Explore the Best Nature Reserves in the Algarve
Wind-whipped sea cliffs, sandy islands, and biologically rich wetlands set the stage for wide-ranging adventures in the Algarve. Southern Portugal has captivating destinations to explore, including these top five nature reserves.
One thing to keep in mind: there isn’t much shade here. Be sure to pack ample sun protection (hat, sunglasses, heavy-duty sunscreen) and consider going early in the morning or late in the afternoon to beat the worst of the heat – which is incidentally the best time for wildlife viewing.
Stunning Coastal Walks at Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina
Nature’s might and beauty reach a crescendo as the Atlantic crashes into soaring cliffs along the western Algarve. Craggy headlands, lone lighthouses, and wild, windswept beaches dot this dramatic coastal reserve running from east of Sagres all the way up to Porto Covo in the Alentejo.
Surfers flock to the great waves near tiny villages like Carrapateira and Aljezur. Hikers come to traverse a section – or the entirety – of the Trilho dos Pescadores. This 227km (141 miles) trail is one part of the Rota Vicentina and offers some of the best hiking in the Algarve.
Visitors also come to experience the landscape, which is home to unique plant and animal species, including otters and white storks, which build nests along the coastal cliffs.
Getting to Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina: The N-120 and N-268 provide access to the Algarve section of the reserve. It’s advisable to have a good map handy, however, to arrive at well-hidden beaches like rocky Praia da Barradinha and cliff-backed Praia da Arrifana.
Spot Unique Bird Species at Parque Natural da Ria Formosa
The less-visited eastern Algarve harbors many surprises, including the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, a vast protected area of barrier islands, tidal flats, and undeveloped beaches. Visitors can kayak through calm waters, watch ospreys soaring overhead, or walk along smooth trails past prime habitats for unique species like the purple swamphen.
This park is also ideal for cycling, with wide-level paths allowing you to cover more distance than you could by foot. Several islands, including Faro, Barreta, Culatra, Armona, and Tavira, are part of the reserve.
Reserva Natural Ria de Alvor: Family-Friendly Nature Walks
While lacking the drama of crashing waves, the Reserva Natural Ria de Alvor offers quiet beauty with mudflats, sandbanks, and marshy areas. It’s a draw year-round for birdwatching and other wildlife sightings. Spring and fall are particularly good times to view unusual species like the purple heron.
Boardwalk paths provide easy access across the wetlands, making this 1500-hectare (3706-acre) reserve a good option for visitors with limited mobility. Additionally, there are dirt trails that lead to the beach of Praia de Alvor, making it a great destination for families.
Reserva Natural Caminho da Baleeira: Nature Escape Near Albufeira
Even in busy areas of the Algarve, nature escapes can be found. Just west of Albufeira, clifftop paths wind through the compact (and unmarked) Reserva Natural Caminho da Baleeira. Enjoy breezy views while hiking the rocky terrain down to secluded beaches like Praia do Arrifão.
Reserva Natural do Sapal de Castro Marim e Vila Real de Santo António: Ideal for Birdwatchers
Inland from Vila Real de Santo António, you’ll find a landscape of marshlands, creeks, and canals, along with salt pans still in use today. This area is perfect for spotting storks, black-winged stilts, and flamingos, while also providing insight into centuries of human presence in this region of Portugal.
