The Algarve, the southernmost region in Portugal enjoys a 200km coastline and offers beaches, and a range of outdoor activities from surfing to cycling, walking, and bird watching.
The abundance of nature and wildlife is complemented by some 300 days of sunshine a year.
The region has the windswept coastal regions to the Algarvian Mountains, known for the thermal springs of Caldas de Monchique, which are unique to the Algarve.
On the coastline, the biodiverse ecological system attracts migratory birds on their migration to and from Africa along with dolphins, crustaceans, and molluscs, which make up a large part of the region's food.
Visitors can take trail walks along the coast or inland and visit protected areas such as the Ria Formosa lagoon and Vicentina Coast Natural Park.
Bird watching
The Algarve is home to 395 bird species, including seabirds, shorebirds, ducks, and birds of prey. Naturally, this makes the area a hotspot for lovers of all things nature.
Bird watching is popular throughout the region with large wetland areas such as Ria Formosaa particular lure.
Each autumn, thousands of birds, can be seen making their trans-Saharan migration.
This is one of the most important wetlands for aquatic birds, sheltering rare and threatened bird species.
There are more than 200 bird species here including the Greater Flamingo and the Grey Heron.
Another for birdwatching is the Vicentina Coast Natural Park, which is located along one of Europe's stunning coastlines.
Proactivetur organise bird watching and walking tours throughout the region.
Walking in the Algarve
There are many walking trails across the region with coastland or inland routes such as Fonte da Benémola, which passes through cane fields, and the more challenging Rota Vicentina.
This long hiking path stretches for nearly 450 km along one of the most beautiful and best-preserved coastal areas of Europe.
The trail has views over many of the region's favourite beaches, grottoes, rock formations and the Ponta da Piedade, one of the attractions of the Algarve, which is compared with the Twelve Apostles in Australia.
Portugal4U provides a variety of guided walks.
Viewpoints
The Algarve offers viewpoints across the coast and mainland, that can be reached through walking trails, bikes and some up a lot of stairs.
Foia in Monchique is the highest point of the Algarve, at 902 meters high and an 8-mile hike to the summit.
This unspoiled area has the lowest population density of the Algarve, with traditions still preserved, reflecting a more authentic and traditional side to the Algarve.
Another viewpoint is the Fortress of Santa Catarina in Portimão.
Built in the 17th century, it was one of the various forts built around this time to protect the area from raids of pirates.
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