Odelouca is a rural area in the hills of the central Algarve, far removed from the package-holiday coast. The Odelouca Reservoir, completed in 2012, created a large body of water that supplies much of the Algarve's drinking water, and the valley around it has become one of the best birdwatching spots in southern Portugal. Bonelli's eagles, Egyptian vultures, and Iberian azure-winged magpies are all present in the area.
The landscape is classic Mediterranean hill country — cork oaks, cistus scrub, and dry stone walls, with scattered farmsteads connected by dirt tracks. Walking and cycling here gives you a completely different sense of the Algarve from the beach resorts to the south. The river itself, before it reaches the reservoir, runs through a narrow valley with natural swimming holes that locals use in summer.
There are no real towns in the Odelouca valley — the nearest services are in Silves, about 15 km to the south. You will need a car to explore the area, and some of the roads are unpaved. But if you want a quiet day away from the coast, with good birding and empty trails, Odelouca is an excellent choice.