Maria was going to get there come what may even if it meant on her hands and knees… hers a road less travelled in Port-trek-all.
Whether our pilgrim friend couldn’t reach the altar at Fatima…
Or was overcome by spiritual fervour she was getting there one knee at a time.
Hers and our journeys are, of course, just that, our journeys.
So if you’re on a pilgrimage to Fatima or Santiago then Buen Camino, God bless, and may all your steps be forward.
But know this, that all walks are of equal value.
And treks along nature’s trails reconnect us with the glory of creation in itself.
Which is the path we’re taking on Algarve Walking Season.
Each trek like us, the same but different.
Best Barao none
Barão de São João Walk & Art Fest, Lagos (1-3 November)
Now every day is a school day on Barão de São João with a range of activities.
The schedule includes long, short and themed walks (geology, botany, birdwatching, history, drawing),
And workshops and activities for families and mountain bike rides and wellbeing activities.
Water trek
Monchique Walking Festival, Monchique (29 November – 1 December)
And for aquaphiles everywhere Monchique is a tribute to water and the need for conservation.
There are sports walks, themed and cultural walks, family and children’s activities, workshops, ateliers, theatre, yoga and astronomical observation.
Culture vultures
Santa Barbara de Nexe Walking Festival, Faro (7-9 February)
The Santa Barbara de Nexe Walking Festival, which focuses on culture, entertainment and workshops will debut in 2025.
A true celebration of rural Algarve.
Border control
Caminheiros Border Experience, Alcoutim and Sanlúcar de Guadiana (7-9 March)
Held annually in late winter, Caminheiros centres around the cross-border region of Alcoutim and Sanlúcar de Guadiana.
Get your astronomy, botany, culinary and ancient history vibe on amongs the mountains and the Guadiana River.
Write on
Ameixial Walking Festival, Loulé (25-28 April)
The oldest walking festival in the region, Ameixial showcases the Algarve’s mountains.
With themed walks related to local history such as the Southwest Writing Walk and nature.
State of independents
Via Algarviana
The even more adventurous and independent trekker side can try Via Algarviana, a 300 km inland route.
To connect Alcoutim in the far east to Cabo de São Vicente in the far west.
With rural paths across the mountains and valleys taking in the wide variety of fauna and flora.
There are a 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.
