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I rarely dislike taking the same hike repeatedly,” remarked Joana Almeida, crouching next to a group of flowers. “On every occasion, you can spot fresh discoveries – these were not in this spot yesterday.”

Standing on stalks no less than two centimetres high and adorning the soil with pale blossoms, the fact that these overnight wonders sprung up suddenly was a striking demonstration of how quickly nature can grow in this rolling, central part of the Algarve, the protected woodland of Barão de São João.

It was also reassuring to find out that in an region swept by forest fires in the autumn, species such as fire-resistant trees – which are flame-retardant because of their reduced sap – were beginning to regrow, in proximity to highly inflammable eucalyptus, which obstructs other fire-resistant trees such as oak. Volunteers were being gathered to assist with rewilding.

Visitor Statistics and Upland Interest

Tourist arrivals to the Algarve are increasing, with 2024 showing an rise of 2.6% on the previous year – but the bulk of arrivals make a beeline for the coast, despite there being a great deal more to experience.

The shoreline is certainly untamed and dramatic, but the region is also keen to promote the appeal of its upland zones. With the establishment of year-round hiking and cycling paths, in addition to the introduction of ecological celebrations, attention is being shifted to these similarly captivating vistas, showcasing peaks and thick wooded areas.

The Algarve Walking Season hosts a series of five guided walk programs with loose topics such as “water” and “archaeology” between the start of winter and early spring. It’s hoped they will inspire explorers year round, strengthening the local economy and helping stem the tide of the youth moving away in quest of work.

Culture and The Outdoors Blend

The trip to the wooded reserve coincided with a cultural gathering with the subject of “creativity”, focused on the traditional community north-west of Barão de São João.

Along with led walks, departing from the local hub, complimentary activities extended from mastering how to make plant-based dyes, to performance sessions, mindful exercise and artistic rendering. There were several photo displays on show plus multiple other kid-focused pastimes, such as botanical explorations and making bird-feeders.

Prior to our casual daytime screen-printing workshop at the community space, our hike into the woods with Joana had the vibe of an art trail. Signposted at the start by upright rocks painted with depictions of local farmers, it was studded throughout the path with smaller, installed stones illustrating types of wildlife, featuring spiny creatures and wild cats – the lynx’s population reviving, because of a conservation center located in the fortified settlement of Silves.

Scenic Routes and Outdoor Charm

As the trail ascended to its highest point, the menhir (ancient rock) on the Pedra do Galo path, it became more thickly wooded with the aromatic fragrance of conifer. There was a richness to the breeze and firm, honey-toned bubbles bulged from tree trunks. Limestone sparkled on the ground and tiny frogs rested by pond edges, vocal sacs vibrating. In the background, energy generators rotated against the sky.

Francisco Simões, the tour leader the subsequent day, was similarly enthusiastic to highlight that these upland regions can be experienced in every season. Signposted trails, developed in the past few years, are offshoots of the Via Algarviana, a trail that runs from the Spanish boundary for a significant distance, all the way to the coast, and several are now connected to an application that makes navigation more straightforward.

Ecotourism and Cultural Opportunities

Francisco established nature tour operator Algarvian Roots in a few years ago and provides activities from wildlife spotting to day-long led walks, all with the same aims as the AWS: to highlight the area by way of involvement, learning and cultural awareness.

The art connection is here, too – his family member, ceramicist Margarida Palma Gomes, had taught us to decorate azulejos, the iconic blue and white ceramic tiles observed throughout the country, two days earlier on a cultural activity. Excursions to her atelier, along with to a local potter, can also be organized through Algarvian Roots.

Francisco advised us to do our bit for the industry by enjoying plenty of fine wine capped with cork

Subsequent to an superb dining experience of meat dish and greens in A Charrette in Monchique, a pretty hill settlement bordered by the Algarve’s two highest peaks, the 902-metre Fóia and 774-metre Picota, Francisco took us down steeply cobbled streets and into a side lane, where an older couple sunned themselves at the doorstep of their residence.

A inclined track took us into the woods, the terrain covered in oak nuts. At this spot, Francisco was keen to introduce us to cork trees, Portugal’s emblematic species and safeguarded by law since the medieval period. Not only are they naturally slow-burning, but their malleable bark is a source of livelihood for inhabitants, who gather it to trade to other {industries|sectors