This Connection promises to introduce hikers to the orography of the Algarve mountains, with uphill stretches providing breathtaking views as far as the eye can see and green valleys stretching down between the hillsides. Although it is a particularly difficult stretch, the beauty you’ll find along this route makes it worth the effort.

The route starts in the centre of Parises and follows the path in front of the bus stop, along with the PR2 SBA - “Between the Valleys, Fountains and Memories of the Caldeirão Hills” Walking Path. You’ll go past the public wash house and then along the old path, where you’ll find a well with a water wheel. Carry on along between the walls that fence in the small vegetable gardens, which are fed by several watercourses in the area.

The path carries on along Zambujeiro Gorge, which flows into the Ruivas Stream further ahead. Here, you’ll be able to look out onto the rolling relief of the Algarve uplands, where the hills are covered in cork oaks, rockroses and strawberry trees. At the bottom of the hill you’ll reach Várzea do Velho, which was once populated by upland locals.

Before it reaches the Ruivas Stream, this connection diverges from the PR2 SBA – “Between the Valleys, Fountains and Memories of the Caldeirão Hills” Walking Path, which continues on straight ahead, while the connection turns right as it nears the Ameixeira Stream.

Next, carry on among the cork trees to Muda Gorge, which was named after the small village of Muda, and the hamlet of Cova da Muda, which can be seen at the top on the right.

Further on, cross the Alportel Stream – the perfect example of a typical Mediterranean stream, its flow varying throughout the year – followed by an uphill stretch overlooking Estacas Valley, where you’ll cross the stream once again.

Here, the connection will run alongside the “Ribeira de Alportel Trail” Walking Path. Have a rest in the shade provided by ancient carob trees as you read some of the information on the panels within the Alportel Stream Biodiversity Station, paying special attention to the butterflies, damselflies and some of the flora.

You will also find a picnic table on the banks of the stream calling out for you to take a well-deserved, refreshing rest. Once you’ve passed an old watermill, cross the Alportel Stream for the last time, heading towards Tareja. From there, head towards Campina. As you near Campina, the connection goes straight ahead, diverging from the “Ribeira de Alportel Trail” Walking Path, which turns right.

Delight in the narrow path between walls that fence off small vegetable gardens in the Campina area. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself in the beautiful, typical town of São Brás de Alportel. Carry on to the square called Largo de São Sebastião, where this connection ends. Take the opportunity to look around the town, where each street emanates tradition and authenticity. Delight in the traditional flavours you’ll find here – your stomach is sure to thank you for it!

» HISTORIC, ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND RELIGIOUS HERITAGE

Parises

• Chapel of Our Lady of Fátima, in which some architectural elements, such as the altar and pulpit, are covered with cork.

São Brás de Alportel

• EN2 Memory House;
• Calçadinha (Roman Road) Welcome and Information Centre;
• Alportel Museum;
• Main Church;
• Verbena (“Vervain”) Garden;
• Costume Museum.

» NATURE

The vegetation in the Algarve uplands is mostly made up of shrubs and tree cover that provides food and shelter for many animals, the most notable of which are:

• Mammals: foxes (Vulpes vulpes), wild boars (Sus scrofa), genets (Genetta genetta), Egyptian mongooses (Herpestes ichneumon) and hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus), the last of which seek out gardens and farmland in which to make their homes.
• Birds: Bonelli’s eagle (Aquila fasciata) can be seen throughout the year, Portugal being one of the main locations in which it can be found. In terms of passerines, the Dartford warbler (Sylvia undata), European green woodpecker (Picus viridis) and blue rock thrush (Monticola solitarius) are particularly notable local residents. 
• Amphibians: the dampest areas of the hills, ravines and streams are filled with amphibians, including the fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra), Iberian midwife toad (Alytes cisternasii), Iberian painted frog (Discoglossus galganoi), common toad (Bufo bufo) and the Mediterranean tree frog (Hyla meridionalis). 
• Reptiles: rocky areas and stone walls lining old paths are home to the ocellated lizard (Lacerta lepida), the Algerian sand racer (Psammodromus algirus), the horseshoe whip snake (Coluber hippocrepis), the viperine water snake (Natrix maura) and the Montpellier snake (Malpolon monspessulanus), with sightings of the false smooth snake (Macroprotodon cucullatus) having been reported in Alportel Stream.
  
  

» REST STOPS AND SUPPORT SERVICES ALONG THE ROUTE

The only cafés or shops along this route are at the beginning and end. As such, walkers are advised to plan ahead, taking enough food and water with them, taking into account the distance they intend to walk, the weather and the degree of difficulty of the route.

» CASH MACHINE

• São Brás de Alportel.

• Almargem Association: (+351) 289 412 959
• In Loco Association: (+351) 289 840 860
• Algarve Tourism Bureau: (+351) 289 800 403
• São Brás de Alportel Municipal Firefighters: (+351) 289 842 666
• São Brás de Alportel Town Hall: (+351) 289 840 000
• National Republican Guard - São Brás de Alportel: (+351) 289 840 800
• São Brás de Alportel Civil Parish Council: (+351) 289 842 174
• São Brás de Alportel Tourist Information Office: (+351) 289 843 165
• In the event of an emergency, call 112
• If you see a fire, call 117