Things to do in the Algarve, Portugal

Cliff-top Walk from Praia da Luz to Burgau

WALK?  Yes, it is possible and you can make it easy or difficult depending on whether you fancy climbing up and over the BIG HILL that is just about half way.  Once was enough and next time we did this walk we took the easy way round and skirted the hill to the north side. 

Leaving Praia da Luz and heading towards Burgau, it's fun to speculate which of the stunning villas you would buy with a lottery win, what the disused ditch and well system at the cliff edge was for and when you get to Porto Dona Maria, thank the builders for the comfortable bench seats overlooking the ocean. 

Relax for a while and watch the amazing variety of birds that are everywhere along this cliff path and laugh at the antics of the herd of sheep and goats that cling to the near vertical cliffs for that special blade of grass.  You only see them in the morning, where do they go?  There must be a farm here somewhere but where?

Continue on towards Burgau, admiring more lovely villas at Ponta da Cama da Vaca on the way, before descending the hill past Os Descobrimentos to the centre of Burgau.

Time for a reward and there are some lovely places to eat and drink.  The imaginatively named "Beach Bar & Restaurant" is the place if you want to eat "on the beach".  Sit on the balcony and choose from an extensive menu in comfort and with friendly service and excellent food (and drink), it is easy to lose track of time.  In busy times, a pizza/baguette kiosk opens up along the veranda which can provide quick snacks if the restaurant is full. 

Another restaurant, very different in character, is the "Restaurant a Barrica".  Ignore the paper tablecloths, the food more than makes up for this.  The fresh fish dishes are brilliant, the omlettes and salads enormous and it is the one the locals use - enough said.  Then there is the "Brizze Coffee Shop" at the bottom of the steep hill down to the slipway - nothing fancy but two toasties, beers, coffees and brandy/schnapps and change from €10 - beat that and they serve chip butties - you are only allowed one because you have just walked 3 miles!

Refueled and ready for the return journey, it's comforting to know that after climbing out of Burgau, the rest of the return walk is OK. (go round that hill!)

The return walk takes about 3 hours with however long you want to stay in Burgau to add on and the satisfaction on returning to Praia da Luz means you can reward yourself again for the achievement.

  The path is a bit rocky in parts but boots are not necessary (no flip flops though) and there is virtually no shade along it's length so it's worth remembering the sun cream and hat if it's sunny.                 Jackie & Tony 2005

Would you like more suggestions?  Take a look at our Things to do in the Algarve and Places to go in the Algarve sections for loads of ideas of what to do and where to go

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