Walk of the Forgotten Plants

This 3.5-hour immersive walk through rural landscapes in Loulé begins at Ponte dos Álamos, where the road from town crosses into serene open countryside. From here, narrow rural lanes lead through groves and fields, lined with the carob, almond, fig and pomegranate trees that have anchored Algarve's agriculture for centuries. As you walk, Joana points out the plants along the way — wild aromatic herbs, edible greens, small flowers —that most travelers never look down to notice. You'll learn what each plant is used for, in cooking and in traditional medicine, and how the dryland landscape shaped which plants ended up here. The trail passes through an organic farm where you'll meet local farmers who continue to grow forgotten crops like cardoon, flax, Indian peas, and several local varieties of chickpea. Here, under a large carob tree, you'll sit down to a degustation of freshly made snacks from home-grown ingredients. The experience concludes at a tranquil water spring and waterfall.

Amidst sounds of rustling leaves, birdsong and flowing water, this experience focuses on the "forgotten plants" themselves — what's growing along the path and in the fields, and what still gets used in Algarve kitchens that wouldn't appear in any guidebook. Joana, a passionate, self-taught naturalist with deep knowledge of inland Algarve's flora, pauses often to identify plants, point out edible flowers, and bring the landscape's botanical history alive. This walk provides a rare opportunity to engage with the local ecosystem and understand the balance maintained by traditional agricultural practices. You'll go deep into the heart of Algarvian culture and meet a few people who sustain these lands. The farmers you meet have kept growing crops that most of Portugal moved away from, and their persistence has kept a small, working part of Algarve dryland agriculture alive. Hiking through these orchards offers a peek into sustainable farming practices and their role in Algarve's ecosystem.

Joana Almeida, your guide, is a native of Loulé with a deep-rooted passion for nature inherited from her parents who were biologists by profession. Although she lacks formal environmental education, her extensive local knowledge and hands-on experience make her an exceptional host. As an avid gardener and birdwatcher, Joana's expertise is evident in her enthusiastic storytelling and the intricate flower tattoo on her arm, symbolizing her love for botanicals. Her adventurous spirit, shaped by a season of living in a van, has provided her with unique insights into the valley's landscapes and residents, whom she has known for seven years. Joana's warm and engaging personality ensures that you feel like a part of Loulé’s magical community.

Comfortable walking or hiking shoes for unpaved rural lanes. A hat and water — the inland Algarve sun gets strong, especially in summer. A camera if you'd like to capture the landscape and the plants Joana points out along the way.