The Barranco do Demo Walkway, in the picturesque village of Alferce, about 7km from the town of Monchique, is the new attraction in the area. The walkway crosses a gorge known as “Barranco do Demo”, hence its name. However, the most common term will be “Passadiço do Alferce”, as it is easier to memorize.
Although there were already pedestrian trails in that area, the walkway not only allowed more people to get to know this area but also boosted tourism in this village a little.
In this article, we will explain how you can access the Alferce walkway, and we will also give you some tips. At the end, you will also find a gallery with several images of the walkway.
How to access the Barranco do Demo Boardwalk
The boardwalk obviously has a beginning and an end. The ending will depend on where you start. You can start from either side and, when you reach the end, return to the starting point.
You have the option of going by car along either side of the walkway, but you can also go on foot. If you just want to see the walkway, then going by car could be a good option.
The length of the Alferce walkway is around 1km. The difficulty here lies in the fact that it has a lot of steps, with descents and ascents, plus a suspension bridge almost 50 meters long and around 20 meters high.
Start on the north side of the walkway
You can start the boardwalk from the northernmost access. To do this, when you reach Alferce, you must turn right. The sign you find shows several destinations in the same direction.
The distance to find the turnoff to the walkway is around 1.3km. In between, you will find a pleasant picnic park (Azenha Parque) with tables where you can have a picnic.
There are two signs indicating the detour. One contains the information “Barranco do Demo” and the other, on the opposite side, “Passadiço do Demo”, so there is no need to be mistaken.
From there, access is via a dirt road, accessible to cars. This route lasts about 1.2km and gradually descends. Next to the footbridge, it is relatively easy to park and make a U-turn.
When you reach the beginning of the walkway, you will find wooden tables where you can rest, or just enjoy the landscape.
After reaching the other side, if you go on foot, you can then go up to Alferce, taking the road on the left. If you go by car, you can take the walkway back.
Start on the south side of the walkway
When you arrive at Alferce, you have to go to the cemetery, which is at the other end of the village, close to the Polidesportivo. Just follow the directions you find.
When you reach the cemetery, go left, behind the cemetery. Here the tar road ends and the dirt road begins. After about 20 meters, follow the road on the right. From there to the walkway it is about 500 meters. You can go by car or on foot. We just note that parking and reversing on this side are a little more difficult, especially if more people use this access.
Passadiço do Alferce – tips, suggestions, and information
If you leave your car in Alferce and walk the entire route and return the other way, arriving at the starting point, it's about 4km.
The Barranco do Demo boardwalk, due to the number of steps, is not easily accessible to people with reduced mobility. However, if you go by car, you can still enjoy the landscape.
The walkway has tables and benches on both sides.
Bring comfortable clothes and shoes, even if you're just going to walk the walkway. If you do the entire route on foot, starting from the village, then we really suggest that you follow this recommendation.
In some parts, the walkway is quite high, so if you are taking children with you, keep them in your sight.
The walkway has a suspension bridge, which should only have 5 people at the same time.
Do not leave trash on site or damage the structure itself, so that other people can enjoy the walkway.
The walkway is wooden. If you find any anomalies, contact the Alferce Parish Council (282 912 126 or 962 149 142).
Image gallery of the Barranco do Demo Boardwalk
