In the summer of 2021, the Passadiços da Altura walking trail along the Algarve coast between Altura and Manta Rota was opened. It was created to offer visitors and locals a sustainable way to explore the coastline without damaging the fragile dunes and flora. The dunes and vegetation in this area form an important ecosystem. By building a raised walkway, the natural surroundings are protected from disturbance by walkers and tourists. After our stay at Martinhal Quinta do Lago, we spent a few nights near the Passadiços da Altura and visited the trail several times to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Passadiços da Altura
The Passadiços da Altura trail is about 1.5 kilometres long. Over the past few years, the dune area has recovered well and the elevated path is now known as a scenic coastal walking route. The boardwalk is ideal for walkers, joggers and even for people with limited mobility, thanks to its wide and level construction. There are several access points to the beach along the way, where you’ll find some great beach bars. In the winter months, cycling is also allowed on this boardwalk between Manta Rota and Altura. I can tell you—it’s much more relaxing than taking the main road.
Walking from Altura to Manta Rota
The Passadiços da Altura trail is perfect for a simple out-and-back walk between Altura and Manta Rota, covering a total distance of 3 kilometres. If you prefer a circular walk, you can return via the beach or follow one of the routes through the village or along the main road, which you can find on various websites (including Alltrails). If you’d like to walk further than Manta Rota, you can continue along the beach towards Cacela Velha, where you’ll reach the edges of the Ria Formosa nature reserve. Manta Rota has several great beach bars where you can enjoy a lovely lunch or a bite and drink at the end of the day.
Walking from Manta Rota to Altura
If you start in Manta Rota, it takes about 20 minutes to walk to Altura. From there, you can continue along the beach to the charming town of Monte Gordo, where you’ll find a completely different, livelier atmosphere compared to the very quiet Altura.
Monte Gordo: a separate boardwalk
Monte Gordo has its own boardwalks, which are (unfortunately still) not connected to the Passadiços da Altura. Walking along the boardwalks in Monte Gordo, you’ll pass by inviting beach bars and traditional fishing boats resting on the sand.
Staying near Passadiços da Altura
Altura is quite a sleepy town; I’d recommend choosing accommodation in Manta Rota or Monte Gordo instead. I’m staying with my family in a comfortable, new apartment in Monte Gordo: Coastal Holiday’s Apartment. From the apartment, we can reach the boardwalks by the beach in just two minutes. It’s lovely to stay so close to the sea. In the mornings, we watch the fishermen return from the ocean and sell their catch on the beach and in the evenings we enjoy the most beautiful sunsets here.
