Take a hike

Words: Cheryl Smith

WALK THIS way during the lambing season to see the sweet little lambs as the local shepherd follows this route to lead his flock to greener pastures. You will hear sounds of tinkling bells and barks from the sheep dogs as they rush around keeping the flock on track.

The Messines train station will connect you to this moderately easy circular 12.5-km trail. Starting from the village, follow the via Algarviana walking signs that will guide you to the start of the walking path that runs parallel to the railroad track that leads to Lisbon.

On the way to the Santa Ana ‘church hill’, the scenic trail takes you along the Funcho river, passing orange and clementine orchards. The large picture-tiled plaque on the hill reveals the army positions and the site where a field hospital was erected during the 1834 war known as the War of the Two Brothers, Pedro and Miguel, who were disputing the rightful claim of the royal throne.

The picnic table on the hillside is a welcoming sight for weary walkers to take a break and rest their legs. In this tranquil setting, it is hard to image the scenes of conflict, sacrifice and sorrow during the Portuguese Civil War that took place in these hills almost 200 years ago.

The walking route leading away from the church meanders downhill between lollipop shaped pine trees and connects again with a trail running along the river Funcho, where storks, egrets and herons can be seen wading along the shallow water’s edge.

Ancient times

Then there is the History Journey from Prehistory to the Middle Ages – the Archaeological Circuit of Vilarinha near the village of Vale Fuzeiros.

The 7km moderately difficult loop takes hikers across many interesting historical sites, and from the ridge a chance to enjoy sweeping views of Vale Fuzeiros, home of the red sandstone quarry. Many buildings and houses in this area are constructed from this material as were the four carved menhirs that date back to 6000–4500BC. The four menhirs are laid out northeast-southeast and are known as The Alignment of Vilarinha.

Ancient rock graves carved in the sandstone slabs have been found amongst the Mediterranean scrubland and are known as the Necropolis of Carrasqueira, Necropolis of Pedreirinha and Necropolis of Forneca - all dating back to the Early Middle Ages. A grave that comprises of a simple pit and covered with a slab is of the Visigothic period and can be found near Forneca Necropolis.

The Archaeology Museum in Silves is not far from Vale Fuzeiros and has many artefacts and information relating to this area.

The Cliff Top Walk

With the countless number of awards given and awesome mentions about Praia Falesia’s beauty and outstanding vistas it is of no surprise that I choose this cliff top trail as a walking route; it will reward you with jaw dropping photography opportunities, from the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, the green pine trees and the ochre cliffs that hug the fine golden sandy shores of Falésia beach.

Start this 16km moderate out-and-back trail from the boardwalk at the picturesque fishing village, Olhos d’Agua. Head east towards Vilamoura until the cliff view trail descends onto Praia do Barranco, just before the O Golfinho beach restaurant.

Once on the beach, allow the cool Atlantic waters to wash over your feet before heading back up the second wooden beach staircase that will lead up to a small café perched on the cliffs for a quick coffee. Continue along the clifftop trail as far as Praia dos Tomates where the trail naturally meets the beach again and will continue on this sandy stretch until you arrive at the welcoming Vilamoura Marina.

Interactive Nature Trail at Pico Alte

The EBIO trail network is a fun and interesting interactive nature trail for both children and adults to explore. Walkers are guided by flora and fauna images that appear on the nine information panels spread along the 2km path. The Biodiversity Station perched on Pico Alto hill, near S.B. Messines, marks the beginning of the discovery trail and the three windmills on top of the hill indicate the end.

Pictures on the informative boards encourage visitors to seek out a particular flower, tree or insect and add interest. Near the windmills is the newly-erected panoramic swing with a wooden seat wide enough for two. Swing up in the air and look down on the agriculture lands, scan the skies for birds and look due east towards Messines, a typical small Portuguese town, with an impressive 16th century church.

Historical and Cultural Trail

The trail at Sítio das Fontes, ‘Place of the Springs’, is surrounded by Mediterranean scrubland, marsh, agricultural lands and a lagoon.

An easy 2km walk from the train station, Estômbar, leads you to this idyllic natural family-friendly park that has a picnic area with shared BBQ facilities and a river beach that is very popular during the summer months.

The 1.3km flat loop park trail has informative signs sharing interesting facts about the natural and historical-cultural heritage of this area. On this trail are two restored watermills that were once used to

For many, joining a walking group led by an expert on the terrain is the way to discover new places, new sights and meet new people who share the same love for adventure. Get advice before you head off and always wear the right footwear and head cover crush grain into flour to bake bread in the traditional wooden oven that is still used today.

Families can enjoy some child-friendly activities after crossing the weir to the water holes to seek dragonflies and frogs, and from the small wooden jetty children can scan the waters for jumping fish. For the more energetic members of the family there’s an out-and-back 16.5km moderately easy hike, starting from the fontes and going along the banks of the Arade river and through vineyards before reaching the beautiful historic town of Silves.

The outdoor activity app, AllTrails, is a great source, but if you don’t want to worry about staying on track and having to constantly consult the trail map, joining a walking group is a real option.

Cheryl runs events at Figs on the Funcho, and specialises in walking holidays for small groups led by knowledgeable and enthusiastic local hiking guides. Find out more at figsonthefuncho.com | cheryl@ figsonthefuncho.com

Travel wth DirtEbikes for adventure without too much effort – the bikes do most of the heavy work for you. You do not need to be young and a regular at the gym to get the most out of the experience