'Is this the same Algarve', you may ask, 'as the Algarve of high-rise hotels, fine beaches and a coastline so famous that there is no need to look further?' Such is the beauty of the coastline, that few visitors look for more but the Andersons did. They say, 'we found a countryside full of interest and beauty, quietly awaiting discovery. From flowers and fountains, hilltops and history, to windmills and water-mills, we can set your feet wandering to find them all. There are car tours, too, to get you out and about, searching out little-known points of interest-like the huge rose compass (rosa dos ventos) on the barren promontory of Sagres, where Prince Henry the Navigator founded his school of navigation, or the Moorish castle and old Roman bridge at Paderne.
But don't think for one moment that we have turned our backs on and ignored the beautiful and rugged western coastline. Wherever it is still unspoilt and free from development, we have incorporated it into a walk.'
Area covered: from the western coast east as far as the Spanish border and north to include the area around Monchique.
The best months for walking are March to May or September and October, but regular visitors enjoy walks throughout the winter as well.
Where to stay: the possibilities are endless - if you will have a hire car you can choose any of the coastal resorts or if you prefer an inland base, Monchique would make a good choice. If you will be relying on public transport, however, choose one of the main towns such as Albufeira, Faro, Lagos or Portimao for convenient access to buses and trains.
4 car tours, 68 long and short walks, 20 picnic suggestions
Plan of Faro
136 pages + touring map
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