Our adventure along the Via Algarviana began at the peaceful parking area by the old church of Barranco do Velho. Right from the start, the trail offered an easy and scenic walk, passing by the charming windmill of Eira de Agosto before descending toward the picturesque hill of Carrascalinho.
From there, we followed the course of the Rio Seco, marking our entry into the Barrocal — a transitional landscape where lush greenery gives way to agricultural fields. We wandered along walled paths, dotted with traditional rural homes, all the way to the welcoming village of Salir.
In Rio Seco, we paused for a simple lunch under the shade of leafy trees, the soothing sound of the stream creating a moment of pure serenity.
Throughout the hike, we were treated to stunning views of rolling hills, vibrant fields of calendula flowers, and breathtaking landscapes. Without a doubt, this hike is a must for anyone looking to experience the authentic charm of the Algarve.
What is the Via Algarviana?
The Via Algarviana is a long-distance hiking route stretching about 300 km, connecting Alcoutim, near the Guadiana River and the Spanish border, to the Cape of São Vicente in Sagres.
Crossing the heart of the Algarve, the trail winds through the Serra do Caldeirão and Serra de Monchique, offering an incredible mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage. The route is divided into 14 stages of varying difficulty levels, making it accessible for all kinds of hikers.
Trail Map
Check out the full hiking record and elevation profile on Strava:
If you enjoyed this hike, you might also love the scenic trail between Vila do Bispo and Sagres on the famous Rota Vicentina.
Where to Stay in the Algarve
Find the most popular hotels in the Algarve and compare the best prices to plan an unforgettable trip!
Pro Tip: Always bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a good pair of hiking boots. The natural beauty of the Algarve is best explored in comfort and safety!
Plan your trip using the following tools or website
Using the following links and tools on the website you are helping to maintain Scannertrip. This use is the same for you and you do not pay more for it. For Scannertrip it makes all the difference!!
Hotels
To find the best hotel stays use Booking. It is one of the best websites for booking stays, always with promotions on some destinations. The reliability and ease of booking and cancelling make it even the most popular.
Flights
Compare Hotels prices
To compare prices for your Stays you can use the Hotels Combined or hotellook websites. These search engines show different prices from other websites for the same destination. There may be a lower price for the same hotel on another website and these search engines will show it.
Rent a car
If you choose to rent a car, also use the price comparators. The autoeurope website compares prices from different rental companies.
Activities
When preparing what to do at your destination, you will search for activities to be occupied. Use this activity comparator in the scannertrip provided by the Musement, tiqets, the civitatis or Get Your Guide.
Transfers
Transfers to and from the airport can be purchased via the website kiwitaxi. So you don’t need to get in touch with the different companies in your destination looking for the best price.
Bus or Train
If you need to travel by Bus or Train to your destination you can use this tool to help you to find the best rates.
Discover the Algarve Beyond the Tourist Trails
The Algarve is much more than its famous beaches and busy resorts. Some of its most fascinating landscapes can be found along quiet trails, through traditional villages, across rugged hills and in places that remain largely unknown to visitors.
Over the years, we have explored many of these trails ourselves and shared our experiences here on Scannertrip. From the Algarve Barrocal and the mountains of Monchique to the Ria Formosa and the wild landscapes of the Vicentine Coast, each hike has allowed us to discover a different side of the region.
Now, we would love to share these experiences with you.
Hike with Us
We are part of the FreeTour community and offer our hiking experiences completely free of charge.
When you join us, you are not simply following a trail. We will walk together, discover the landscape and share stories, curiosities, local knowledge and practical tips along the way.
Our hikes are informal and relaxed, designed for people who want to experience the Algarve at a slower pace and discover places that are often missed by conventional tourism.
Whether you are passionate about nature, photography, hiking, local culture or simply exploring somewhere new, there is always something waiting to be discovered.
A Hobby We Love to Share
We want to be completely transparent: we are not professional or fluent English-speaking guides. We are simply passionate hikers who love exploring the Algarve and sharing this hobby with others.
English is not our first language, but we will always do our best to communicate clearly and make ourselves understood throughout the hike. Our aim is not to provide a professional guided tour, but rather to share our passion, our experiences and the places we love in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
Explore. Walk. Discover.
Every trail has its own character. Some take us through the mountains, others along the coast, through rural landscapes or towards hidden viewpoints. What they all have in common is the opportunity to experience the Algarve from a different perspective.
If you enjoy nature, photography, quiet adventure and authentic places away from the usual tourist routes, join us on our next hike.
Choose your preferred hike, select a date and time, tell us how many people will be joining and fill in the form below. We will then contact you to confirm our availability.
Come and discover the Algarve with us — one trail at a time.
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