This is a 16.6 km circular trail. Starting from Fóia, the highest point in the Algarve, the trail passes by waterfalls, woods and examples of the unique flora of the Serra de Monchique (Monchique Mountain).
The trail starts at Fóia, the top of the Algarve. From here it heads east on the asphalt road and then veers off to the left, down the old road to Fóia towards the Cascata do Penedo do Buraco (Penedo do Buraco Waterfall), among the chestnut trees.
Walk a little along the road and, at the top, follow the path on the right, passing through Barranco do Preto and Cimalhadas, with a beautiful panoramic view to the North.
Reach the road again, near Cruz da Fóia, with a view of Penedo do Buraco, and take a dirt track on the right, descending towards the Cascata do Chilrão (Chilrão Waterfall). A place to rest, as the trail then climbs towards the Cascata de Barbelote (Barbelote Waterfall) and the small town that gives it its name.
You cross old terraces where grazing still goes on, and arrive back at Penedo do Buraco, on the same path as before, where you will also find the GR13 - Via Algarviana. Continue along a narrow path next to the dam and climb up to Fóia, the starting point of this trail.
LOCATION
Algarve, municipality of Monchique, parish of Monchique
ACCESSES (BY CAR)
From the EN 125, follow the EN 266 to Monchique. Then follow the EN 266-3 towards Fóia.
STARTING POINT
Fóia (N37º18'53.11" W8º35'44.21")
TYPE OF TRAIL
Circular
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Difficult
MINIMUM ALTITUDE
442 m (Ribeira do Chilrão, EN106-7)
MAXIMUM ALTITUDE
897 m (Starting point)
WATER AVAILABILITY
At the beginning and at the end
LOCAL GROCERY STORES
No
EXTENSION
16.60 km
DURATION
5 h (approx.)
CUMULATIVE CLIMB
709 m
CUMULATIVE DESCENT
717 m
More information here.
Download the Information Leaflet with a Map, available below on the page.
PR5 MCQ – Waterfalls Walking Trail (Percurso Pedestre das Cascatas)