5 TOP TRAILS IN PORTUGAL

According to J. R. R. Tolkien, not all who wander are lost. Aside from sandy beaches, delicious gastronomy, and architectural wonders, the Portuguese landscapes are definitely a must if you are a hiking enthusiast or simply enjoying venturing into new trails and being immersed in your surroundings.

This list provides a guidebook of what five popular trails and hikes if you wish to plan ahead your vacations in Portugal next year. Grab your waterproofs, hiking gear, camera, and backpack, and be prepared to encounter rugged landscapes resembling a green canvas, small coastal towns where you will have the best fish dishes, and areas where for a couple of hours fauna and flora will be your only companions.

Nevertheless, for more local recommendations, our specialized team is always available to answer your questions and help you to find activities, experiences, accommodations and much more. Leave all the hard work and hassle to us, and enjoy hiking Across Portugal.

1 – The Camino to Santiago de Compostela

Starting with one of the most popular and international trails, that isn’t exclusive only to Portugal. If you wish to cover the northern region of Galicia, in Spain, the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela (St. James) is without hesitation your first choice.

With different routes and starting points, this pilgrimage heritage was once initially made by religious people during the Middle Ages, with whom it is believed that James, one of the 12 apostles of Jesus is buried. Nowadays it is considered an excuse to take a challenge and explore the Iberian Peninsula by foot or bicycle. Follow either the Coast Camino and be amazed at the Atlantic Ocean always on your left side and small towns on your right, or head inland through green valleys, old farms, and manor houses from a different era.

The Camino isn’t only a physical challenge for hikers and trail seekers. It is deeply connected to religion, and faith and can be often perceived as a spiritual and self-reflection journey to rediscover yourself. Alongside this trail, expect to engage in conversation with other pilgrims, share personal stories and experiences, and create everlasting friendships.

Approximately 10 days of hiking, alongside the Portuguese and Spanish territories, on the ground or even stamped on a wall, the seashell followed by a yellow arrow will be your GPS, pointing you in the right direction to the north of Spain. The coastal towns included during this hike are a few, such as Vila do Conde, Póvoa de Varzim, Esposende, and Vila Praia de Âncora. These once-small fishing towns held such importance during the Age of the Discoveries, are today a safe haven for resting, soaking all in, after long hours of daily walking. Make sure you find the yellow arrow on certain restaurants, where a delicious meal is granted for pilgrims.

Once in Spain, the towns of Baiona, Vigo, and Pontevedra welcome you with their quaint harbors, old towns, and medieval castles facing the ocean. Several Paradores, historical buildings that were converted into accommodations, are available for resting and regaining energy for the next day. After Pontevedra, towards Caldas de Reis and Padrón, it is necessary to get away from the coast and head a bit inland. Small charming towns with picturesque valleys and forests, are ensured, where streams make you feel like it’s a whole new world. The last days are the hardest, especially because the weather conditions in the northern region could be quite windy and rainy, during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall).

The moment of triumph and success is achieved once you reach the Square of Obradoiro and the colossal Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela awaits you. After getting your credentials, as evidence of finishing the pilgrimage, make sure you spend some time in the old alleys of Santiago, where many restaurants and shops are dedicated to the pilgrims. For those who are more religious, don’t forget to attend one of the daily Pilgrim Masses inside the Cathedral. If you are a seasoned walker, this isn’t a race, but a journey of a lifetime.

Buen Camino!

2 – The Fishermen’s Trail

Going south of Lisbon, on your way towards the blue pristine waters of the Algarve region, another famous trail awaits.

This hidden gem in the southwestern part of the country is the ultimate combination between scenic ocean views and jaw-dropping cliffs that are worthy of a thousand pictures. You will have the opportunity to get to learn more about the Portuguese coastline and enjoy its beauty on this trail, part of the Vicentina Route.

The Fishermen’s Trail concerns a 225 km walking path, always following the coastline where golden sandy beaches, stunning waves, rugged cliffs, diverse wildlife, and even small ancient fishing towns where you can rest and have one of the best delicious fish meals ever. For foodies and food enthusiasts, we’re talking about fresh seafood, grilled sardines soaked in olive oil, grilled codfish with potatoes, and octopus, paired with exquisite Portuguese wine.

Visit old charming villages such as Zambujeira do Mar, Odeceixe, Vila Nova de Milfontes, and much more, and get acquainted with the Portuguese culture, heritage that go back at least 300 years ago, and engage in conversation with the locals that will help you along the hike. Don’t worry about accommodation if you’re traveling during spring or fall seasons, but if you’d like to explore this quintessential part of Portugal, make sure you book in advance your accommodations, either hotels, guesthouses, or Airbnbs.

