Algarve Reviews

Barril beach is found in the Ria Forma natural park. It is an island that requires a short walk over part of the Ria via a bridge. Once on the other side of the bridge you can either walk along the approximately one KM path or take a small tourist train. Once at the beach there is an extensive boardwalk system designed to protect the natural sand dunes and vegetation. There is this really neat display of anchors and a VERY organized little town with restaurants and gift shops. To see more on this beach and the area click on the VIDEO Below

Barril Beach VIDEO

This was a very nice hike found in the eastern Algarve, just north of Castro Marin. The hiking trail (which you will know you are on by the red and yellow strips found on all kinds of things) starts in a little town of Azinhal. Look for the big board showing the path (see video) and right behind you is the road you take to start the path. Just keep looking for the path markers (examples show in video) the path is 7.5 km long and is a good mix of flat, downhill and uphill. I guess you can go two ways - meaning our end could be your beginning. The way we took resulted in a fairly big uphill incline near the end of the trail. The views were beautiful and it was very peaceful. Enjoy the video to see more !!! (SEE BELOW)

Azinhal Hike VIDEO

Via Algarviana is a 240 km walking path that runs the entire length of the Algarve starting in Alcoutim and ending at Cabo St.Vincent. You can do the walk in smaller trail paths if you wish. The whole trail is broken down into 14 sectors and goes through interesting and quaint towns offering accommodation and dining if you wish to stop and for stay the night.The Algarve is beautiful, but hiking through the mountains and visiting these little towns will give you a WHOLE different perspective and a great workout at the same time 

We spoke with a director of the program Joao, watch and learn a little more on the Via Algarviana !!

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Information Video

We documented several aspects of one of Portugal biggest export products. Portugal is responsible for the most cork distribution in the world. We went out to the hills and saw the cork piles, we learned about it’s history, how often cork is harvested, how long the trees live. Then we saw cork being transformed into stoppers for champagne in the factory. We also discovered that cork can be used to make MANY other things then bottle stoppers !!

Here are two videos that will give you a better insight into the whole cork production business…enjoy !

History, Museum and Cork in Nature Video

The making of cork products Video

YES THERE IS A NETVISION CHANNEL THAT COVERS EVERYTHING ALGARVE ON VIDEO !

Looking to see Algarve Beaches from the west to east coast - go check it out !

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Therapy comes in many ways here. You can stay at one of the resorts that dot the area and get the total treatment or if you can’t afford that you can just walk around town and take in the absolute beauty and tranquility. It is really just a tucked away little haven that lies just south of the town of Monchique. The town is not very big so walking it’s entirety shouldn’t take more then a couple of hours. It makes for a great stop for lunch. The surroundings are super lush, it really feels so relaxed. The area was originally founded by the Romans primarily because of the thermal springs in the area, make sure you take a walk through the park and listen to the trickle of the stream and get the smell of the eucalyptus.
It’s hard to do it justice here, you will have to come and see it for yourself !
In the meantime here’s a little video to wet your whistle so to speak

Caldes de Monchique VIdeo

I took a journey up through the winding roads that lead to the highest point in the Algarve called Foia Peak at 902 meters. The drive is very pretty and the smell of eucalyptus from the many tress that line the highway is amazing. The views once at the top are fantastic. We ran into a couple herds of cow and goats that day, the cows delayed our drive on one of the smaller roads we took while exploring the mountain but I didn’t mind, it was kinda fun just sitting there watching the train of cattle go by. The vegetation changes quite drastically once at the top.
There is a gift shop and cafe at the top as well so if your feeling peckish don’t worry. I would definitely recommend you make a stop in the town of Monchique and the very pretty Caldas do Monchique as well, heck make whole a day of it. Check out the video and watch the adventures and cattle, and of course the views

Foia Peak Video

If your looking for peace, tranquility, beauty, nature, birds … well the list goes on… then head over to the Ria Formosa. It located in the Faro district and extends over to Tavira. Primarily it is a system of barrier islands that mixes with the sea through 6 inlets. Five inlets are natural a 6th one is an artificial inlet that was opened with the purpose of allowing easier access to the port of Faro.
Part of the system is a Natural Park but Ria Formosa also has a very important role in the region’s economy. The Ria is a popular tourist attraction but it also supports other economic activities like seafood farms.
It is quite a large area over 170 km² and a stopping place for hundreds of different birds during the spring and autumn migratory periods. I was lucky enough to take a tour of the Formosa with Ricardo, come check out my journey !!

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Ria Formosa Tour Video

In case you didn’t already know the Guadiana River is what divides Portugal from Spain.
If you happen to be staying or visiting the extreme east of the Algarve I highly suggest you take a drive up the river from the southern towns of Vila Real, Castro Marim or Monte Gordo. Taking the N122 north toward Alcoutim it’s a great day trip. Firstly the drive is super pretty and peaceful, you can even take a hike in the area if you wish. It’s not a long drive about 40 km. Stop in Alcoutim for lunch and maybe stop in a the very well resorted Alcoutim Castle which also has a archeological museum. Great views from up there as well ! Alcoutim is pretty small but lunch by the river is a nice way to spend the afternoon.

Guadiana River Video

Well I did the hiking while I only watched the Mountain climbing
Yes the hike was great, and apparently the mountain climbing is too! Along my decent down from the mountain I saw about 20 different climbers. It was a perfect mid fall day, the temperature was about 20 degrees, calm and clear. The views when I climbed to the top were fantastic! Overall the hike was not too difficult and was about 7 km doing the whole circuit. When I finished the hike the sun was starting to set, the lighting was absolutely perfect, couldn’t ask for a better end to the day…really !!

Rocha Da Pena Video