5 of the Algarve's best hiking festivals for all seasons

James Draven

James Draven

The Algarve, Portugal's sun-drenched southernmost region, is renowned across Europe for its stunning coastline.

Explore the beauty of the Algarve through its hiking festivals
Explore the beauty of the Algarve through its hiking festivals © Kristof Bellens - Shutterstock.com

Step beyond its golden beaches, however, and the Algarve* offers charming villages, spectacular nature, artistic communities, and rich cultural heritage, all of which can best be experienced through the Algarve's annual hiking festivals.

With something for walkers of all levels, whether traversing historical paths, engaging with local creatives or immersing yourself in the region's traditions, the Algarve's hiking festivals provide unforgettable adventures.

Take a look at our five favourite hiking festivals in the Algarve, each offering a distinct theme through a specific lens.

Getting to the Algarve: find great value breaks to the Algarve with Jet2holidays*, which offers breaks across the region.

Santa Bárbara de Nexe Walking Festival

  • When: 7 to 9 February 2025

In the heart of the Algarve lies the inland village of Santa Bárbara de Nexe, which will host its inaugural walking festival in early February 2025.

This much-anticipated event celebrates the rural beauty and cultural heritage of the Algarve's Barrocal region, offering participants guided walks through historical trails that weave past ancient churches, windmills and local artisans' workshops.

The festival aims to immerse walkers in the authentic Algarvian lifestyle, with opportunities to sample regional delicacies and enjoy traditional poetry and Fado music performances en route.

Top tips

February in the Algarve is mild, with daytime temperatures rising to highs of around 15°C or 16°C. While generally pleasant, it's advisable to wear layers to accommodate cooler mornings and evenings.

Early spring brings blooming almond trees and a variety of wildflowers. Birdwatchers may spot species such as the azure-winged magpie and the Sardinian warbler.

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Maximum daytime temperature °C
15°C maximum daytime temperature in January in Santa Barbara de Nexe15
16°C maximum daytime temperature in February in Santa Barbara de Nexe16
18°C maximum daytime temperature in March in Santa Barbara de Nexe18
19°C maximum daytime temperature in April in Santa Barbara de Nexe19
22°C maximum daytime temperature in May in Santa Barbara de Nexe22
25°C maximum daytime temperature in June in Santa Barbara de Nexe25
28°C maximum daytime temperature in July in Santa Barbara de Nexe28
29°C maximum daytime temperature in August in Santa Barbara de Nexe29
27°C maximum daytime temperature in September in Santa Barbara de Nexe27
23°C maximum daytime temperature in October in Santa Barbara de Nexe23
19°C maximum daytime temperature in November in Santa Barbara de Nexe19
16°C maximum daytime temperature in December in Santa Barbara de Nexe16
Hours of sunshine (daily)
Days with some rainfall
9 days with some rainfall in January in Santa Barbara de Nexe9
11 days with some rainfall in February in Santa Barbara de Nexe11
8 days with some rainfall in March in Santa Barbara de Nexe8
9 days with some rainfall in April in Santa Barbara de Nexe9
5 days with some rainfall in May in Santa Barbara de Nexe5
3 days with some rainfall in June in Santa Barbara de Nexe3
1 day with some rainfall in July in Santa Barbara de Nexe1
1 day with some rainfall in August in Santa Barbara de Nexe1
2 days with some rainfall in September in Santa Barbara de Nexe2
8 days with some rainfall in October in Santa Barbara de Nexe8
10 days with some rainfall in November in Santa Barbara de Nexe10
12 days with some rainfall in December in Santa Barbara de Nexe12
Sea temperature °C
16°C sea temperature in January in Santa Barbara de Nexe16
15°C sea temperature in February in Santa Barbara de Nexe15
16°C sea temperature in March in Santa Barbara de Nexe16
16°C sea temperature in April in Santa Barbara de Nexe16
17°C sea temperature in May in Santa Barbara de Nexe17
19°C sea temperature in June in Santa Barbara de Nexe19
21°C sea temperature in July in Santa Barbara de Nexe21
21°C sea temperature in August in Santa Barbara de Nexe21
21°C sea temperature in September in Santa Barbara de Nexe21
20°C sea temperature in October in Santa Barbara de Nexe20
19°C sea temperature in November in Santa Barbara de Nexe19
17°C sea temperature in December in Santa Barbara de Nexe17

The above guide shows the climate in Santa Bárbara de Nexe.

