17/01/2025
Portugal has developed a taste for building walkways and bridges that challenge vertigo throughout its geography to reach extraordinary corners of nature. The most recent ones are in the heart of the Monchique mountain range and walking along them could not be more exciting.
The best-known of the Portuguese footbridges are those of the Paiva, an hour from Porto and immersed in the Arouca Geopark, a benchmark for hiking in the country, having been chosen for years as the best adventure tourist attraction at the World Travel Awards (the Oscars of Tourism). In this same setting is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world, which spans the waters of the Paiva River for more than 1 kilometre.
Rivalling them are those of Mondego, in the heart of the mountainous Geopark of Estrela . A linear route of 11.5 kilometres that has become one of the favourite destinations for nature and hiking lovers. The succession of wooden walkways runs parallel to the course of the Mondego River and two of its tributaries, the Ribeiro do Barrocal and the Caldeirão River. And along the way through a landscape of granite rock, it crosses gorges, small waterfalls, giant potholes, oak, pine and chestnut forests and riverside vegetation.
PORTUGAL FROM NORTH TO SOUTH
To the north, nestled in the Peneda-Gêres National Park , are the wooden walkways of Sistelo, a small Portuguese Tibet chosen as one of the 7 Wonders of Portugal. The circular route, which follows the course of the Vez River and surprises with a small waterfall along the way, is 2 kilometres long.
In the heart of Portugal, 40 kilometres from Coimbra, there are the Fragas de São Simão walkways , which connect the slate village of Casal de São Simão with the impressive São Simão viewpoint , passing by the beautiful river beach of the same name. And in the municipality of Vila de Rei, there are those that connect the Penedo Furado beach and the waterfall of the same name, 700 metres of wooden walkways that bring you closer to a perfect natural environment.
And in Alentejo, the Alamal walkways, which can be visited from the river beach or the Belver bridge, in the municipality of Gavião, invite you to take a quiet walk along the banks of the Tagus River between granite slopes where cork oaks and trade winds grow.
If we go to the Algarve, the old and pretty fishing village of Carvoeiro has its walkways that run along the cliffs and bring you closer to the natural monument of the Algar Seco caves, sculpted by the wind and water, while enjoying stunning views of the Atlantic. Others with the backdrop of the beaches are the Alvor walkways, which connect the Três Irmãos beach with the Alvor estuary and are an exceptional viewing point for the numerous species of birds that congregate here, from grey herons to flamingos.
THROUGH THE MONCHIQUE MOUNTAIN RANGE
The latest to join the list are the passadiços do Barranco do Demo, in the picturesque village of Alferce in the municipality of Monchique . Around 1 kilometre of wooden path through a gorge that allows you to appreciate the natural beauty of the Monchique mountain range.
The route is easy, with some flat sections and others with stairs, which can be challenging for people with a fear of heights. The most exciting point is reached on the suspension bridge that crosses the gorge, located about 50 meters above the bottom of the ravine, from which there are impressive views of the surrounding landscape.
If you want to go beyond the 2-kilometre round trip of the wooden walkways, you can continue the route along the 6.5-kilometre path that connects the village of Alferce with the castle of Alferce, an ancient fortification from the Islamic period, between the 9th and 10th centuries, of which only ruins remain, but a fascinating place to enjoy history, archaeology and, above all, the views of the gentle mountains of the sierra and the Albufera of the Ribeira de Odelouca from its privileged location: the top of a hill.
HOW TO GET TO THE BARRANCO DO DEMO WALKWAYS
The village of Alferce is the starting point for the walk along the footbridges. You should park your car near the cemetery or the church and then follow the signs to the start of the walk. You can't get lost.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
Entrance to the walkways is free and they are open to the public all year round, allowing you to enjoy their beauty in any season, although spring and autumn are the most recommended seasons for hiking in the Monchique mountain range. To walk along them, remember to bring comfortable shoes, water and sun protection, especially during the warmer months.
OTHER PLACES TO SEE IN MONCHIQUE
Close to the coast, surrounded by mountains and an hour from Faro airport, the town that gives its name to the mountain range is an inland destination in the Algarve that many people come to by word of mouth from the beaches and, upon arrival, are hooked by the nature that surrounds it. Among its nature, you can enjoy the walkways, but also the enviable views, such as those of Pico da Fóia, the highest point in the region (902 metres), which reach the sea, or the Barbelote waterfall.
https://www.hola.com/viajes/20250116744900/pasarelas-barranco-do-demo-nueva-atraccion-naturaleza-algarve-portugal/
