Published on November 29, 2025
Traditionally known for its coastal attractions, the Algarve is now revealing its inland treasures to offer a richer and more varied travel experience. With year-round hiking trails, vibrant cultural festivals and breathtaking natural landscapes, the region is redefining tourism. By highlighting its forests, picturesque villages and unique traditions, the Algarve aims to attract visitors all year round and offer a refreshing alternative to the beach-oriented travel experience. These initiatives not only promote sustainable tourism, but also contribute to the preservation of the local economy and cultural heritage.
Portugal's Algarve, traditionally known for its sun-drenched beaches, is taking a new approach to tourism. A number of walking festivals and cultural programs illuminate the region's inland areas, offering a refreshing alternative to the beach experiences that attract most visitors. These initiatives aim to encourage tourists to explore the Algarve's charming villages and vast forests all year round, helping to diversify the region's tourism offering.
Tourism in the Algarve is growing steadily, with a 2.6% increase in visitors in 2024. However, most tourists continue to flock to the coast, leaving the inland treasures largely untouched. While the Algarve's beaches are undeniably fascinating with their dramatic cliffs and sandy coves, the region's inland areas offer rich cultural experiences and breathtaking natural landscapes. To promote these hidden gems, the Algarve has developed a network of year-round hiking and cycling trails, complemented by nature festivals that encourage visitors to explore the coast beyond the coast. The Algarve Walking Season (AWS), for example, organizes five walking festivals from November to April on different themes such as “water” and “archaeology”. These events aim to promote a deeper connection to the region, benefiting both tourists and locals by boosting the local economy and helping to address youth migration by providing local employment opportunities.
During our visit to the Barão de São João National Forest, an area recently hit by forest fires in September, we witnessed nature's remarkable resilience. The forest, home to fire-resistant species like the strawberry tree, is beginning to regenerate thanks to volunteers helping with rewilding. During our walk, our guide pointed out the Starflowers of Bethlehem that had bloomed overnight – an inspiring sign of the rapid recovery of this unique landscape. This experience highlighted the importance of preserving and promoting the Algarve's inland areas, which are often neglected in favor of coastal towns.
The walk itself felt like an art trail, with standing stones marking the start of the journey, each painted with images of traditional agricultural life. Along the route, smaller stones depicted local wild animals, including hedgehogs and lynxes. The latter species, which is being actively rehabilitated by a conservation center in the nearby town of Silves, symbolized ongoing efforts to protect the region's biodiversity. As we ventured up to the highest point of the trail, where the menhir (menhir) stands on the Pedra do Galo trail, the thick vegetation gave way to the fresh scent of the pine trees and the amber glow of the tree sap. The path offered a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and in the distance, wind turbines spun steadily in the wind.
The following day, our guide Francisco from the ecotourism company Algarvian Roots took us deeper into the inland landscapes of the Algarve. Francisco, who founded his company in 2020, is passionate about promoting the region's natural beauty and cultural heritage through immersive and educational experiences. Its tours, which range from birdwatching to full-day guided hikes, reflect the same goals as the AWS: to connect visitors to the region while promoting sustainable tourism practices. During our visit to the nearby mountain town of Monchique, we learned about the famous cork oaks that grow in the region. These fire-resistant trees are vital to the local economy as their bark is harvested for use in industries such as wine production and construction. However, the cork industry faces challenges due to market changes and the decline of traditional harvesting skills. Francisco emphasized the importance of supporting the cork industry through the enjoyment of cork wine, which we were happy to oblige.
In Monchique, which lies at the foot of the Algarve's highest peaks – Fóia and Picota – a traditional festival called “Magusto”, a chestnut festival, took place every November. As we entered the city, we were greeted by lively sounds of music and the warm scent of roasted chestnuts. The streets were full of people from multiple generations gathering around fire pits and enjoying freshly roasted chestnuts, local wine and chestnut liqueur. The atmosphere was fun and authentic, offering a glimpse into the strong sense of community that thrives in the inland villages of the Algarve.
This festival, along with the many cultural programs and walking festivals, serves as a reminder of the Algarve's rich heritage beyond its beaches. For those looking to explore inland, the region offers a wealth of experiences – from hiking through lush forests to taking part in traditional cultural festivals to interacting with local artisans. The Algarve's inland treasures are waiting to be discovered, offering visitors the opportunity to connect with the land and its people in a way that goes beyond the typical coastal holiday.
Through initiatives such as AWS, the Algarve promotes sustainable tourism by highlighting its diverse landscapes and cultural riches. Visitors are encouraged to experience the Algarve in a more meaningful way and develop a deeper connection with the history, traditions and people of the region. By leveraging these inland experiences, the Algarve is redefining its tourism model, encouraging exploration, conservation and cultural exchange. Whether through hiking festivals, protecting forests or celebrating local traditions, the Algarve inland offers a year-round experience that will captivate nature lovers, culture seekers and adventure seekers alike.
