Ecological Algarve holidays set to boom in light of new cycling and walking initiative
- Single-day cycling and walking activities in Europe worth €35 billion (ANA)
- Ecovia do Litoral takes those on foot or 2 wheels the full length of the Algarve coast
- Rural ecological tourism resort available for €1.5 million in western Algarve national park (Ideal Homes Portugal)
The Algarve is Portugal’s most popular tourist destination. In the summer months, the country’s entire southern coastline comes alive: restaurants are full, bars are buzzing and shops are packed. The region’s population triples if not quadruples during July and August, thanks to the huge influx of international visitors and much of the population of Lisbon decamping south for the summer.
Then September rolls around and most of the tourists go home. A few shoulder season visitors keep the region ticking over for a month or so, but by early October the sunbeds are packed away, the bars and restaurants have let their summer staff go and an eerie peace descends on areas that were thronged with people just a few weeks earlier.
For those who own a second home in Portugal, off-season visits are ideal. Chris White, Founding Director of boutique Algarve estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, explains,
“Those who visit the Algarve outside of the summer months are often awed by the stillness and beauty of the region. Unspoilt beaches, quiet restaurants and minimal traffic on the roads create a real feeling of calm almost as soon as you arrive. It’s a delightful contrast to the frenetic summer months.”
Of course those summer months also have their own appeal. The Algarve offers a lively yet safe environment for families looking to enjoy the sea, sand and sunshine on their summer break. In fact, the Portuguese government has just revealed plans for the Algarve to become recognised as “Europe’s safest tourist destination.” The ‘Algarve – A Safe Destination’ initiative will see national and local organisations working together to create a “sense of safety and security among foreign and national tourists alike,” according to Home Affairs Secretary Jorge Gomes.
Not only that, but a further initiative is set to balance out the seasonal employment fluctuations, at the same time as promoting the Algarve’s walking and cycling routes. While Portugal hosts many professional road races for cyclists, many visitors are unaware that the Algarve also offers a scenic cycle route – the Ecovia do Litoral (Eurovelo) – which runs the whole length of the southern coast. The route takes riders (and walkers) through richly diverse landscapes including working salt pans that are packed with wild flamingos during the winter months, butterfly-filled meadows and rolling farmland covered with orange trees, olive bushes, carob trees, fig trees and almond trees.
The Via Algarviana, the Rota Vicentina and the Rota Guadiana are also available to those looking to explore this beautiful region on foot or on two wheels. They offer an excellent way to keep active while on holiday and to catch some sunshine while seeing more of Portugal, whatever time of year it may be.
Ecological tourism in the Algarve offers some interesting opportunities and the new focus on promoting the cycling and walking routes in the region is bound to give this a serious boost. According to data from ANA Airports, Europe is experiencing growing demand for this kind of tourism, which is worth some €35 billion for single-day activities and €8.9 billion when it comes to trips with an overnight stay.
Those looking to be part of the Algarve’s ecological future can get involved for a mere €1.5 million with this wonderful ecological tourism resort. Set in the stunning Parque Natural da Costa Vicentina e Sudoeste Alentejano in the western Algarve, the resort consists of 6 hectares of land, a spacious three bedroom villa and a design project with approved tourist licence to create 16 detached villas, swimming pool, bistro, sports courts and children’s playground.
The eco-friendly design combines natural materials (ecological clay villas) with high-tech modern features to save energy (such as solar panels and a heat pump for central under floor and wall heating). The resort is ideally suited for those looking to build a rural business around walking, cycling, climbing, horse riding, swimming and surfing.
For further details call Ideal Homes Portugal on 0800 133 7644 or +351 289 513 434, email enquiries@idealhomesportugal.com or visit www.idealhomesportugal.com. You can also connect with the team at the free-to-attend Overseas Property Show (www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com) in Birmingham on 28 & 29 May and in Cheshire on 4 & 5 June 2016.