The “Trail of the Headlands” coastal hiking path was inaugurated in 2018. Just like its sister trail, The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, this route offers stunning views of the unique seascape in southern Portugal. It’s our second favorite hike in the Algarve, bringing you close to dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and natural sculptures. While it might not make you feel like you’re walking on a cloud, it definitely feels heavenly.
The Trail of the Headlands follows the coast for 6 km, starting from the car park at Praia do Molhe near the mouth of the River Arade, and ending at Paraíso beach near Carvoeiro. However, the last part of the trail just before Carvoeiro is inaccessible due to unstable cliffs. In the video, I mistakenly mentioned that the trail starts in Portimão, but it actually starts from Praia do Molhe in Ferragudo, southeast of Portimão.
Although it’s not a circular walk, the trail and its magnificent views never get boring. You’ll cover over 300 vertical meters, and at the highest point, you’ll look down 49 meters into the crashing waves below. Allow 3-5 hours for the hike and bring food, water, and snacks, as there aren’t many restaurants open during the low season. However, we found that the oceanfront restaurant Rei das Praias at Praia dos Caneiros is open in winter. It’s only 500 meters from your car, and you can enjoy a meal, a warm cup of coffee, or a cool drink while reflecting on your hike.
The coastline in the Lagoa area is rugged, with steep cliffs leading down to the ocean. This landscape has been slowly shaped by rain, waves, and wind, creating a unique and beautiful terrain. The cape of Ponta do Altar extends 260 meters into the sea, and moving east, you’ll see a series of headlands alternating with rocky ravines, small beaches, and boulders from ancient landslides. The cliffs dominate the landscape, showcasing stunning geological formations.
These cliffs are carved in a limestone massif from the Miocene period, easily sculpted by fresh and salty waters to create a karst landscape. Along this section of the Algarve coastline, you’ll find geoforms, caves, and grottos formed by the underground circulation of fresh water. Along the trail, there are informational panels about the area’s geology, marine ecosystems, coastal vegetation, and the ancient human occupation of the coast.
The Torre da Lapa was built in the 17th century from stone and mortar as a lookout against pirates and privateers. It was used to watch the sea, especially the mouth of the Arade River. In case of danger, torchbearers would make smoke signals during the day and light fires at night to alert the population and other fortifications in the region.
While the sharp cliffs might have been hazardous for sailors, they provide a sanctuary for birds in the Algarve. The limestone cliffs, heavily fissured and inaccessible to terrestrial predators, offer refuge for birds like the rock dove, yellow-legged gull, common kestrel, and peregrine falcon. The scrublands dominated by juniper bushes and kermes oak, and the Mediterranean saltbush along the edge of the cliffs, have all adapted to the maritime environment.
Most of the beaches along the trail are inaccessible, giving them a pristine and paradisiacal appearance. However, you can access a couple of beaches near the car park at the beginning or end of the trail: Praia do Pintadinho and Praia dos Caneiros.
The lack of accessible beaches doesn’t detract from the trail’s appeal, although compared to The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, this route feels a bit more desolate. Depending on your preference, you might find it either more astounding or more austere. While we believe The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is the most beautiful hike in the Algarve, this one comes a close second.
For more ideas for great hikes in the Algarve, we highly recommend the guidebooks from Cicerone, such as Walking in the Algarve.
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