Two new circular walking trails connect the western Algarve villages of Budens, Salema, Burgau, Vale de Boi and Figueira
The Route of the 5 Villages of Budens (Rota das 5 Aldeias de Budens) was officially inaugurated on Saturday, June 14 at the historic Millennial Fountain of Budens, one of several heritage sites restored as part of this initiative.
The route features two circular walking trails: PR7 – Roman and Pirate Trail and PR8 – Dinosaur Trail. Together, they connect the five western Algarve villages of Budens, Salema, Burgau, Vale de Boi, and Figueira, providing a varied walking experience that incorporates elements of nature, geology, palaeontology, archaeology, history, architecture, and local traditions.
The launch event brought together community members and public officials, including José Apolinário, president of regional development commission CCDR Algarve; Rute Silva, mayor of Vila do Bispo; and Ana Custódio, president of the Budens parish council.
Supported by EU funding through the Rural Development Programme (PDR 2020), the project aims to boost rural tourism, strengthen the local economy, and encourage people to discover the lesser-known beauty of the region.
Speaking at the event, José Apolinário praised the initiative as an example of how small communities can attract visitors and invest in their future through well-planned, collaborative projects.
In her address, Ana Custódio reflected on the difficulties of completing the project, noting the challenges involved in public procurement and the limited technical capacity available at the parish level. However, she extended her gratitude to the municipal technical team and Associação Vicentina, acknowledging their vital support throughout the process. Custódio described the route as “a project built from the ground up, with respect for who we are and a vision for who we aspire to be.”
Following the formal unveiling of the route’s commemorative plaque, attendees participated in a convivial gathering featuring a toast and informal discussions on the future of the territory and the role of parish councils in local development.
A website with further information on the walking trails has been created but is only available in Portuguese so far.
