The most characteristic thing at the Algarve are the fantastic beaches and rock formations to me.
\nEspecially between Sagres and the Percorso dos Sete Vales Suspensos (the path of the seven hanging
\nvalleys) it is the erosion of the rocks that fascinates me time after time. At the cliff line I come across
\nyellow, red and terra-cotta coloured stratums \u2013 depending on the solar irradiation. Pittoresque
\nviews, washed out caves, tunnels and rock arches but also rock needles and peaks off the coast
\naccompany us on our hiking tours.<\/p>\n
Algar Seco<\/strong> Still, the views and numerous beaches make me go into rhapsodies. For example there is the Praia da Ilha de Tavira<\/strong> Ponta da Piedade and Ria Formosa<\/strong> The nature park Ria Formosa is for ornithologist. You can see stilts, Eurasian spoonbills, flamingos or
\nIn between we see small sand bays and beaches, which often can only be reached by boat or with the
\nhelp of bold climbing. Dolines, sinkholes, caves- and cleft systems were being built over the years by
\ndissolution of chalk and sandstone. But be careful: Walking on the cost paths is not hazard-free. On
\nthe one hand there is the strong wind coming from the sea which can kill you on the timber plank
\nways at Algar Seco or Ponta da Piedade. On the other hand the rocks are quite fragile due to wind,
\nwater and heat. It is not for nothing that the government has put up warning signs at some places.
\nThe 570 meter long wooden path of Algar Seco with its bizarre rock formations is definitely a
\nhighlight at the Atlantic coast. The tunnel walk which is situated close to a restaurant leading to a
\nnatural balcony is quite overrun and also overrated \u2013 to my mind. From here you can walk up to the
\nlighthouse.<\/p>\n
\nMarinha close to Carvoeiro. This beach has been awarded several times. It is scenicly embedded
\nbetween the steep cost. Than the Praia de Benagil with its offshore caves which are characterized by
\ncircular cutouts and fascinating light- and shadow plays. Pleasure boats from Carvoeiro sail to this
\nsights regularly. <\/p>\n
\nWhoever, just like me, collects sea shells will love Praia do Barril on the Ilha de Tavira. The endless
\nbeach holds a manifold of very beautiful sheels of different varieties and colours. I really had to stop
\nmyself from collecting. Moreover the is a narrow-gauge railway going from Pedras d\u2019El Rei to the
\nbeach. It is certainly fun for kids and railway aficionados.<\/p>\n
\nAnother recommendation is the hike from Ponta da Piedade to Lagos. This walk passes by numerous
\nbeaches, such as the Praia do Camilo, which is located close to the lighthouse. Moreover there is the
\nPraia do Pinhao, the pine-tree beach. The green-blue water is extremely clear at this point. And
\nfinally there are the Praia do Canavial and the Praia do Porte de Mos, which are at the city limits of
\nLagos. Typical holiday feeling is dominant: kiosks, restaurant and loud music.<\/p>\n
\nherons. More than 200 different bird species are said to live here. The park has a nature trail. Next to
\na Roman excavation, a former salting station, there are bird watching towers. The men with the
\ntripods and the telephoto lens showed us that the waiting is worth it.<\/p>\n