Fonte Benémola walking route in Caldeirão (in the Algarve)

The Fonte Benémola walking route takes us from the dryness of the terrain to a small oasis of natural springs in the middle of the Algarve mountains. 

The trail is light and short, but it's still very attractive. In fact, on the day I was there - not least because the weather wasn't favourable for the beach - there were plenty of people walking and socialising in this natural area of the Algarve's Barrocal.

The greatest asset of this pedestrian route is the water. The landscape is crossed by the Ribeira da Fonte Menalva and even during the hot season, the "Olho" springs and the Fonte Benémola remain intact. 

The properties of the spring water have always been an attraction for many people, who flocked there to take advantage of its alleged medicinal properties to relieve digestive or rheumatic problems. And those who arrived there even stayed in a private house free of charge - the antipodes of the "couch surfing" I would say. 

In the 1920s, water did indeed have medicinal properties. These have now been replaced by microorganisms that make it unfit for human consumption. 

Practical information on the Fonte Benémola Walking Route (LLE PR16)

The footpath in Querença is part of the Fonte Benémola Protected Landscape and the Natura 2000 Network. This trail is also crossed by the Via Algarviana.

Located in the municipality of Loulé, it is characterised by an area of the Serra do Caldeirão crossed by several springs.

• Name - Fonte Benémola Walking Route (LLE PR16)
• Location - Querença, Loulé, Algarve
• Start of the trail - access car park to the Benémola Fountain
• Distance - 4.4 kilometres
• Duration: 1h30
• Rail typecircular
• Difficulty: low
• Signalling: Approved, signposted and with information panels along the route

What to take on the Fonte Benémola Walking Route

• Reusable water bottle (there are no drinking water points) - I bought this water bottle and I recommend it
• Footwear suitable for hiking (the terrain is rough)
• Snacks for the picnic in the picnic area
• Sun hat
• Camera 
• Lantern (if you want to walk until after sunset)
• Sunscreen
• Rubbish bag

Frequently asked questions about the Fonte Benémola Walking Route

How much does the walk cost?

You don't have to pay anything to access or walk the trail. And as there are no restaurants on site, you'll only waste energy - yours and the camera's.

When is the best time to go hiking?

The springs allow the Fonte Benémola stream to maintain its flow throughout the year, which is a huge benefit for this drier part of the Algarve's interior.

Throughout the walk there are several periods of natural shade from trees. On the day I did the walk it was quite hot, but the shade of the trees and the relaxing moments by the fountains allowed the temperature to drop.

The barrocal area can be very hot in summer, so choose a mild day or start your walk early if you visit Fonte Benémola at this time of year. 

In general, the spring and autumn months (and even a sunny winter day) are the best times to walk the Fonte Benémola trail. Additionally, in spring, plants bloom and the landscape is lush and green. You can also do it in the summer, but only during the cooler hours of the day.

Whatever month you're walking, don't forget to always carry water with you (see other important tips below).

Where to start?

This is a circular route, so you can take it in any direction. However, if you do it in the recommended direction and start at the car park, it becomes easier.

Some people make the round trip to the fountains without completing the circuit. This is a possibility if you have any physical difficulties or are walking with small children (see below).

I did the circular route, but after passing the fountains there isn't much to see, so returning the same way is a possibility you should consider. What's more, if you take the circular route you'll have to walk the last 500 metres on a tarmac road (without roadsides). See negative point below.

How long do I need to do the walk?

If you take the circular route around Fonte Benémola, then you shouldn't need more than 1.5 hours, even with breaks to enjoy the springs and the other points of interest along this pedestrian route. It's only 4.4 kilometres and it's easy to do.

What is the terrain like along the trail?

The Fonte Benémola walking route in the Algarve is very easy, with the exception of the second part of the trail - after passing the springs. The whole walk is on level ground up to the springs.

