What is the Algarve Walking Season? Answer: A series of five walking festivals held between November and April, focusing on themes like water and archaeology to attract visitors to the region's inland areas.

A series of five walking festivals held between November and April, focusing on themes like water and archaeology to attract visitors to the region's inland areas.

How are cork trees important in the Algarve? Answer: Cork trees are legally protected and their bark provides income through harvesting for industries like wine making and construction, while also being fire-resistant.

Cork trees are legally protected and their bark provides income through harvesting for industries like wine making and construction, while also being fire-resistant.

What types of art activities are offered in Barão de São João? Answer: Activities include learning to make natural inks, theatre workshops, sketching, photography exhibitions, and screen-printing sessions.

Activities include learning to make natural inks, theatre workshops, sketching, photography exhibitions, and screen-printing sessions.

Home / Lifestyle / Algarve's Wild Heart: Beyond the Beach Beckons

Algarve's Wild Heart: Beyond the Beach Beckons

27 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Algarve's inland areas offer year-round attractions beyond beaches.
Walking festivals in November to April promote local culture and economy.
Cork tree harvesting faces challenges from modern wine closures.

Algarve's Wild Heart: Beyond the Beach Beckons

The Algarve region is actively promoting its lesser-known inland areas, rich with woodlands and traditional villages, to attract visitors throughout the year. Initiatives like the Algarve Walking Season offer themed festivals from November to April, featuring guided hikes, art workshops, and cultural events designed to boost the local economy and encourage year-round tourism.

The region's natural beauty is being showcased through dedicated hiking and cycling trails, some linked to a navigation app. These efforts highlight the resilience of the landscape, with native species like cork trees beginning to regenerate after forest fires, although the future of cork harvesting faces uncertainty due to changing industry practices.

Cultural programs integrate art, nature, and local traditions, such as the annual magusto festival featuring roasted chestnuts. By encouraging exploration of these inland gems, the Algarve aims to provide authentic experiences that celebrate local life and culture, offering a compelling alternative to its popular coastal attractions.

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