The trail could be quite challenging if you’re not prepared. Certain parts are hilly and have a certain elevation. The starting point is near Sines, just south of the Portuguese capital, ending in the Algarve. The wooden poles with the colors blue and white determine the GPS, pointing you in the right way on the trail. Since it’s a multiday hike, using a luggage transfer is much easier, allowing you to fully enjoy your journey without carrying extra weight.

Pack your boots, hiking gear, and sunglasses, and be prepared to discover one of the most amazing routes in the whole world. If you wish to have a deep, crafted, and complete experience, make sure you contact any tour companies to book this unforgettable journey with a local tour guide, who will show all the hidden gems, secret areas, and quirky history buffs in the Vicentina Coast.

3 – Hiking in Madeira

Just off the Portuguese coast, there’s an island that is not for the faint of heart who wish to take a real hike, and explore miles of nature.

Madeira was first discovered in the early 1400s by Bartolomeu Perestrelo and João Gonçalves Zarco, and proves even today to be somewhat a mystical place. With lushgreen forests, semi tropical climate and turquoise waters, this island is ideal for solo hikers who just want to be in the moment and enjoy scenic views. From mountain cliffs covered with fog to Atlantic coastal towns, Madeira has some off-the-beaten-path trails that are worthy a quick trip flying from Portugal.

The Levada Walks is one of among the few popular trails to enjoy. These idyllic paths will take you to distinct landscapes that can be found in Madeira. Along the trail, expect to encounter hidden waterfalls, foggy forests that will lead to blue lagoons and volcanic rocks. Either for beginners who are starting who are aficionados for hiking and nature, as well as for those who have been taking this nomadic lifestyle for a while. The Levada do Risco will take you inland, to very own heart of the island where you will have the chance to grab your camera for picturesque photos and snaps, proving to be quite unforgettable.

Going east, the Ponta São Lourenço is undoubtedly unique where it will make you feel you are in an African country with the Sahara always on your back. A desert like geography with volcanic boulders and rocks that could prove the ultimate challenge, ending by the astonishing coast of Madeira.

These are just a few of different trails and hikes that Madeira welcomes you to explore. What truly describes this island in the Atlantic Ocean is the variety of the landscape, suitable for all kinds of walkers and explorers.

4 – Seven Hanging Valleys Trail

Probably the least known, the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail encompasses the southmost part of the Algarve, covering a small part of this sunny coastline, perfect for hikers and trail seekers.

Stretching from the Praia da Marinha to Praia Vale de Centeanes (in Carvoeiro), this idyllic short trail only has approximately 6 km. Still, the trail’s name is related to the number of valleys which gives a mesmerizing landscape and a bit of a sense of challenge.

What makes this trail so special is undoubtedly its main highlights. Embark on a journey where hidden bays and blue-water beaches are blended with grand boulders, cliffs, and other geological formations that provide the perfect detox from the hustle and bustle of the touristy side of the Algarve. 

5 – The Peneda-Gerês National Park

Landing in Porto, the capital of the north of Portugal, and nicknamed the Invicta City, make sure you rent a car or purchase bus tickets and head northeast to the PenedaGerês National Park.

This natural and heavenly paradise grants diverse walks and trails to explore around the park, where the sounds of birds chirping, running water, and leaves whistling will be your companions.

With a network of diverse trails, Gerês boasts spectacular landscapes for all levels of hikers who wish to seek a new adventure and forget for a few moments the stress of life and daily routines.

The Cascata do Arado proves to be one of the popular trails that often takes you to bathe in the Arado Waterfall if the weather is great. Vista points and panoramic views are paired with this hike, so make sure you bring your electronics to capture the perfect moments, save them, and upload them on your social media feed. For the experienced trekkers, the Currais Trail is up to take for those who would like to venture through the Peneda Mountain (Serra do Gerês), and, at the same time, visit charming old villages that go back to ancient times. Following the aforementioned trail, if you’re a history buff or culture seeker, the Trail Aldeia de Pitões das Junias is a hike in Gerês, heading northwest, granting you the opportunity to explore one of the highest villages in Portugal.

For speleology lovers and cave enthusiasts, the Calcedónia Trail, in Terras de Bouro, is almost obligatory to do. An area that takes you back to an era before Roman times, where a network of tunnels was built as a fortification to prevent any incoming attacks. Nowadays, you will observe old mining sites, green areas, and another popular waterfall, the Calcedónia Waterfall.

Before visiting the Gerês, always double-check the weather forecast, as well as the difficulty levels that are listed online. Also, and since the best way to learn about a country’s history is through the food and gastronomy, make sure you stop by a few small villages to enjoy the local northern gastronomy.