Barranco das Lajes walk

In the midst of the hills of the Caldeirão, this walking route first takes you through Cabanas and Lajes, two typical small Algarve hamlets. Take your time and enjoy the scenery: the hills on the horizon, the typical houses. Some houses have white figures resembling protective warriors painted on the stone walls. As you leave Lajes behind, you are surrounded by only peace and quiet of the unspoilt and natural environment. There are many cork oaks here, but it is the rock rose bush that is the most common flora in this region.

Flowers and trees

In spring, this species, presumably from the Algarve, has beautiful white flowers that last only one day. Along the path between the strawberry trees, the rosemary, the gorse and the cork oaks, you will also find foxglove. As you descend turn after turn, you will see the cistus rose fields on either side. The air is clean and fresh and encourages you to continue to the stream. At the bottom of the hill you will reach Barranco das Lajes. This small watercourse feeds a variety of shrubs, including blackberries, reeds, ferns, and other plants characteristic of these moist environments.

De hellingen rondom zijn bedekt met kurkeiken en Barranco das Lajes is een uitstekende plek om te gaan vogel spotten. Dicht bij enkele gecultiveerde percelen in de vallei kom je bij Poço do Ribeirinho (Wel van de kleine beek), een kostbare stenen structuur, met verklarende plaquette.
Klein maar vrij mooi, dit charmante gehucht heeft nog steeds veel van zijn gebruiken en tradities zoals het weven van manden. Hierboven lijkt de horizon breder te worden. De lucht is immens en er lopen talloze valleien en heuvels naar beneden om de blauwe oceaan te ontmoeten. Je voelt je op de top van de wereld!

Bird watching

The surrounding slopes are covered with cork oaks and Barranco das Lajes is an excellent place for bird watching. Close to some cultivated plots in the valley you come to Poço do Ribeirinho (Well of the small brook), a precious stone structure, with explanatory plaque. Small but quite beautiful, this charming hamlet still retains many of its customs and traditions such as basket weaving. Up here the horizon seems to broaden, the sky is immense and countless valleys and hills run down to meet the blue ocean. You feel on top of the world!