Freemaps

In what is one of the heartlands of Lagos and the Algarve, there is much to explore, from art, hiking and even mountain biking.

Ria de Alvor is one of the best places for bird watching in west side of the Algarve.

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The Salgados Lagoon (Lagoa dos Salgados), in the municipality of Albufeira, is a shallow aquatic and coastal ecosystem. It also comprises the system of dunes of Praia Grande, a pine forest and the marshland of Alcantarilha.

The Ribeira de Quarteira Biodiversity Station is a circular route of 2 km, located near the Castle of Paderne, in the municipality of Albufeira.

This 6,7 Kms circular trail through the protected landscape of Rocha da Pena starts at the base of this rock, following a dirt road, in a sharp climb to the top of the site.

Paderne Castle, also known as Almóada Castle, is one of the 7 castles that appear on the Flag of Portugal, represented by the shields included in it.

The Natural Reserve of Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António is one of the most important wetlands in the country, it was the first natural reserve to be created in Portugal, in 1975.

The Ria Formosa Natural Park is a labyrinth of channels, islands, marshes and sandbars, which stretches along 60 km of the Algarve coast, between Faro and Manta Rota.

The Marim Environmental Education Center, at Ria Formosa Natural Park, has the exhibition "Ria Formosa" and has 5 additional exhibition spaces, covering topics such as the region's natural and cultural heritage, geo-morphology, lagoon dynamics, habitats, flora and fauna, with emphasis on the waterfowl and migrations, archaeology, history and economic activities in this protected area of 60 hectares.

Sítio das Fontes (Municipal Park of the Springs) is a unique natural area where numerous high-flow springs flow from the largest water table in the Algarve.

The Carvoeiro woden walkway, in the village of Carvoeiro, is a pedestrian path along the coast between the “Ermida” (small church) and “Algar Seco”.

The 7 Suspended Valleys trail is one of the most beautiful hiking trails in the Algarve, being done entirely along the coast, which will allow you to enjoy incredible views and points of interest such as the iconic Benagil cave.

Of the waterfalls in the Serra de Monchique (Monchique Mountain), the most imposing, due to the size of the gradient and volume of its flow, is the Cascata do Barbelote (Barbelote Waterfall), located next to an old abandoned village of the same name. Considered one of the greatest treasures of this mountain, it now enjoys car access from the Vale de Largo - Barbelote road. Let yourself be dazzled by the coolness and relax with the sound of the water, but don't venture too far. We do not recommend walking down to the waterfall. Its torrent of water rushes down from a high wall of rocky blocks, framed by lush vegetation. The surrounding hillside is covered with cork-oaks and strawberry trees.

The Fonte Férrea Park, located in a beautiful area at the foot of the Serra do Caldeirão and north of the village of Alportel, is a natural park that invites you to enjoy nature.

The trail of Ribeira de Alportel is a journey through the natural and cultural heritage of this county.

The Arade Dam is a water reservoir and a very beautiful natural area that invites you to visit.

The Funcho Dam is a water reservoir and a very beautiful natural area that invites you to visit.

The Forest Perimeter of Mata de Conceição de Tavira is a natural area, located just 5 km from the coast and has an area of 457 hectares.

The pedestrian route “On the slopes of Raposeira” has a historical character, as the Infante Dom Henrique lived in Raposeira, the main driver of Portuguese expansion, the so-called era of Portuguese discoveries.