Walking in the Algarve

 I have below a list of wonderful walks all a short drive away from  Tranquil Escapes.  The walks are from a book called 'Algarve Let´s Walk' by Julie Statham.

1.   Back to Nature - A circular walk around the small nature reserve of Esteveira, a sand dune sanctuary on the west coast.  For lovers of plants a must.

2.   Is this really the Algarve - A walk along the Atlantic coast west of Aljezur where the sand dune system lies on top of 50 metre high cliffs. Many rare plants grow here.

3.   Cliff Tops and Beaches - The path between the villages of Salema and Luz is a great walk because it includes some of the best coastal views in the Algarve.

4.   A Bygone Age - The country-folk you will encounter along the way on this lovely walk north of Lagos still follow an age-old traditional way of life.

5.   The Barragem De Bravura - This large man-made lake in the heart of the rolling country side near Lagos provides a perfect setting for peaceful walking.

6.   From Here To Eternity - This circular walk high in the Serra de Monchique presents a modest challenge that will reward you with the most spectacular views.

7.   On Top Of The World - A moderately easy walk up to the summit of Picota, the second highest peak in the heavily wooded Serra de Monchique range.

8.   The Alvor Estuary - Home to a wide variety of shore birds, this area is protected by sandbanks where local fisherman collect shellfish at low tide.

9.   Between Two Rivers - Between the Arade and Boina rivers near Portimao, lies the Morgado de Arge and a walk which follows the Estuary before moving inland.

10. The Coastal Path - To many, Benagil to Albandeira is the most picturesque stretch of coastline in the whole of the Algarve. This is the view of picture postcards.

11. Hilltops and Orange Groves - A walk in the citrus-growing country side between Silves and Sao Bartolomeu de Messines gives an insight into the life in the hinterland.

12. Scents of the Algarve - Fragrance is in the air as you walk around Pico Alto, a limestone escarpment amid one of the Algarve´s most fertile inland areas.

13. Away From It All - Beginning well off the beaten track east of Paderne, this takes you along the Algibre river before climbing gently up on to the plateau.

14. Heart of the Algarve - A circular walk through the `Barrocal´ just to the East of Alte, described in guide books as `one of the prettiest villages in Portugal´.

15. A walk back in Time - From the village of Covoes north of Loule, along an ancient donkey track to the very small but active hamlet of Portela.

16. What a Corker - This takes you through countryside north of Soa Bras de Alportel where the cork oak dominates down to the Alportel river.

17. Woodland Wonderland - A circular walk around the countryside of Barranco Velho north of Loule, any area of verdant hills and valleys.

18. Rural Traditions - From a hamlet in the countryside north of Tavira, this walk follows the Zambujosa river valley where traditions still abound.

19. Castro Marim Reserve - A bird watchers paradise. Even those who can barely tell a duck from a gull have a good chance of spotting a flamingos.

20. An Old Frontier - A gentle stroll by the Guadiana river, which marks the battle-weary, now utterly tranquil border between Portugal and Spain.

Tranquil Escapes is pretty much in the middle of all of these fantastic walks.