What to do in Algarve – Ecotourism

Most people associate the Algarve region with summer, beaches and sun. Therefore, those who visit the region at other times of the year often don’t know what to do in Algarve.

It is important to know that the Algarve region offers several activities related to ecotourism, such as watching dolphins and marine life, bird watching and boat trips to get to know the region’s nature better.

In addition, there are trails and walking routes available for trekking activity in Algarve, there are also climbing and canyoning options, among other cool things to do throughout the region.

What to do in Algarve – Ecotourism

The Ria Formosa is one of the main attractions in Algarve. When we ask ourselves what to do in Algarve, the first thing that comes to mind is the Ria Formosa lagoon. Comprising a network of barrier islands, it opens up to the sea via six natural channels. The place offers some very interesting activities and tours.

It is possible to discover the biodiversity of the place, its typical vegetation and the flooded areas where Portugal’s water birds roam.

Ecotourism in the Algarve does exist! Discover the Ria Formosa Natural Park

Of international importance, the Ria Formosa Natural Park is a labyrinth of channels, islands and mud banks. It stretches along 60 km of the Algarve coast, between the beaches of Garrão and Manta Rota. Find out more about the Park.

This diversity of ecosystems attracts a varied fauna that includes numerous species of birds such as the sultana hen, symbol of the Natural Park. If you want to admire this bird with its colorful plumage and know everything about the protected area, start your visit at the Marim Environmental Education Center.

Accompanied by a guide, you will be able to discover the best hiking trails and viewpoints to observe nature. In the Ria Formosa Natural Park, there are also trips on a traditional boat, formerly used for tuna fishing.

What to do in Algarve

Still in the Ria Formosa Natural Park, on Culatra Island it is possible to visit one of the most important fishing communities in the Eastern Algarve. The idea is to learn about local traditions and how this community lives its day-to-day life.

The available times for the tour are usually at 11 am and then at 3 pm. It lasts approximately 3 and a half hours, and is available all year round.

Birdwatching in the Algarve region

When it comes to bird watching, explore the Ludo and Quinta do Lago areas. A guide will be able to share information about the biodiversity and cultural and economic aspects of the Ria Formosa Natural Park.

It is possible to observe species such as the long-legged wader, the avocet and the black-necked plover. During the summer period, the red-billed duck, the sea partridge, the long-tailed cuckoo, the yellow wagtail and the barrete shrike stand out.

Birdwatching tours usually start at 8 am and usually last approximately 3 hours. The tour takes place all year round.

Marine Fauna Observation in Algarve

On marine life observation tours, we recommend watching dolphins on the Algarve coast. The Algarve coast is one of the most popular regions in Portugal for observing marine animals.

The most commonly seen species are the Common Dolphin and the Bottlenose Dolphin. There are also occurrences of sightings of Boto and Dwarf Whale, but they are rarer. The available times for marine life observation tours are usually in the morning, departing at 8 am from the Ferro Marina and at half past eight from the Olhão Marina. These tours typically last 2 hours and are available from March to October.

Trails and walking routes in the Algarve

In addition to these options, walking routes in the Algarve could not be missing. There are countless trails to walk through the Algarve and discover its many attractions. Among the most famous is a part of the Rota Vicentina. That’s why we invite the reader to learn more about Rota Vicentina.

The practice of trekking in the Algarve and throughout Portugal

First of all, let’s understand the denominations. Portugal has designations for its walking routes, as does the whole of Europe. In the Algarve it would be no different. We list the definitions and markings here so that tourists can understand the route they are on and help with orientation.

• The PR denominations are the short trails (Pequenas Rotas), which do not exceed 30 km in length or less than one journey to cover, and are signposted in yellow and red.
• The so-called PL are local routes (Percursos Locais), which were created in Portugal from 2006 onwards, where more than half of the route takes place on an urban route. They are marked in green and white.
• The grand routes receive the acronym GR (Grandes Rotas). They are more than 30 km long and are signposted in white and red.
• At a European level and based on the GR of Portugal, there are the European Grand Route Trails, which use the acronym GRP. They generally make a tour around a particularly interesting place or area to allow them to discover the region.

