The most beautiful parks and gardens Algarve

The Seven Suspended Valleys trail connects the beaches of Praia de Vale Centianes and Praia des Marinha by following the coast for 5.4 km. The landscape varies from pine forests, golden beaches and steep cliffs. Approach the abysses dug by erosion to hear the deafening roar of the sea and feel like you are in the bowels of the earth. Be careful, the path has few shaded areas, bring a cap and water. Possibility to eat at the start or on the beach of Benagil. Plan the day or a return by bus.

It would be a great omission not to visit the Ria Formosa Natural Park during a stay in the Algarve, and almost impossible, it must be said.... It has all the qualities for beautiful walks: pristine and sublime beaches, picturesque islands on which many fishermen have been settled for years, a unique ecosystem, a unique flora and population of atypical birds (observable especially in spring and autumn, during migration periods). Researchers from all over the world are interested in this area, studying the variation of currents and channels. Here, the dunes are not necessarily formed by the wind as is the case elsewhere....

It is in fact a large marsh that extends from Vale de Lobo to Tavira, covering the coasts of Quinta do Lago, Faro, Olhão, Fuzeta and Santa Luzia, among others. Recognized as a natural park since 1987, Ria Formosa extends over some 60 kilometres and covers just over 18,000 hectares. Dunes protect the coast and inland marshes from the roughness of the Atlantic Ocean, which, during severe storms, does not hesitate to wipe out some sandbanks with houses, as was the case in winter 2009-2010. The lagoon is much wider at Faro than at Tavira. The authorities recognize five islands: Barreta, Culatra, Armona, Tavira Island and Cabanas Island for those who want to feel alone in the world.

He alone deserves to be seen all over Europe. This park stretches over a little over 100 km, from Porto Covo in the Alentejo to Burgau, east of Sagres in the Algarve, at the very end of Europe. How can you remain insensitive to the character of its steep and severe cliffs, to its palette of colours as numerous as there are minutes of sunshine in a day, to the calm of its beaches? The white stork makes its nest here.

From the church overlooking the town, you will find a small pathway built on a wooden footbridge that will lead you to the caves of Algar Seco. Here the rock seems to have turned into clay to form caves and secret passages in the cliff. Two staircases allow you to go down to continue your exploration and listen to the waves crashing against the edge. Feel free to continue outside the official steps to discover other caves. You will find a small snack bar and toilets on the spot.

The wetland covers two thirds of the reserve, which covers 2,089 ha. The last third is occupied by hills and agricultural land. There are salt marshes where many migratory birds nest. Hiking trails allow you to discover some of the 180 species that make up the reserve, including the perna-longa (long black beak and long red legs). If you come early, flamingos are generally relatively easy to observe.