Salgados Circular

Tracy Burton

You need to log in as a member of Walkingworld to access the details for this walk and have an active subscription. Please join, or log in above if you are already a member.

An easy, level walk along boardwalks, tracks, minor roads and the unspoilt white sands of Praia Grande with great distant views throughout.

The walk begins at Galé, where the Lagoa dos Salgados and the surrounding wetlands present some great birdwatching opportunities. Depending on the time of year, look out for aquatic birds such as the black-winged stilt and the purple swamp-hen, purple heron and little tern. Flamingos also visit regularly, so bring your binoculars.

Join boardwalks erected to protect the dune system which lies behind the beach. These wooden walkways attract many walkers, cyclists, runners and dog-walkers, as well as being popular with families. Leave the relative hustle and bustle at Praia Grande car park and head inland to cross large unspoilt areas of pasture and farmland, where shepherds can often be seen watching over their grazing flocks.

The route meanders west, passing abandoned stone mills to reach an area of stone pine-covered fossil cliff bordering the saltmarsh. Cross the Alcantarilha stream on a small bridge and follow a raised dyke to reach a second smaller lagoon (mostly) separated from the ocean by a sand bar. Here, you may see cormorants, sanderlings and herons wading in the shallow water.

Return to Galé along the beach (or if preferred, you can follow the line of the dunes eastwards, joining the boardwalks again at the Praia Grande car park).

Portugal - South Portugal - Central Algarve - Albufeira