In Europe, with the support of the federation of hiking trails, the European Ramblers Association (ERA), 11 European routes were drawn up. In Portugal, once approved by the Portuguese Camping and Mountaineering Federation, the trails are marked in both directions, according to the agreed marks.

In Portugal the marks look like this:

• Grande Rota (GR) – white and red
• Pequena Rota (PR) – yellow and red
• Percursos Locais (PL) – green and white.

The 15 best trails in the Algarve

We have selected the 15 best trails in the Algarve for ecotourists to discover and prepare their trip:

• Trail of the 7 Hanging Valleys (PR1 Lagoa). Learn more about the trail and Praia da Marinha.
• Pontal da Carrapateira Trail (Aljezur). Find out more about Aljezur.
• Endiabrada Trail and Hidden Lakes (PR3 Aljezur)
• Barril Beach Trail (Tavira). Find out more about Tavira and Praia do Barril.
• Alvor Walkways – The biggest walkways in the Algarve (Alvor)
• Ponta da Piedade Trail and Walkways (Lagos)
• Serra de Monchique Waterfalls Trail (PR 5 Monchique)
• Guadiana Route Trail (Alcoutim)
• Azinhal dos Mouros Trail (PR9 – Loulé)
• Fonte Benémola Walking Route (PR16 Loulé)
• Rocha da Pena Trail (PR18 Loulé)
• Ludo Trail (Faro)
• Sagres-Salema Trail (Fishermen’s Trail)
• Cordoama Trail (Vila do Bispo)
• And of course, the Rota Vicentina, which crosses the Alentejo to Sagres in the Algarve, couldn’t be missed!

Professional guide for walking routes in the Algarve

Hiking and long course trekking are activities of ecotourism that are increasingly popular. It is a type of tourism that contributes greatly to the promotion of Portugal’s nature and culture.

The organization and planning of these tours, especially those that promote contact with natural environments, requires a series of attributes. In particular, civic and moral responsibility in guiding and promoting well-being and health, safety and quality of service.

Professional guides are qualified to deliver a lot of value to tourists, from the point of view of safety to the cultural value added by those who know the place well. Professional guides influence knowledge, attitudes and behaviors in the context of outdoor activities.

Hiring a guide provides a safe environment for practitioners, promoting good environmental, sporting, cultural and social practices, promoting an excellent tourist service.

So, consider hiring a professional guide for your walks and have fun in the Algarve!

Climbing and Canyoning in the Algarve

The Algarve is a region that offers many options. Climbing in the Algarve is adapted to other disciplines that use similar techniques. Among the most interesting is Canyoning, which mixes climbing techniques to traverse the route of a river or canyon.

In this modality, participants get wet several times when they have to jump into the water. The crossing is usually full of more technical passages, jumps and short sections where you need to swim before returning to higher ground.

Canyoning is accessible to all ages, but the participant needs to be able to swim. There are various levels of difficulty, depending on the previous experience and physical capacity of the participants. There is space for families and more radical adventurers.

In addition to Canyoning, Coasteering is also widespread in Europe. Especially in Portugal, due to its numerous seaside cliffs.

Coasteering in Algarve

Coasteering is an activity that consists of progressing along the coast through rocks and the sea. Uses swimming, climbing, jumping and walking techniques. The activity requires care, safe preparation and experience. It is essential to have a safety management system in place to avoid accidents.

Coasteering began in Wales and fascinates those looking for adrenaline, some exercise and beautiful views. Just like Canyoning, one of the best things about Coasteering is that almost anyone can do it, you just need to know how to swim.

In Portugal there are several places that provide Canyoning and Coasteering based mainly in the North of Portugal where there are the best Canyons on the mainland, in addition to the islands of the Azores and Madeira.

The most famous and closest Coasteering in the Algarve is 30 km from Lisbon, in the Arrábida Natural Park. It is worth noting that Canyoning and Coastering are safe activities when accompanied by a professional instructor and guide. Find out more about the Arrábida Natural Park.

Algarve all year round!

The Algarve may not be as well known and publicized for its ecotourism activities, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t offer great activities. The destination offers some types of ecotourism activities practically all year round. It has the Ria Formosa, countless beaches, cliffs, fields, forests and several areas with a wide variety of flora and fauna species.

Count on Nattrip to help you plan what to do in Algarve!