The free monthly tours will reveal different aspects of Portimão’s natural heritage, both along the coast and inland.
The Municipality of Portimão is resuming its monthly nature trails this February. The initiative, which aims to publicise and value the municipal territory’s natural heritage, will raise awareness of the importance of preserving these natural resources.
Between February and June, there will be one walk per month in diverse natural locations of the municipality.
The first tour will take place on February 11, starting at 09:30 in Praia do Vau. The trail will challenge nature lovers to hike along the most spectacular section of Portimão’s rocky coast and discover the “Balconies over the Sea”, (re)discovering the Ponta de João d’Arens.
The circular route runs along the top of the cliffs, lasting approximately two hours, and will be led by a guide from the Portimão Municipality. Along 5 km of the route, participants will be able to observe Mediterranean plants, the first flowers to herald Spring and various birds that occupy the strip that separates the marine and terrestrial environments.
On March 11, the trail will go through Alvôr’s Biological Station, which runs along the steep banks of the Ria de Alvôr. This tour will focus on pollinating insects and their relationship with plants. The meeting point is scheduled for 09:30 next to the pool at Alvôr’s Sports Complex.
On April 1, International Bird Day, from 09:30, the tour will take participants around the salt marsh of the “Rocha Delicada” trail in the Ria de Alvôr parish of Mexilhoeira Grande. Here, the protagonists will be the birds that use this vital wetland to feed and rest.
On May 6, there will be a linear 12 km walk between Moinho da Rocha and the Mexilhoeira Grande CP Station. This route coincides with the path connecting Mexilhoeira Grande to the Via Algarviana in Monchique. Travelling through the parish of Mexilhoeira Grande, from north to south, participants will observe a great diversity of landscapes and habitats. The meeting point is at the Mexilhoeira Grande CP station at 09:00.
Finally, on June 21, coinciding with the summer equinox, the “Ao Sabor da Maré” (Taste of the Tide) route will take place, crossing Alvôr’s dune system. The meeting point is scheduled for 18:30 next to Alvôr’s Municipal Pool.
Registration is free, although limited to 25 participants, which can be done one week before each tour by contacting the Environment Division of Portimão’s City Council: telephones 282 470 700 or 282 480 412; email: [email protected]
