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“I never object to repeating the identical walk again and again,” remarked our guide, bending next to a group of plants. “On every occasion, there are fresh discoveries – these flowers hadn’t been in this spot yesterday.”

Growing on stalks no less than two centimetres in height and starring the soil with snowy flowers, the reality that these delicate blooms emerged suddenly was a beautiful testament of how rapidly life can develop in this rolling, interior part of the Algarve, the protected woodland of Barão de São João.

It was also reassuring to discover that in an region ravaged by forest fires in September, species such as fire-resistant trees – which are less flammable due to their minimal resin – were starting to bounce back, in proximity to highly flammable eucalyptus, which hinders other fire-resistant trees such as oak. Local helpers were being enlisted to help with ecological restoration.

Visitor Statistics and Inland Attraction

Tourist arrivals to the Algarve are increasing, with the current year registering an growth of over two percent on the last year – but most arrivals head straight for the coast, even though there being a great deal more to explore.

The shoreline is certainly rugged and breathtaking, but the locale is also eager to highlight the attraction of its interior regions. With the creation of all-season trekking and mountain biking routes, along with the addition of nature festivals, interest is being directed to these equally compelling landscapes, including peaks and lush woodlands.

The Algarve Walking Season runs a program of five hiking events with broad subjects such as “water” and “archaeology” between the start of winter and early spring. It’s anticipated they will motivate visitors throughout the year, strengthening the area’s finances and aiding slow the exodus of younger generations departing in pursuit of opportunities.

Culture and The Outdoors Combine

The trip to the national forest overlapped with a two-day event with the focus of “expression”, centered on the white-washed community north-west of Barão de São João.

As well as led walks, departing from the community center, free events extended from learning how to make plant-based dyes, to drama classes, tai chi and artistic rendering. There were several image galleries available together with a number of other kid-focused pursuits, such as leaf safaris and crafting wildlife feeders.

Prior to our drop-in afternoon screen-printing class at the cultural centre, our walk into the forest with Joana had the feeling of an sculpture walk. Indicated at the outset by standing stones painted with images of traditional agricultural folk, it was studded throughout the path with more modest, fixed stones showing instances of animals, such as spiny creatures and wild cats – the latter’s population increasing, thanks to a rehabilitation centre located in the castle town of Silves.

Scenic Trails and Outdoor Splendor

As the path wound up to its highest point, the menhir (monolith) on the Pedra do Galo path, it became more thickly wooded with the aromatic fragrance of conifer. There was a ripeness to the atmosphere and firm, golden-colored globules swelled from bark. Chalky rock sparkled on the ground and minute amphibians perched by pool margins, necks throbbing. In the distance, wind turbines spun against the sky.

Francisco Simões, the local expert the following day, was again keen to point out that these inland areas can be experienced year-round. Signposted trails, created in recent years, are extensions of the Via Algarviana, a trail that extends from the Spanish boundary for a significant distance, all the way to the coast, and many are now linked to an app that makes wayfinding simpler.

Ecotourism and Artistic Activities

Francisco founded ecotourism outfit Algarvian Roots in a few years ago and organizes tours from avian observation to all-day led walks, all with the identical aims as the AWS: to showcase the locale by way of involvement, learning and cultural awareness.

The art connection is evident, too – his family member, artist Margarida Palma Gomes, had taught us to paint azulejos, the characteristic cerulean and ivory glazed tiles seen all over the nation, two days earlier on a event class. Tours to her workshop, as well as to a regional artist, can further be arranged through Algarvian Roots.

Francisco encouraged us to contribute for the sector by drinking generous quantities of good wine stoppered by cork

After an delicious midday meal of meat dish and greens in A Charrette in Monchique, a pretty hill settlement nestled between the Algarve’s tallest mountains, the 902-metre Fóia and high Picota, Francisco took us down precipitously stone-paved lanes and into a narrow path, where an older couple relaxed in the sun at the doorstep of their home.

A inclined track led us into the forest, the earth covered in oak nuts. At this spot, Francisco was eager to introduce us to cork trees, Portugal’s symbolic plant and legally protected since the medieval period. Not just are they inherently slow-burning, but their pliable covering is a source of revenue for locals, who collect it to market to other {industries|sectors