Hiking in the Algarve: A New Trail to Explore
The Al-Mutamid Route
While many come to the Algarve for the sun, sea, and sand, others come in search of the great outdoors – made all the better by said sun (and sea and sand). And what better way to dive right into the elements than by braving a walking trail that spans not only regions but countries?
We’re talking about the Al-Mutamid Route. Officially listed as a Cultural Itinerary of the Council of Europe, it provides walkers with culture, tradition, and heritage as they explore over 200 towns throughout the southern Iberian Peninsula. Think something similar to the Camino de Santiago walking trail – with signposts and points of interest along the way – but with much less rain and much more sun. So, ready to get your hiking boots on?
About the Algarve Walking Trail
Launched in 2013, this trail spans far more than the Algarve. Dubbed a “captivating itinerary”, it is a circular route taking explorers around the entirety of the southwestern corner of the Iberian Peninsula. Extending from Lisbon to Sagres and Seville and back again, it covers an area that was, during Moorish rule, known as al-Andalus, and throughout which historical continuity can be witnessed in the architecture regardless of new roads, cities, and even borders.
With a focus on the legacy left by the Moors between the 8th and the 13th centuries, the route has been named after Al-Mutamid (1040 – 1095). Known as the poet king, he was born in Beja and was appointed the governor of Silves before becoming king of the Taifa of Seville – a trajectory somewhat echoed by the route itself. However, it’s the ruler’s poetic legacy – having been considered one of the most outstanding Andalusian poets of his age – that has led to his name living on to this day and his story still being told.
“Al-Mutamid is so fascinating that sometimes we do not know well where legend and myth end and the real man begins.”
Adalberto Alves, 1999.
So, who was he?
The Inspiration Behind the Algarve Hike – Al-Mutamid
While the hike itself is unrelated to the life of Al-Mu’tamid Muhammad ibn Abbad al-Lakhmi, the twists and turns of his life story, which he recorded in poetic form, give us some insight into the battles, rivalries, love stories, and alliances forged on Europe’s southwestern edge. All of which provide some context to the remains that can still be seen to this day, from castles to forts, battlegrounds and even, to some extent, the natural sceneries.
So, let’s dive in.
It all began 9 years before the birth of our poet king, in 1031, with the collapse of the Andalusian Umayyad caliphate, which splintered al-Andalus into 23 locally ruled kingdoms constantly dividing and realigning as their “petty kings” vied for dominance. The kingdom with the most formidable military power was Seville, the reign of which passed from Abbad II al-Mu’tadid to his son, Al-Mutamid, in 1069. Having built up a reputation as an enlightened, benevolent ruler and gifted poet, he would often leave the palace in disguise, which led to him meeting his future bride as she washed linens in the Guadalquivir River – a slave whom he freed and married, and to whom he would be devoted for the rest of his life.
He was so devoted that it is said that to indulge her love of snow the first time she saw it, he ordered that the Córdoba hills be planted thick with almond trees so that his wife could enjoy their white blossoms covering the scenery every winter.
The early years of his rule would bring the expansion of his kingdom by annexing Córdoba, which the king celebrated in verse:
I have won at the first onset
The hand of the lovely Córdoba;
That brave Amazon who with sword and spear
Repelled all those who sought her in marriage.
And now we celebrate our nuptial in her palace,
While the other monarchs, my baffled rivals,
Weep tears of rage and tremble with fear.
With good reason do ye tremble, despicable foemen!
For soon will the lion spring upon you.
However, within a few years, Christian reconquest of al-Andalus threatened, leading Al-Mutamid to seek help from reinforcements from the Muslim Almoravid dynasty of Northern Africa. Emir Yusuf ibn Tashufin of the Almoravid dynasty responded and, having defeated the Christians, was hailed as the saviour of all al-Andalus. However, the divided Moorish kingdoms were unable to defend themselves from continuing attacks, leading to al-Mutamid travelling across the Strait of Gibraltar himself to seek help from Yusuf ibn Tashufin a second time. However, this time, the latter took his chance to extend his kingdom rather than defend the “petty kings”.
Seville was stormed, and Al-Mutamid was forced to surrender to spare his family. A deportation order was issued, and a grief-stricken crowd watched as their former ruler and his family were ferried out of the city on black barges. Banished to the arid village of Aghmat in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco, Al-Mutamid’s wife and daughters spun wool until his wife’s death. Overwhelmed with grief, the ruler would die soon after, though his poems and wisdom would live on.
Yesterday, when thou spakest the word, all men obeyed;
Now thou art at the beck of others.
Kings who glory in their greatness are dupes of a vain dream!
Exploring the Al-Mutamid Route from LUX MARE
When staying at LUX MARE, you benefit from being right on the Al-Mutamid Route, which snakes along the Algarve coast from Sagres to Lagos before heading inland towards Silves. Whether you want to set off on the entire trail or simply explore the local Moorish heritage, it’s all at your fingertips and waiting for you to dive in. All you have to do is let our concierge know what tickles your fancy, and they’ll set it up, giving you a front-seat ticket to the Algarve’s rich, multicultural heritage.
So, what are you waiting for?
*If you want to discover the Algarve’s coastal trails in a unique and personalised way, West Coast Algarve can help you detail and build the ideal walking tour.