Caminheiros - Border Experiences

  • When: 7 to 9 March 2025

Taking place between the picturesque town of Alcoutim in Portugal* and Sanlúcar de Guadiana in Spain, the Caminheiros festival explores the unique relationship between the communities along the Guadiana River, which forms the natural border between the two countries.

Participants can enjoy cross-border hikes that highlight the shared history, traditions, natural beauty and gastronomic heritage of the region, including visits to ancient castles and local markets.

Hilltop Alcoutim and view across the Guadiana River
Hilltop Alcoutim and view across the Guadiana River © Dudlajzov - Adobe Stock Image

Through a wide range of activities, from hikes along historic trails and stunning landscapes to themed routes that explore astronomy, botany and ancient history, the festival fosters a sense of unity and cultural exchange, with something for all interests and fitness levels.

In addition to the walks, the festival offers complementary experiences such as boat trips, workshops on ancestral practices and tastings of local dishes.

Top tips

March sees daytime temperatures rising to the high teens (°C). It's a comfortable time for hiking, but occasional showers are possible, so packing a light raincoat is recommended.

The riverbanks are lush with greenery and you might well encounter otters, kingfishers, and a variety of freshwater fish.

Walking Festival Ameixial

  • When: 25 to 28 April 2025

The Walking Festival Ameixial is one of the Algarve's most storied hiking events. Held for the first time in 2013, it returns this year in late April.

Set in the quiet village of Ameixial, in the municipality of Loulé, this festival is inspired by the ancient 'Escrita do Sudoeste', or 'Southwest Script', which is one of the earliest forms of writing in the Iberian Peninsula, and an important element of the Serra region's heritage.

White-washed church in Ameixial, Algarve, Portugal
White-washed church in Ameixial, Algarve, Portugal © Chris Willemsen - Adobe Stock Image

Trails lead participants through rolling hills and verdant valleys, with informative sessions on the region's archaeological, ethnographic and architectural significance, and themed walks related to local history, such as the Southwest Writing Walk.

Evening events include local gastronomy tastings and folk music, providing a holistic cultural experience.

Top tips

By late April, daytime temperatures normally reach into the low twenties (°C) during the day. Days are typically sunny, but it's wise to carry sun protection and stay hydrated.

This period is ideal for witnessing a vibrant display of wildflowers, including orchids and lavender. The area is also home to butterflies and various bird species.

Barão de São João Walk & Art Fest

  • When: 7 to 9 November 2025

In the artistic village of Barão de São João, this festival combines hiking with art. Accessible to hikers of various fitness levels, there are 25 pieces of art, created by 17 local artists, waiting to be discovered on the 1.5 km walking route around the village and the nearby forest. Installations are hidden around every corner, creating an open-air gallery amid nature.

Expect to see fields of wildflowers, such as marigolds
Expect to see fields of wildflowers, such as marigolds © Mauro Rodrigues - Adobe Stock Image

Meanwhile, there are no fewer than 48 hiking trails to experience, 14 activities for children to enjoy and 22 arts and crafts workshops and interactive sessions that let you engage with the creative community. The Walk & Art Fest is truly a festival to stimulate both body and mind.

Top tips

In early November, daytime temperatures will typically rise into the low twenties (°C). While generally mild, early mornings and evenings can be cooler, so layering is advisable.

Late autumn brings a different palette, with the landscape showcasing hues of gold and red. Mushroom foraging is popular, and the forests are alive with the sounds of migratory birds.

