The Rota Vicentina walking trail in the Algarve has officially opened to the public.

The trail runs along the rugged western coast of the Algarve to Sagres offering stunning coastal views along the way.

The route runs from Santiago do Cacém in the Alentejo to Sagres in the Algarve and is integrated into the extensive European GR11 route part of the GR footpath network of paths, tracks and trails which connect Sagres to St. Petersburg, travelling throughout Europe and integrating the Caminos de Santiago (The Way of St James).

Up to 60 per cent of the land in the Algarve is protected and the new route is part of a tourism initiative created by the Casas Brancas Association in partnership with the Almargem Association to promote areas of the Algarve beyond its popular southern coast.

Casas Brancas has developed the route to showcase the diversity of the Algarve’s accommodation offerings, outdoor activities and natural scenery.

The Costa Vicentina is one of the most beautiful and best preserved coastal areas of southern Europe and the majority of the area sits within the Costa Vicentina Natural Park.

The park is one of two Natural Parks in the Algarve offering dramatic coves and soaring cliffs before a breathtaking backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean.

The main attraction to this area is the natural beauty of its beaches, its unexplored countryside and the abundance of wildlife that can be found here.

Another walking route upon which to explore the Algarve is the Via Algarviana, which is one of the best ways to see the region’s hinterland.

Visitors can travel on foot, bicycle or horseback along the extensive 240km network of paths between Alcoutim in the east and Cape St Vincent in the west.

Stretching across the entire length of the Algarve, the paths take visitors through the municipalities of Alcoutim, Castro Marim, Tavira, Loulé, Silves, Monchique, Lagos and Vila do Bispo, where there is lots to explore.

Each section is divided into 30km stretches so visitors can break up the itinerary, otherwise the full route can be walked in fourteen days, cycled in five days and followed on horseback in nine days.

So for a truly different perspective of the Algarve and its natural beauty, why not explore the region on foot and take in the rural views of the Via Algarviana or the coastal scenes of the Rota Vicentina.

World Travel Awards

The highlight of the tourism calendar for any region, the World Travel Awards will visit the Algarve in September for the annual Europe Gala Ceremony.

Taking place at the new Conrad Algarve, the event will welcome the leaders of the European tourism industry to a red carpet event designed to select the best-of-the-best.

World Travel Awards president Graham Cooke said: “We are delighted to host our first ceremony in the Algarve, a decision that reflects the crucial role that tourism plays in the region and its overall contribution to the Portuguese economy.”

He added: “The Algarve is also one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world, and the new Conrad Algarve will set a new precedent for luxury in the region.

“Our Europe Ceremony will provide a perfect forum to showcase its facilities to travel’s top decision-makers.”

Take a look at the official site for more information.