While most European countries battle with cold, wet days and short daylight hours, winter walking in the Algarve is mostly sunny with pleasant temperatures. It might not be beach weather but the network of paths on the clifftops or inland provide some fantastic walking trails to stay fit and active during your winter walking getaway. We have selected some of our favourite trails that you can enjoy this winter in the sunny Algarve.
Winter walking in Ria Formosa Natural Park
Ludo Trail
Distance: 7km
Time: 2hr-2hr30mins
Difficulty: easy
Only a short bus ride from Faro centre this trail takes you through the wetlands of São Lourenço River in the Ria Formosa Natural Park. There is no shade so it can be a perfect option for sunny winter walking or in the summer arrive just before sunset. Stop at one of the bird hides located along the trail to spot some of the many bird species that live in the area. At the shallow waters you might even spot a flock of elegant flamingos as they search for their dinner. At low tide you can also spot fiddler crabs crawling in and out of their burrows in the mud. Finish your day at the nearby Praia de Faro with fresh seafood and refreshing drinks.
Coastal trails for winter walking on the south
Prai de Marinha to Praia Vale de Centeanes
Distance: 7km
Time: 2hr30min
Difficulty: easy
Also known as the Seven Hanging Valley Trail, this route is probably the most popular coastal trail in the Algarve. You can walk this anytime of the year, during the hot summer months you will have plenty of opportunity to stop for a refreshing swim at one of the sandy beaches. But the pleasant sunny winter days are just as perfect to enjoy this scenic clifftop walk. It is well-trodden and signposted route so you won’t need any navigation skills and can focus on the fine views of the turquoise water washed coast. It might be a short easy trail but allow plenty of time to peer down to sinkholes and admire spectacular rock arches and sea stacks.
Lagos to luz
Distance: 9km
Time:3hr
Difficulty: easy-medium
From Lagos take the boardwalk and admire the stunning yellow sea stacks, then further along the coast walk along the wind exposed cliffs with some fantastic views. Once again there are plenty of stunning sandy beaches to stop for a swim or enjoy some winter sunshine. At the end of the trail, you can treat yourself in one of the cafés and restaurants In Luz. And if you have some energy left you can even extend the route into a full day walk by continuing to Salema (another 12km) and return to Lagos by bus.
Costa Vicentina trails for winter walking
Cabo de São Vicente to Praia do Telheiro
Distance:8km
Time:2hr30min
Difficulty: easy
Once Cabo de São Vicente was believed to be the end of the known world. Standing on the wind-swept cliffs looking out to the endless ocean you might feel standing at the edge of earth. The south westernmost point of Europe is visited by many, but once you leave the lighthouse behind the west coast feels more remote and a lot less busy than the south coast. Follow the often-sandy path with excellent views to Telheiro Beach that is popular with surfers. You can watch the surfers as they ride wild waves from one of the many vantage points along the trail.
Winter walking in the Monchique
Barbelote waterfall trail
Distance:13.5km
Time:4hr30min
Difficulty: medium
Only about 30mins from the sweltering coast the air is cooler in the Monchique mountains all year around. This circular trail starts from the peak of Fóia the highest peak in the Algarve. There are two waterfalls along the trail and then the path traverses the terraced slopes with the abandoned settlement of Barbalote. The sunny winter days are perfect to enjoy the great views all the way to the coast.
It is easy to see why the Algarve is such a perfect place for winter walking. We can help you organise your trip to this wonderful region. Simply get in touch via email (trailnotesplanner@gmail.com). Alternatively you can find the detailed route description of these trails as well as 28 other fascinating trails in the new, updated Walking in the Algarve guidebook published by Cicerone Press in November 2025.
