Rocha da Pena, Loulé, Portugal

Rocha da Pena is an elevated area of the Algarvian Barrocal, with unique characteristics of limestone formation, reaching its highest point at 479 meters.
Throughout the trail, it is possible to observe the various characteristics of karst formations such as sinkholes, poljes, sinks and caverns. The best-known karst formation is the Moor's cavern that gives shelter to two species of bats, Schreiber's bat and the Lesser Mouse-Eared bat, both endangered species.
The geographic isolation of Rocha da Pena also constitutes the perfect shelter and breeding area for 124 birds species, including birds of prey such as Bonelli's Eagle, the Buzzard, the Little Owl, the Eurasian Eagle Owl, the Common Kestrel and the Black Kite. Mammals include the mongoose, the fox, the hedgehog, the rabbit and the wild boar. Around small lakes and water tanks, there are salamanders, toads, frogs, and newts.
The protected area of Rocha da Pena has approximately 500 species of plants including the bellevalia hackelii, the genista hirsuta, the narcissus calcicola, the narcissus gaditanus, the peonia broteroi and the lamwick plant.
In the protected area it is possible to find several structures related to the economic activities in the area such as scoop-wheel wells, windmills, fountains and kiln ovens. On top of Rocha da Pena there is one of two defensive walls that are thought to date back to the Iron Age and were later used by the Moors who escaped from Salir during the reconquest of the Algarve.

Useful advice
  • Bring adequate equipment, such as boots, hat, and water;
  • Avoid doing the trail during the hottest hours of the day, particularly in Summer;
  • Do not litter;
  • Always follow the trail, marked with yellow or red rectangles;
  • Do not pick flowers, plants or fruits;
  • Do not disturb the fauna;
  • Do not make fire;
  • Do not damage elements of heritage.
How to get there: You can take bus n. 25 from Loule and get off either at Pena or Penina.



















Local: Rocha da Pena, 8100 Loulé, Portugal

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