The Barranco do Demo Walkways is a fantastic hiking trail in Monchique, in the Algarve region. The trail is popular with hikers, nature lovers, and local families looking for the peace and quiet of the mountains of Monchique in an easily accessible way. The area was redeveloped in 2023, becoming a graded trail and accessible boardwalk, making it a great activity for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of coastal Algarve.
Passadiços Barranco do Demo (The Devil’s Gorge Walkways)
The Barranco do Demo Walkways is located in Alferce, a tiny village about 9km from Monchique. The trail is considered moderate and can be completed as quickly as 1 hour, although it requires some physical effort since a chunk of it is uphill.
It is approximately 2.4km out and back, taking you through a gorge known as Barranco do Demo or ‘The Devil’s Gorge’. The hike is almost entirely done on boardwalks that were inaugurated in 2023. Don’t be fooled though, there are a lot of steps both up and down.
Starting Point of The Barranco do Demo Walkways
The hike starts near Alferce’s graveyard (Cemitério de Alferce) where you will find free parking. To find the trailhead you have to follow a gravel path northeast of the graveyard. Some people prefer starting the hike at the south end, again there’s also a couple of parking spots available and sheltered picnic tables. Keep in mind the road to the south entrance is unpaved and winding though, so not a suitable place for rental cars unless you’re adventurous.
The Passadiço Barranco do Demo is part of a bigger trail known as ‘Barranco do Demo Trail’ which connects Alferce to the ruins of an Islamic castle dating back to the Bronze Age (Castelo de Alferce). However, most visitors focus on the passadiços and suspended bridge.
The Boardwalk (Passadiço do Barranco do Demo)
If you start at the north entrance, you will walk for about 400m on a gravel path before you reach the beginning of the boardwalk or passadiço. The impressive structure was built in 2023, it is around 1km long, has over 500 steps, and includes an impressive, suspended bridge. You will be able to see it cutting through the gorge from the moment you start the trail. If you start from the south end of the hike, you’ll start immediately on the boardwalks going down. At both sides you will find sheltered areas with picnic tables.
The Suspended Bridge
The highest point of the hike (which is actually the lowest) is the suspended bridge. The small bridge is about 50m long and sits at 20m above a water stream. This is the busiest part of the trail as it’s a popular photo spot and only 5 people are allowed to cross simultaneously. It’s completely safe, and even children while being supervised can cross. Pets are allowed too as long as they are on a leash.
What’s the Best Time of the Year to Visit?
The Passadiço do Barranco do Demo is free of cost and can be visited year-round. The best time to do this hike though, is from late September to early June. The trail is completely unsheltered and apart from a few resting areas there’s no shaded spots, so my advice is to avoid the summer months. Our favourite time of the year to visit is during spring. The temperatures are milder, and the area is even more beautiful with wildflowers. The water stream will also be full, and you get to hike while hearing the soothing sound of it running down the gorge.
How to Get to Alferce by Public Transport
If you are planning on getting to Alferce by public transport, you will have to first get to Monchique, then connect to Alferce. From Portimão you can get a bus to Monchique, the line is operated by Vamus Algarve, and it costs 5.60 each way, lasting roughly 40 minutes. The journey between Monchique and Alferce takes approximately 15 minutes, costs €2.70 each way, and it’s also run by Vamus. Tickets for both journeys can be purchase on their website or directly on the bus.
Know Before you Go
Parking spot at both ends of the trail is very limited and can be crowded at certain times of the year. If you are heading to the north entry, more spots are available near Alferce’s church which is a 5 minutes’ walk from the trailhead. If visiting during the warmer months, prefer early mornings and late afternoon, and pack plenty of water and snacks. Sun cream is also essential!
Visiting Monchique and the Mount Fóia
If you want to explore the area a little further, Monchique is about just 9km from Alferce. It’s a wonderful town famous for its thermal spas, quiet atmosphere, and Medronho (a local spirit made from a fruit called medronho or tree strawberry. Also in the Monchique Mountain Range, Monte Fóia is the highest point of the Algarve. At 902m high you get incredible views of the Algarve coastline. Here you will find our Complete Guide to Monchique and Monte Fóia.
Have you completed Passadiço do Barranco do Demo walkways? Let us know in the comments!
