Armação de Pêra – Pêra – Salgados – Armação de Pêra
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One of the great joys of walking in the Algarve is you don't need to stray too far inland to discover the region's pretty traditional villages. This undemanding circular route begins on the promenade at Armação de Pêra and immediately heads inland, following quiet country roads to reach the historic village of Pêra.
Meander through a labyrinth of narrow, cobbled streets, once used only by those on foot or horseback. Here, old stone houses and crumbling walls exist side by side with beautifully renovated traditional homes and modern villas. Pass the imposing Igreja Matriz de Pêra with its Baroque altarpiece and pyramid-shaped throne. Continue along narrow streets to the smaller Igreja de Sao Francisco, built towards the end of the seventeenth century and housing pictures of the life of St Francis. As you emerge into the countryside again, enjoy panoramic views towards the coast, whetting your appetite for what is to come.
Leave Pêra on a narrow footpath to join a wider track running between agricultural fields and a wide grassy plain. Watch out for sheep and goats grazing the land, watched closely by their shepherd (and often several dogs). The route continues west behind the dune system at Praia Grande to reach the smaller of the two lagoons at Salgados. If you're lucky, you may see cormorants, sanderlings and herons wading in the shallow water. Join Praia Grande and cross the entrance of the lagoon, returning to the promenade at Armação de Pêra.
Portugal - South Portugal - Central Algarve - Silves
Features
Ancient Monument, Birds, Cafe, Church, Flowers, Food Shop, Great Views, Mostly Flat, Nature Trail, Public Transport, Restaurant, Sea, Tea Shop, Toilets, Wildlife