’s most impressive and important ecosystems.

It’s also one of the best trails for wildlife lovers, especially during migration seasons when flamingos and spoonbills are often spotted.

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Distance: 8.7 km
• Elevation Gain: 37 m
• Route type: Loop
• Starting Point: Faro Beach
• Best time to hike: Spring and autumn

Tip: Why not combine your hiking trip around Ria Formosa with a few cycling routes to really make the most of this unique area? At Siesta Campers, we offer bike racks and bicycle rental year-round.

Ludo trail

 

5. Rocha da Pena Trail – A Limestone Haven with Big Views

Located inland near Loulé, Rocha da Pena feels worlds away from the coast. A protected landscape that features limestone cliffs, caves, wildflowers and panoramic views over the amazing Algarve countryside.

This rocky outcrop is much quieter than coastal hikes and ideal for those wanting to explore Algarve’s lesser-known side with its mixture of unique plants and woodland.

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Distance: 6.4 km
• Elevation Gain: 275 m
• Route type: Loop
• Starting Point: R. de Rocha da Pena
• Best time to hike: Year-round
  

Tip: Any bird watchers might get lucky and spot birds of prey such as the griffon vulture or the booted eagle.

Rocha da Pena hiking trail

6. Fonte Benémola Walk – Water, Shade & Tranquillity

One of Algarve’s most relaxing walks, Fonte Benémola follows a small river through lush vegetation, offering shade even on warmer days. Wooden bridges and gentle paths make it accessible and family-friendly, creating a perfect rest-day hike between all those tougher coastal walks. Fresh streams are also a highlight where you can refresh yourself during the hotter summer months.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 5.1 km
• Elevation Gain: 150 m
• Route type: Loop
• Starting Point: Fica Bem
• Best time to hike: Spring and autumn
  

Tip: Coming here in the Spring is by far the best time to witness all the colourful and vibrant birds and flowers this trail has to offer.

Fonte Benémola trail

7. Barranco do Demo (Monchique) – Algarve’s Thrilling Walkway

Often called Algarve’s “hidden adventure,” Barranco do Demo (Meaning ‘Devil’s Gorge) near Monchique features suspended walkways crossing a steep gorge. The walkways are short but dramatic, combining forest scenery with adrenaline-inducing views. This is another perfect hike for anyone looking to get away from the coast, where you can see for miles and witness streams flowing from the impressive mountain.

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Distance: 6.6 km
• Elevation Gain: 358 m
• Route type: Loop
• Starting Point: National Road CM 1073
• Best time to hike: Spring or autumn
  

Tip: Pair it with other Monchique hikes for a full inland day.

Barranco do Demo

8. Arrifana to Monte Clérigo Coastal Trail – Raw West Coast Beauty

Heading back to the coast, but this time to the west, the Arrifana to Monte Clérigo Coastal trail delivers dramatic cliffs, crashing waves, and wide-open Atlantic views. Far less developed than the south coast, it’s ideal for hikers who love wild landscapes and powerful ocean energy.

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Distance: 13.7 km
• Elevation Gain: 338 m
• Route type: Out and Back
• Starting Point: Arrifana Fortress
• Best time to hike: Spring and autumn
  

Tip: Expect uneven terrain, strong winds and unforgettable scenery, so make sure you’re prepared with good footwear. But don’t worry, your camper has plenty of room to bring all you need.

Arrifana to Monte Clérigo coastal trail

Best Time of Year for Hiking in Algarve

• Spring (March–May): Ideal conditions, wildflowers, comfortable temperatures
• Autumn (September–November): Fewer crowds, warm sea, great hiking weather
• Summer (June–August): Best for early morning or inland hikes
• Winter (December–February): Mild and quiet—great for coastal walking

 

What to Bring

Having the correct gear and equipment is key to enjoying and making the most of your trip. So here’s a few things to remember:

• Comfortable hiking shoes or trail runners
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses) even in cooler months
• Plenty of water
• Light layers and windbreaker
• Snacks or picnic supplies
• Offline maps or GPS

 

Where to Stay

Algarve has excellent camper-friendly infrastructure. From coastal stops to peaceful inland bases, staying flexible makes it easy to reach trailheads and viewpoints at your convenience.

 

Hiking in Algarve is Better with Siesta Campers

Hiking in Algarve with a campervan means, above anything else, freedom. Here’s just a few reasons that make it completely unique:

• You can stay close to trailheads
• Avoid peak-hour crowds
• Change plans based on weather
• Combine hiking with beach days
• Cook, rest and recharge between hikes
  

With everything you need on board, from cooking to storage, your camper becomes your basecamp for adventure.

 

Final Thoughts

From epic clifftop walks to peaceful nature trails, Algarve offers some of the best hikes in the country. Whether you’re here for coastal views, wildlife encounters, or quiet countryside paths, hiking in Algarve is about slowing down and exploring deeper; connecting with a truly unique natural landscape.

So pack your boots, book a van with Siesta Campers Faro, and discover the beauty of Algarve one trail at a time.