There are, in fact, many hidden gems within the Algarve. Inconspicuous and unusual places that are the region’s well kept secrets – where the mountains have held out the advances of time, when we think of the Algarve region Tourism agency slogan “Europe´s most famous secret” we just have to agree with so much to offer and discover here we´ll show you a bit of this secret.

Unmissable, a must see, these secret places are the treasures of a region that has much to be discovered, even for the Algarve’s inhabitants.

And is there a better way to live the Algarve way of life than to get to know it beyond the obvious and let it into your heart?

Let yourself be carried away to another world, in a reality where time moves forward, away from clock time, and where the water moves in a free fall, and offers to be the Mistress of your thoughts.


Algarve’s waterfalls

It’s not just golden sand beaches and the warm water to attract you to the Algarve, in fact, hidden far from the most unsuspecting tourists, we find the Algarve’s waterfalls and if you´re looking for that perfect Instagram photo for your holidays these are places the for sure you don´t want to miss.

Pego do Inferno’s legend

The beautiful “Pego do Inferno” is placed in Santo Estêvão’s, about 7 miles far from Tavira, and is one of the most beautiful landscapes the Algarve has to offer, however it’s a totally different touristic image of the Algarve’s golden coast, being a dense wooded naturally rich area.

“Pego do Inferno” is the Asseca’s riverside waterfall, one of the most important water courses of the Tavira Region.

Recently this wonderful surrounding landscape was redesigned, delineating a pleasant route, that has enriched even more the whole landscape.

In fact, this route’s highlight, is the beautiful “Miradouro do Pego“, where you can admire the great water’s falling beauty that delights anyone who stares at it, and offers refreshing dives in summer time.

The waterfall leads to a round Mediterranean green lagoon, surrounded by a refreshing forest area.

The access to “Pego do Inferno” is made on foot from the car park along a path that leads to a wooden stairway, and thereafter the 400 metres route goes all the way down to where Pego begins.

It is told that many years ago, a horse cart crashed down in Pego, and all the passengers fell down into the lagoon. The passengers’ bodies and the animals’ bodies, that pulled the cart, were never found, and the divers could not find the lagoon’s bottom, and so this place was called – ”Pego do Inferno”.

About this waterfall and its lagoon, many legends and stories are told, that greatly increase the lagoon’s depth, which after measurements, was certified to be approximately 7 meters.

Today, the lagoon and Pego do Inferno’s waterfall, is again open to public, after it suffered a large fire in 2012.

Queda do Viagário 

The Queda do Vigário is a stunning waterfall formed by the Alte streamlet, situated in the centrer of Algarve region, forming a breathtaking landscape in the middle of the mountains and fruit trees.

The water falling from 24 meters height, into an oval pond, in a place of peacefully natural beauty.

This may be an artificial waterfall, built in the 17th century by a local farmer in order to irrigate his lands, yet it is not confirmed.

With several improvement works that confer an even more pleasant resting area, perfect for lazy sitting in the sun moments.

The access to this lovely space is made, after parking, near the Alte cemetery, in a descent of about 300 meters.

Monchique

At 902 metres high we stand in the Algarve’s highest mountain range. From this spot we can see the Algarve’s West that spreads towards the sea with its characteristic humidity.

It is in this context that this mountain range of volcanic origin becomes the “Serra D’Agua , not only by its famous spas in Caldas de Monchique, where the medicinal water springs reach high temperatures (nearly 32 degrees), but also, because in winter time the mountain’s face displays its liquid beauty shape.

Barbelote’s waterfall is the first of three Monchique jewels, that we are invited to explore. Amongst the lush winter vegetation of Monchique, along a road that leads from the national road 266-2, the water fall is revealed – where the foam’s whiteness overlaps the rock’s grey background dotted with that unique green Monchique has, that leads people to call this mountain “Algarve’s Sintra”.

Penedo do Buraco’s waterfall, that we can find along the road that connects Monchique Casais and Marmelete, heading off on the right towards Marmelete –Chilrão, before reaching Gralhos’ place.

Enjoy the rare landscape offered by these three unique places, eat the best food that the Region has to offer along a few stops, we’re talking about sausages (enchidos), good mountain cuisine and the invaluable strawberry of Monchique. The trip is much more than a simple suggestion, and it is a “must do” during winter time.

For safer and better excurssions we recommend study the trails or contact the local municipality for a guide the links are in this section.

A private transfer from your acommodation to any destination

Booking  a private transfer we provide a english speaking driver to your door and safely transport you to the destination you choose. We, at “Cascatas Transfers” have as our mission, to ensure that your trip until you get to your destination, is peaceful and safe, so that your only worry is to sit back and enjoy the journey.

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