From the fountains, if you take the circular circuit, there will be some inclines and some rocky terrain, with loose stones and tree roots. The difficulty isn't high, but you should bear this in mind if, for example, you're carrying a pram or less suitable footwear.

In terms of physical preparation, you won't have any problems.

Do you have to go back and forth?

No. You have two options: go and return by the same route or take the circular route. The distance is shorter if you return the same way and the terrain is easier, but in reality the landscape is little different if you take the linear route (round trip) or the circular route.

On the circular route you'll be more exposed to the heat and more difficult terrain, while on the linear route it's, as they say, "child's play". Unlike, for example, other walks in the Algarve, such as the spectacular Seven Hanging Valleys Trail.

Are there places to rest or restaurants?

There are no restaurants or product sales at Fonte Benémola. However, there is a very inviting picnic area next to the springs. Take some food and drink and have a nice picnic there. At the end, collect all the rubbish and take it with you to dispose of in the appropriate places. 

Can the Fonte Benémola trail be travelled with children?

Yes, you can do this walk in Querença without any obstacles. However, if you take a pram, take the linear route (round trip through the same place), as the second part of the circular route is not suitable for small children. 

What's more, as the circular route requires you to go along a tarmac road (with no verges), it's not at all advisable. If you go back and forth along the same road, you won't have any obstacles, as the dirt terrain is very even. soft enough for a circular pushchair.

Do I need a map of Fonte Benémola?

The route is well signposted and simple, so it's impossible to get lost. If in doubt, look for the horizontal stripes in yellow and red. However, to feel more comfortable knowing how many kilometres are left or how far you've travelled, I recommend the free app Maps.me.

Points of interest on the Fonte Benémola Walking Route

Along this walking trail in the municipality of Loulé, you'll find some interesting sights, such as old lime kilns, a beautiful view over the floodplain, the verdant vegetation of the Serra do Caldeirão (along the stream), various orchards and the ruins of a water mill.

Fauna and flora

At the start of the walk, on the slopes of the valley that leads to the Fonte Benémola springs, the vegetation is typical of the Barrocal. You'll find cistus, cork oaks and holm oaks. 

The water that flows through the area not only helps to conserve the flora, but also species such as otters, frogs and other amphibians. You'll be able to see and hear birds such as the kingfisher, kingfisher, nightingale, goldfinch, wryneck, Iberian gallinule, daurel swallow, grey wagtail or mammals such as the endangered little mouse bat and lesser mouse bat.

On land I was fortunate enough to come across a chameleon and a horseshoe snake on the way back.

Important warnings before starting the walk

• Don't underestimate the heat and don't try to do this walk during the hottest part of summer. 
• Respect nature and walkers. This is a footpath, not a road
• Drink small sips of water frequently to avoid dehydration. If you feel nauseous or dizzy, find a cool place to cool your body temperature. 
• Don't attempt this walk in flip-flops, as the terrain is very rough. Say yes to trainers or hiking boots and no to beach flip-flops

The good and the bad of walking

Positive

This is a simple walk, without much fuss, but it's still very pleasant to visit Fonte Benémola and benefit from the tranquillity of the fountains and the landscape of the Algarve's Barrocal region.

Negative

The irresponsible way in which certain people can't give up their cars and even break the rules of a footpath. In places where traffic is not allowed, I saw people invading the trail with their cars. Not even the fact that part of the path was strewn with sharp stones deterred them. 

If these people aren't interested in walking, why do they go to these places when there are plenty of others where they could be with much less work? 

Extra Tip

If you have time and are hungry after your hike at Fonte Benémola, pop into Barranco do Velho for lunch or dinner at one of the best restaurants in the region - Tia Bia. The food is excellent and the portions are very generous. 

The black pork kebab, stewed wild boar or rooster stewed in red wine are recommended, as are the migas with cheeks (which I suggest). 

It's a good idea to call ahead, especially at the weekend. The restaurant closes for dinner on Mondays.

Photos of the Fonte Benémola Walking Trail

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