Barrocal

The term Barrocal is a natural sub-region of the Algarve located between the mountains and the coast.

Geologically, it is characterised by the presence of limestone rock, with several irregularly shaped elevations called barrocos. This strip runs the length of the Algarve and has a landscape dominated by dense mixed scrubland of carrasco, zambujeiro, aroeira, juniper, gorse and other plants.

The barrocal was a territory used for centuries for rainfed crops, especially the almond, fig, carob and olive trees that are still part of the landscape today. Its botanical importance has earned it partial inclusion in the Natura 2000 Network, with the designation "Barrocal".

Places such as Nave do Barão and Ribeira de Quarteira are in this classified area, due to the existence of threatened habitats and endemic species such as the Thyme-headed Thyme.