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“I never object to repeating the same walk over and over,” stated Joana Almeida, crouching near a cluster of blossoms. “Each time, you can spot fresh discoveries – these blooms hadn’t been here previously.”

Growing on shoots at least 2cm high and adorning the ground with snowy flowers, the fact that these delicate blooms sprung up suddenly was a beautiful demonstration of how quickly things can regenerate in this rolling, central area of the Algarve, the public forest of Barão de São João.

It was also reassuring to find out that in an area affected by wildfires in the autumn, species such as strawberry trees – which are less flammable because of their minimal resin – were beginning to recover, alongside highly inflammable eucalyptus, which hinders other fire-retardant trees such as oak. Local helpers were being gathered to help with reforestation.

Tourist Statistics and Inland Interest

Visitor numbers to the Algarve are growing, with the current year registering an increase of 2.6% on the last year – but the bulk of visitors make a beeline for the beach, although there being far more to experience.

The beachfront is undoubtedly untamed and dramatic, but the area is also keen to promote the charm of its interior regions. With the establishment of throughout the year walking and cycling routes, plus the addition of ecological celebrations, focus is being drawn to these just as engaging vistas, featuring mountains and lush woodlands.

The Algarve Walking Season runs a series of five walking festivals with loose topics such as “aquatic elements” and “archaeology” between late autumn and early spring. It’s anticipated they will encourage explorers year round, boosting the area’s finances and helping stem the tide of the youth leaving in search of employment.

Creativity and The Outdoors Combine

Our visit to the national forest overlapped with a two-day event with the focus of “art”, based around the white-washed hamlet in the northwest of Barão de São João.

Along with organized treks, starting at the local hub, no-cost workshops ranged from learning how to make organic pigments, to drama classes, tai chi and drawing. There were two photography exhibitions on show together with a number of other family-oriented pastimes, such as nature hunts and making bird-feeders.

Prior to our informal daytime art printing session at the local venue, our stroll into the woods with Joana had the vibe of an creative path. Signposted at the beginning by monoliths painted with images of local farmers, it was decorated en route with compact, permanently placed stones illustrating types of animals, featuring spiny creatures and lynxes – the lynx’s numbers increasing, thanks to a rehabilitation centre based in the castle town of Silves.

Breathtaking Paths and Wild Splendor

As the route climbed to its summit, the menhir (ancient rock) on the Pedra do Galo path, it became more densely vegetated with the aromatic fragrance of conifer. There was a fullness to the breeze and firm, golden-colored bubbles protruded from bark. Limestone glistened on the ground and tiny toads sat by pool margins, necks throbbing. In the distance, wind turbines rotated against the horizon.

Francisco Simões, our guide the subsequent day, was similarly enthusiastic to highlight that these interior zones can be experienced throughout the year. Signposted trails, created in recent years, are extensions of the Via Algarviana, a path that stretches from the border with Spain for a significant distance, continuously to the coast, and a lot are now tied to an application that makes navigation even easier.

Sustainable Travel and Artistic Opportunities

Francisco set up sustainable travel company Algarvian Roots in the recent past and offers activities from birdwatching to day-long led walks, all with the same aims as the AWS: to promote the area by way of immersion, learning and local understanding.

The artistic element is evident, also – his parent, artist Margarida Palma Gomes, had taught us to decorate azulejos, the iconic cerulean and ivory glazed tiles observed across the land, a couple of days before on a event class. Tours to her workshop, along with to a regional artist, can also be arranged through Algarvian Roots.

Francisco advised us to do our bit for the trade by consuming generous quantities of quality vintage sealed with cork

Following an delicious midday meal of local specialty and greens in A Charrette in Monchique, a pretty upland village bordered by the Algarve’s most elevated summits, the tall Fóia and high Picota, Francisco guided us down sharply cobbled streets and into a side lane, where an senior duo relaxed in the sun at the entrance of their house.

A inclined path guided us into the forest, the earth covered in tree seeds. At this spot, Francisco was keen to show us protected species, Portugal’s national tree and safeguarded by law since the 13th century. Not just are they naturally fire-resistant, but their pliable bark is a means of income for locals, who harvest it to sell to other {industries|sectors