The Via Algarviana celebrates 15 years in May and, to mark the occasion, four new pedestrian routes will be inaugurated: three small routes in the municipalities of Albufeira, Loulé and Silves, and a connection to GR13, also in the municipality of Silves.

As explained by the Association for the Defense of Cultural and Environmental Heritage of the Algarve – Almargem, in a statement released, on April 28 an inaugural route will be made on one of the new small routes, the PR15 LLE – between the Barrocal and the Serra, which begins and ends in the village of Alte. This is the longest of the four new routes, with 17,60 km, but can be divided into two parts that can be traveled separately.

On May 12, the walk will take place on the PR5, Entre Aldeias, in Paderne (Albufeira), covering a distance of 7 km. On dates to be announced soon on the social networks of Via Algarviana, inaugural hikes will be carried out on the other two routes.

The PR2 SLV – Nos Passos do Património, with 16,30 km, allows you to discover the megalithic heritage of the Vale Fuzeiros area (municipality of Silves), in a landscape marked by the intense color of Silves sandstone.

The connection 12, a linear route of 7,30 km, starts very close to the Funcho dam (in the municipality of Silves) and allows walkers and cyclists to divide sector 9 of the Via Algarviana into two parts, making a small detour that takes them to Vale Fuzeiros. Along the way, panoramic views include the National Center for the Reproduction of the Iberian Lynx (CNRLI) and the reservoir of the Arade dam.

The new routes were created within the scope of the project “Via Algarviana – Pelos Caminhos do Património”, promoted by Associação Almargem, with co-financing from PDR 2020 – Rural Development Program 2014-2020 and Portugal 2020.

“These new routes represent more than just hiking trails,” says Anabela Santos, coordinator of Via Algarviana. “They are an opportunity to connect with the authentic soul of the Algarve, its people and its traditions. Ecotourism plays a fundamental role in preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the region, in addition to generating economic benefits for local communities.”

The management of the Via Algarviana is carried out by the Almargem Association in partnership with the municipalities through which the routes pass. The Association is committed to the preservation of the environment and the promotion of the sustainable development of the region.

Photography Almargem