I rarely dislike taking the same hike over and over,” remarked the local guide, crouching next to a cluster of flowers. “On every occasion, there are fresh discoveries – these weren’t present previously.”
Rising on stems a minimum of a couple of centimeters in height and starring the dirt with snowy flowers, the observation that these overnight wonders emerged in a single night was a beautiful testament of how rapidly nature can grow in this undulating, inland area of the Algarve, the public forest of Barão de São João.
It was also encouraging to discover that in an region swept by forest fires in September, types such as fire-resistant trees – which are flame-retardant because of their minimal resin – were commencing to bounce back, in proximity to highly flammable eucalyptus, which obstructs other slow-burning trees such as oak. Volunteers were being recruited to assist with rewilding.
Visitor numbers to the Algarve are increasing, with 2024 registering an rise of 2.6% on the previous year – but most visitors go directly to the seaside, even though there being a great deal more to experience.
The beachfront is undoubtedly wild and stunning, but the region is also eager to showcase the appeal of its interior regions. With the creation of year-round walking and cycling paths, plus the introduction of nature festivals, interest is being directed to these similarly captivating sceneries, showcasing mountains and lush forests.
The Algarve Walking Season hosts a set of five hiking events with broad topics such as “rivers and streams” and “archaeology” between the start of winter and April. It’s expected they will motivate explorers throughout the year, supporting the regional economy and helping stem the tide of the youth moving away in pursuit of opportunities.
The trip to the wooded reserve fell during a weekend festival with the focus of “expression”, focused on the white-washed hamlet north-west of Barão de São João.
In addition to guided hikes, departing from the local hub, free events included learning how to make plant-based dyes, to theatre workshops, mindful exercise and sketching. There were several photography exhibitions on show as well as several other family-oriented activities, such as botanical explorations and making wildlife feeders.
Even before our informal daytime printmaking session at the cultural centre, our stroll into the woodland with Joana had the atmosphere of an creative path. Marked at the outset by standing stones painted with representations of rural workers, it was dotted en route with smaller, fixed stones depicting instances of wildlife, such as spiny creatures and wild cats – the latter’s population recovering, because of a rehabilitation centre based in the fortified settlement of Silves.
As the route ascended to its summit, the menhir (monolith) on the Pedra do Galo path, it became more thickly wooded with the aromatic fragrance of conifer. There was a richness to the air and solid, honey-toned droplets swelled from tree trunks. Chalky rock shone beneath our feet and minute toads perched by pool margins, necks throbbing. In the background, windmills spun against the sky.
Francisco Simões, our guide the next day, was once more enthusiastic to point out that these inland areas can be experienced in every season. Waymarked hikes, established in the past few years, are branches of the Via Algarviana, a route that extends from the Spanish boundary for 300 kilometers, the entire route to the Atlantic, and many are now connected to an app that makes navigation even easier.
Francisco set up nature tour operator Algarvian Roots in 2020 and organizes tours from birdwatching to day-long led walks, all with the similar aims as the AWS: to highlight the locale by way of immersion, enlightenment and cultural awareness.
The artistic element is present, also – his mother, potter Margarida Palma Gomes, had guided us to paint azulejos, the characteristic cerulean and ivory decorative panels observed throughout the country, a couple of days before on a event class. Visits to her studio, in addition to to a regional artist, can additionally be organized through Algarvian Roots.
Francisco advised us to contribute for the trade by drinking plenty of good wine capped with cork
After an superb lunch of pork cheek and greens in A Charrette in Monchique, a pretty hill settlement flanked by the Algarve’s most elevated summits, the 902-meter Fóia and 774-meter Picota, Francisco led us down steeply stone-paved lanes and into a narrow path, where an elderly pair sunned themselves at the front of their home.
A steep path took us into the woods, the terrain strewn with tree seeds. In this location, Francisco was eager to point out protected species, Portugal’s emblematic species and safeguarded by law since the 1200s. Besides are they naturally slow-burning, but their pliable outer layer is a means of revenue for inhabitants, who collect it to market to other {industries|sectors
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