Algarve mountains will be “increasingly recognised, admired and sought after,” says Castro Marim mayor Francisco Amaral
The Algarve’s underrated mountains are due for their deserved time in the spotlight. Francisco Amaral, mayor of Castro Marim and a “proud northeast Algarve mountaineer,” has highlighted the growing importance of the region’s inland and mountainous areas, which he believes are an increasingly important asset, providing a welcome alternative to the golden sand beaches and vibrant coastal nightlife that the Algarve is best known for.
His statements came during the Almond Blossom Festival, held last weekend (January 31-February 2) in Alta Mora.
“Beyond the Algarve’s sun, beaches and bars, there are other assets that we must promote and take advantage of: our mountains, with their natural beauty, peace, tranquillity, clean air and genuine people who proudly insist on living here,” the mayor said.
“The Algarve’s mountains, despite the constraints they face, are increasingly worth their weight in gold,” Amaral insisted.
The mayor also slammed certain land planning laws that he believes push people towards overcrowded urban centres, such as the metropolitan areas of Lisbon and Porto or the coastal Algarve, while neglecting the potential of inland areas. “These laws make it difficult to build in these mountains, often leading to the proliferation of illegal constructions,” the mayor warned. “If it weren’t for these irrational laws, we would have already been able to invert the tendency of depopulation, desertification and aging in these mountains, where humble, hard-working people live stress-free, enjoy quality of life, and grow their own organic products,” Amaral added.
Even the Almond Blossom Festival is a product of the local people, organised by residents instead of being outsourced to outside companies, the mayor said.
“The value of this festival, of living in these mountains, will be increasingly recognised, admired and sought after,” he stated, calling on tourism authorities to look at the festival as a shining example of the fight against seasonality.
Hiking pioneers
Filomena Sintra, deputy mayor, shared her personal experience of discovering the region’s beauty. “The first time I came here, I wasn’t in politics yet. My first hike was 20 years ago when I was pregnant. Back then, we were seen as crazy for wandering the hills instead of working the land,” she said.
The start of hiking tourism in the area began when Valter Matias, president of the Alta Mora Cultural and Recreational Association (ARCDAA), which organises the Almond Blossom Festival, started working at Castro Marim Castle. Inspired by a mentor, Jean Didier, who had travelled the world, Matias saw an opportunity to put the Algarve’s mountains on the map for nature tourism.
“Initially, we focused on certifying 35 hiking trails nationwide,” said Matias, stressing that the task wasn’t easy. “We explored every mountain and trail ourselves, ensuring they were walkable and safe,” he said.
While ARCDAA leads the organisation of the festival, the entire community plays a part in bringing the event to life.
This year, over 100 volunteers helped prepare for over two months – particularly the elderly, says Valter Matias. “They are in their 70s and 80s and no one can stop them. They are at the frontline, in the kitchen, on the streets, painting walls or setting up decorations. They are the soul of this festival.”
The municipal council of Castro Marim has a page on its website with a list of the trails that can be explored in the municipality.
