Paderne (PR3) – Percurso do Cerro Grande

Tracy Burton

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This waymarked walk (PR3) starts at Padern's main car park. It is the toughest of the three waymarked routes around the town and reaches a high point of 224 metres. This circular route passes through three distinct landscapes: the small clusters of traditional housing, for example at Aldeia Grande and Casas do Poço, the hillier terrain of Cerro Grande itself and finally, the flatter, agricultural floodplain of the Algibre River.

Heading east from Paderne, the route passes through Cerca Velha before heading into the countryside and eventually crossing the main road again, gradually to begin the long climb to Cerro Grande. There are a few tough sections in terms of gradient; however, when you reach the top of the ridge your efforts are rewarded with sweeping views on both sides, including near views of the barrocal and distant views of the Algarve coast. The high-level track meanders past old dry-stone walls and dry orchards. Look out for the wooden watchtower (to your right) and a historic stone bread (on the left).

The descent is mostly gradual, apart from one short, steep, stony section early on. Follow more dry-stone walls as the path winds its way down the hillside and heads north.

The final section of walking is on the Via Algarviana link route between Albufeira and Alte (note the additional white line on the waymarks). This is easy walking, heading back to Paderne, through the fertile floodplain of the Algibre River.

If you are walking on a Friday afternoon and time permits, you might like to visit the Casa Museu do Acordeao in Paderne at the end of your walk (turn left instead of right at 27). It is open from 2.30pm to 7pm.

Portugal - South Portugal - Central Algarve - Albufeira