Rocha da Pena

Rocha da Pena is a limestone escarpment rising to 479 metres out of the Barrocal, the low hill country between the Algarve coast and the Serra do Caldeirão, and a marked circular walk of about five kilometres climbs onto the plateau and around it. The reason to do it is botanical: the limestone supports a flora far richer than the surrounding schist, including around twenty orchid species that flower from February to May, along with rock rose, aromatic scrub and old carob and almond. Bonelli's eagle, eagle owls and griffon vultures use the cliffs, and there are caves in the rock. Across the narrowest part of the plateau runs a dry-stone wall of prehistoric date, its purpose unclear. The site is a classified protected area. It is hot and exposed by late spring, and the surrounding villages have almost no visitor infrastructure.

What you actually see

• The orchids - around twenty species flowering on limestone from February to May.
• The escarpment - a 479-metre limestone table above the Barrocal hills.
• The raptors - Bonelli's eagle, eagle owls and griffon vultures on the cliffs.
• The prehistoric wall - a dry-stone barrier across the narrowest point of the plateau.

When to go

February to May for orchids and cool walking. Three to four hours for the circuit. Avoid midday from June onwards - there is no shade on the plateau.

Honest expectations

Steep, rocky and loose in places, with no shade on top. Very hot from late spring. Do not pick orchids - several are protected. Facilities in Penina and Salir are minimal. Marking is good but the ground is rough.

Nearby

Salir and its castle remains are close; Alte and the Barrocal villages are west.