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Maximum daytime temperature °C
15°C maximum daytime temperature in January in Praia Da Luz15
16°C maximum daytime temperature in February in Praia Da Luz16
17°C maximum daytime temperature in March in Praia Da Luz17
18°C maximum daytime temperature in April in Praia Da Luz18
20°C maximum daytime temperature in May in Praia Da Luz20
23°C maximum daytime temperature in June in Praia Da Luz23
25°C maximum daytime temperature in July in Praia Da Luz25
25°C maximum daytime temperature in August in Praia Da Luz25
25°C maximum daytime temperature in September in Praia Da Luz25
22°C maximum daytime temperature in October in Praia Da Luz22
18°C maximum daytime temperature in November in Praia Da Luz18
16°C maximum daytime temperature in December in Praia Da Luz16
Hours of sunshine (daily)
Days with some rainfall
9 days with some rainfall in January in Praia Da Luz9
11 days with some rainfall in February in Praia Da Luz11
7 days with some rainfall in March in Praia Da Luz7
9 days with some rainfall in April in Praia Da Luz9
5 days with some rainfall in May in Praia Da Luz5
2 days with some rainfall in June in Praia Da Luz2
1 day with some rainfall in July in Praia Da Luz1
1 day with some rainfall in August in Praia Da Luz1
3 days with some rainfall in September in Praia Da Luz3
9 days with some rainfall in October in Praia Da Luz9
10 days with some rainfall in November in Praia Da Luz10
11 days with some rainfall in December in Praia Da Luz11
Sea temperature °C
16°C sea temperature in January in Praia Da Luz16
15°C sea temperature in February in Praia Da Luz15
15°C sea temperature in March in Praia Da Luz15
16°C sea temperature in April in Praia Da Luz16
17°C sea temperature in May in Praia Da Luz17
18°C sea temperature in June in Praia Da Luz18
20°C sea temperature in July in Praia Da Luz20
20°C sea temperature in August in Praia Da Luz20
20°C sea temperature in September in Praia Da Luz20
19°C sea temperature in October in Praia Da Luz19
18°C sea temperature in November in Praia Da Luz18
17°C sea temperature in December in Praia Da Luz17

The above guide shows the climate in Praia de Luz.

Monchique Walking Festival

  • When: 29 November to 1 December 2025

Set in the mountainous region of Monchique, this festival is dedicated to the theme of water, featuring various walks and activities that emphasise the importance and preservation of this natural resource.

Trails guide hikers through lush forests, past streams and natural springs, and up to panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Algarve coastline.

Enjoy expansive views from the Monchique Mountains
Enjoy expansive views from the Monchique Mountains © Sergojpg - Adobe Stock Image

The festival also includes family and children's activities, creative workshops, theatrical performances, stargazing sessions, and wellness sessions such as yoga classes and visits to the local thermal spa, capitalising on Monchique's reputation for its healing waters.

Top tips

Late November sees slightly cooler temperatures, typically only reaching the mid-to-high teens (°C) during the day in these mountainous parts. While the days can be crisp, they are perfect for hiking. However, the region is known for its microclimate, so be prepared for sudden changes in weather.

The Monchique mountains are rich in biodiversity, with chestnut and cork oak forests. Wild boar and deer inhabit the area, and birdwatchers may spot eagles and owls.

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Maximum daytime temperature °C
14°C maximum daytime temperature in January in Monchique14
15°C maximum daytime temperature in February in Monchique15
16°C maximum daytime temperature in March in Monchique16
17°C maximum daytime temperature in April in Monchique17
20°C maximum daytime temperature in May in Monchique20
23°C maximum daytime temperature in June in Monchique23
26°C maximum daytime temperature in July in Monchique26
26°C maximum daytime temperature in August in Monchique26
25°C maximum daytime temperature in September in Monchique25
21°C maximum daytime temperature in October in Monchique21
17°C maximum daytime temperature in November in Monchique17
15°C maximum daytime temperature in December in Monchique15
Hours of sunshine (daily)
Days with some rainfall
10 days with some rainfall in January in Monchique10
11 days with some rainfall in February in Monchique11
8 days with some rainfall in March in Monchique8
10 days with some rainfall in April in Monchique10
5 days with some rainfall in May in Monchique5
3 days with some rainfall in June in Monchique3
1 day with some rainfall in July in Monchique1
1 day with some rainfall in August in Monchique1
3 days with some rainfall in September in Monchique3
9 days with some rainfall in October in Monchique9
10 days with some rainfall in November in Monchique10
12 days with some rainfall in December in Monchique12

The above guide shows the climate in Monchique.

Find out more about conditions in our complete guide to the climate in the Algarve.

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James Draven

James Draven

Posted on Wednesday 5th February 2025 in: Adventure Europe Nature

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