Nature
Via Algarviana Connection
The Trail
Starting at the railway station, Mexilhoeira Grande is connected to the Via Algarviana in Monchique via a 25km pedestrian trail that is duly signposted.
After crossing the EN125 road, the route goes past the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição (Our Lady of the Conception), then heads towards Figueira and on to Poio, Vidigal and Moinho da Rocha. This is where the climb towards Monchique begins, alongside the Senhora do Verde Stream.
The route takes you through vegetable gardens and orchards where carob, almond, fig and olive trees grow. You will go through areas where the fragrances of rock rose, French lavender and thyme mingle with those of other aromatic plants. From Moinho da Rocha the riverine vegetation lining the stream and the arbutus trees growing alongside the trail and on the slopes provide some areas of shade.
In this landscape you may be able to spot short-toed snake eagles, colourful bee-eaters, lively woodpeckers, partridges with their chicks, and many other species of birds. After dark, you can hear the calls of little owls and red-necked nightjars.
Where to Start
Explore other
Trails
Places nature lovers cannot miss
