We’re almost ready to welcome you! The Algarvensis Geopark routes are not yet open to the public, but very soon you’ll be able to explore them with all your senses. For now, we invite you to discover the trails that will soon become part of your next adventure.
Start at the old fish market in Quarteira, where you canbe enchanted by six thousand years of stories of peopleconnected to the sea and the land. Follow the Ribeira deQuarteira to Cerro da Vila, where water once nurturedvillage life, trade, and the famous garum.
In Loulé Velho,we invite you to imagine life in the now-submerged Romansettlement, a mirror of a coastline that continues to shift.At Ancão, observe the fossil sea cliff marking the end ofthe Ice Age and explore the Ria Formosa, a living mosaicof channels, dunes, saltpans, and extraordinary biodiversity.In Loulé, feel the pulse of the Cultural Quarter and visitthe museum, where the fossil of the iconic Metoposaurusalgarvensis takes the spotlight. Then climb the castle towerfor a view of the Sanctuary of Mãe Soberana, the largestMarian religious celebration in the South.Descend into the depths of the Rock Salt Mine,where crystals sparkle, formed 230 millionyears ago in the ancient Tethys Sea.
In Salir, follow the tracks left by theIn Salir, follow the tracks left by theMetoposaurus in the former primary school and,at Pirinéu, discover why 80 million years of rockappear to have mysteriously vanished.End this magnificent journey at Fonte Benémola,a natural sanctuary that breathes peace and life,and refresh yourself in its crystal-clear waters.
Stopping points:
Loulé Velho
Geoparque Algarvensis Info Center - Loulé
Knowledge and Flavours of Algarvensis - Quarteirão Cultural
7A. Historic Café
7B.Palm Weaving Shop
7C. Islamic Baths
7D. Clay Workshop
7E. Copper Shop
7F. Gama Lobo Palace
Knowledge and Flavours of Algarvensis - Wine tourism