Fonte Benémola

The hiking trail begins next to the dirt parking lot (Fica Bem), located along Municipal Road 524, between the towns of Tôr and Querença. Following the main dirt path, amid the vegetation characteristic of the Algarve Barrocal, you’ll pass by the information panels on the flora and floodplains of Benémola and cross a small stream. At that intersection, turn left toward the Menalva stream. Near the Fonte Benémola Ornithological Station, you’ll find the panel on birds, and as you continue along the main path, an old hayloft appears (on the left). Further ahead, you’ll reach the Water Information Panel, the spring, the ponds, the first picnic area, and on the right you’ll find the levadas. Continuing straight ahead, you’ll reach the Benémola Spring and a second picnic area, where you’ll find the Fauna Information Panel and the remains of an old lime kiln.The section from the intersection to this point is shared by the Via Algarviana and the Sete Fontes hiking trail (PR12LLE). It is also possible to take a detour from the route, which involves crossing the water line before the first picnic area, using the footbridges installed there. There is also an audio-guided trail—the Rota de Água—along the stream.After crossing the stream to the other bank, continue along the main path, passing by the house of a former local basket weaver (on the left), until you reach Municipal Road 524 again. There, turn left, cross the Ponte da Passagem bridge, and turn left again, following Municipal Road 524, passing by the old Lagar da Passagem (once one of the most important wine presses in the area) until you reach the dirt parking lot (Fica Bem).