According to Kuoni* and other travel operators, shoulder-season holidays were predicted to be one of the biggest travel trends of 2026, as more travellers seek better value, fewer crowds and milder temperatures.
As holidaymakers look beyond the peak summer months, Visit Algarve is encouraging visitors to discover the year-round region on foot, with a hiking trails focused holiday offering the perfect opportunity to experience its dramatic coastline, rolling countryside and authentic local culture at a more relaxed pace.
Discover some of the Algarve’s most recommended hiking trails…
1. The charms of Alcoutim (Rated: Easy)
Start and end: Praça da República (Square of Republic), Alcoutim
Distance: 4.6km
Description: This trail takes walkers through the border city of Alcoutim, allowing for the discovery of iconic landmarks in the area including the Castle of Alcoutim, the ruins of the Old Castle, the Praia Fluvial, and the landscapes of the River Guadiana. There is also the chance to cross over to the other side of the river and visit the Spanish town of Sanlúcar del Guadiana.
2. Endiabrada and the Hidden Lakes Trail (Rated: Easy)
Start: Bordeira Square / End: Bordeira Square
Distance: 7km
Description: The Bordeira walk follows part of the Arrifana–Carrapateira Historical Way, leading through Mediterranean woodland and diverse scrubland at the foothills of the Serra de Espinhaço do Cão. Along the route, you can enjoy aromatic native plants, spot signs of wildlife such as wild boar, foxes, and badgers, and experience the peaceful natural beauty of the area. The walk begins or ends in the charming village of Bordeira, where its quiet streets, welcoming café, and the 18th-century Nossa Senhora de Encarnação Church provide a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage.
3. Rota Vicentina Historical Way Carrapateira – Vila do Bispo (Rated: Easy to Moderate)
Start: Largo do Comércio, Carrapateira / End: Next to the main church in Vila do Bispo
Distance: 21.4km
Description: This scenic route showcases the Algarve’s dramatic landscapes, where rugged mountains meet the coast, and offers walkers the chance to discover the region’s rich biodiversity. Along the way, hikers can spot native flora, protected temporary ponds and a variety of wildlife, including rare birdlife and the endemic Triops vicentinus, a prehistoric tadpole shrimp found only in southwest Portugal. One of the more picturesque hiking trails.
4. Rota Vicentina Circular routes Amado (Rated: Moderate)
Start and end: Amado Beach
Distance: 7.5km
Description: This spectacular coastal trail offers a blend of wildlife, rare flora and fascinating geology. Hikers can spot native birds and wildlife, admire globally rare cliff-top plants, and explore landscapes shaped over 300 million years ago, with prehistoric archaeological remains adding another layer of history to the journey.
5. Via Algarviana circular route: Vegetable Garden Path (Rated: Moderate)
Start and end: Monchique Tourist Information Office
Distance: 8.20km
Description: Starting in Monchique, this circular scenic route winds through traditional agricultural valleys, forests and charming local settlements. Walkers can enjoy panoramic views, historic paths, birdlife and cultural landmarks, including the village of São Roque and the Monchique market area, before returning to the starting point.
6. Section 7 of the Via Algarviana Salir–Alte (Rated: Difficult)
Start: Square next to the Mother Church of Salir / End: Fontes de Alte Natural Springs
Distance: 16.4km
Description: The seventh section of the Via Algarviana begins in the historic village of Salir, passing rural paths, traditional villages, and farmland that reflect the region’s agricultural heritage. Along the way, walkers can admire old stone walls, water wheels, and the impressive Rocha da Pena Protected Landscape, renowned for its rich biodiversity and local legends. The route continues through the picturesque village of Benafim before following the peaceful Ribeira de Alte to the scenic Fontes Grande and Pequena, ending in the charming village of Alte, celebrated for its traditional architecture, welcoming atmosphere, and local artisan shops. The Fontes de Alte Natural Springs is the perfect point to finish the hike, immersed in natural beauty.
7. Grande rota do Guadiana circular route Barrancos – Furnazinhas (Rated: Difficult)
Start and end: Furnazinhas
Distance: 7.8km
Description: This itinerary interconnects with the Via Algarviana. Setting off from Furnazinhas, it takes hikers past Barranco da Balsa, Barranco da Maria Galega, Cortelha, Barranco da Chã de Lavajo and Barranco do Monte before returning to Furnazinhas. There is the chance to come into close contact with nature and crosses various areas with water, whilst discovering the cultural and natural heritage of the eastern Algarve.
Alternatively, visitors can visit the Algarve Walking Season website to find out about upcoming walking events and for a comprehensive guide to walking and hiking trails opportunities throughout the year in the Algarve. Visitors can easily view the calendar of all walking festivals in the region, including their locations and key features. It also provides regular updates on these festivals and walking-related news in the area.
For further information on the Algarve, please visit www.visitalgarve.pt
* Kuoni Travel Trends For 2026 | Our Best Holiday Destinations For The Year Ahead
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