Portugal’s Year-Round Playground

From surfing Atlantic breakers, to exploring hidden creeks and valleys, autumn in the Algarve has all the excitement of summer, just without the crowds.

The Algarve in southern Portugal is idyllic during autumn, with sunny days and temperatures a comfortable 18-23°C. With that in mind, Algarve Tourism has compiled a list of essential experiences for the autumn months, where you’ll discover new walking routes, uncovering an alternative side to the region and its many hidden gems. Autumn is a great time to see the migratory birds that flock to the region as showcased at the popular Bird Watching Festival, plus foodies will love the Sweet Potato Festival in Aljezur, an off-the-beaten-path town in the north of the region.

Perfect weather for walking

Demon’s Creek Walkway is a new hiking route located in the hills of Monchique offering visitors access to unique sites that have been previously inaccessible, as well as incredible scenery and stunning nature. The suspension bridge, a highlight on the route crosses the gorge known as Barranco do Demo and provides an excellent view of the surrounding landscape. The wooden walkway is part of a wider pedestrian route that connects the village of Alferce to Cerro do Castelo de Alferce.

Keen walkers should also head to the western coast where the Costa Vicentina is among Europe’s last coastal wilderness, with no big developments and very few urban areas. The national park extends north up the edge of Portugal and Rota Vicentina, where an association of 200 local businesses has introduced 750km of hiking trails and 1,000km of rural cycling routes to enjoy. Protected by strict environmental laws, this is one of the best-preserved coasts in the Algarve. Hikers can create their own combination of the three trails, the Historical Way, Fishermen’s Trail, and the 24 Circular routes.

A stage for nature

From 3-6 October, be sure to visit Sagres for the annual Birdwatching Festival. A hotspot for biodiversity, Sagres is a verdant region in the western point of the Algarve, and one of the main crossing points in Portugal for migratory birds, en-route to their final destinations in Africa. In previous years, 169 species were seen during the festival such as the Lanner Falcon, the Rüppell’s Vulture, the Red-breasted Flycatcher, the Yellow-browed Warbler and much more.

As explored in the previous pages, cruising around Ria Formosa Natural Park is the perfect way to switch off and unwind as you admire the breath-taking nature that surrounds you. This maze of canals, islands, marshes, and barrier islands, stretching 60km along the Algarve coast is also a beautiful spot for nature watching.

For foodies

The town of Aljezur in the north west of the region is once again hosting its much-anticipated Sweet Potato Festival in November. The unique event dedicated to celebrate and highlight the local Lyra variety which makes the borough’s sweet potatoes such a sought-after product. Expect cooking demonstrations, sweet competitions, stalls selling regional products, and musical entertainment.

For more great food, embark on a short boat ride to Estaminé, a secret treasure of a restaurant, serving up fresh seafood with 360° views of the Ria Formosa and the Atlantic. Nestled on a picturesque, deserted island just off the coast of Faro, Estaminé is a real local’s secret. The restaurant prides itself on its commitment to sustainability, utilising solar energy to power the entire infrastructure and their very own drinking water production plant. (See previous pages for more on Estaminé.)

Atlantic gems

After the hot summer months, the sea temperature is at its highest in the Autumn, making this is a great time to enjoy a swim on a secluded beach. Here are two beauties for you to check out: Praia do Carvalho beach in Lagoa is a little gem located between Porches and Carvoeiro. Anticipation grows on the approach, as the beach is accessed through a tunnel dug into the rock. Parking is available nearby.

Praia do Paraíso beach in Carvoeiro or Paradise beach deserves its name. To reach this pretty little cove, head down the long staircase down the cliff. At high tide the size of the beach is reduced, but it’s still a wonderful spot for a swim in the crystal clear waters.

Take to the water

A breathtaking guided Kayak tour with Blue Fleet in Ponta De Piedade will navigate you through a labyrinth of caves, arches, rock formations and secret beaches, allowing you to discover the beauty of the Portuguese coastline at sea level. And you’ll be free to soak in all the beauty as an experienced guide gives you the necessary tips and techniques to navigate your kayak safely through the caves.

And finally, with its emerald waters and crashing waves, the Algarve reigns as one of Europe’s great surfing spots. If you want to ride a wave or two, Freeride Surf School in Sagres, the most south-western point in Portugal, is the perfect choice for your surf holiday. From group lessons to private lessons or surf guides, the surf school has the best team of professionals for surfers of any skill level.

Further information – https://visitalgarve.pt/