The area around Portimão has beautiful beaches and magical cliffs. To see all this beauty it is worth taking a walk along the surrounding cliffs. Route #3 – Balconies by the Sea(Percurso P3 – Varandas sobre o Mar) is a very scenic, easy 5 kilometer walking trail in the Portimão With breathtaking views of the ocean starting right at the Praia do Vau.
The trail runs along the most spectacular stretch of rocky coastline in the municipality of Portimão . The beginning of the trail is at the end of Praia do Vau beach right at the last descent to the sand. Here we will find a sign with a description of the route and a wooden staircase to the top of the cliff. We will continue along the path until we reach Praia do Alemão beach and on to the viewpoints nearby.
The cliffs along which the trail runs are made of limestone ro cks (23 to 5 million years old), which are already quite degraded by seawater and rain, as well as the effects of wind and plants. The reddish hues of the rocks are caused by the oxidation of the limestone.
Carved by erosion, the rocks are home to many species of birds, especially rooks and rock doves. In summer, we can meet swifts along the route, which nest in the ledges and crevices of the cliffs in winter cormorants patrolling the coast.
During this walk you will see typical Algarve vegetation – Mediterranean scrub, agaves, cacti and pine trees.
