15 Portugal Hikes + Trails for the Ultimate Portugal Hiking Trip
Portugal is not just about impressive coasts and picturesque towns but is also getting famous for adventurous traveling and hiking trails and in this article we’ll help you have the ultimate Portugal hiking trip by showing you the best 15 hikes and trails across the country.
Portugal Hiking
Boasting dramatic coastal scenery and incredible mountain landscapes, there are still some regions that have been barely explored by travelers.
It doesn’t matter where you are in Portugal; there are some wonderful paths and great hiking trails almost everywhere. Look for those hidden places to explore just outside the cities and experience some fantastic scenery.
If you’d rather go on an adventure with an expert guide than strike out on the best hikes in Portugal alone, log on to KE Adventure and make the best of your time and money with their expert-guided tours.
With more than 500 trails all over Portugal, outdoor enthusiasts and lovers of unspoiled natural beauty will remain spoilt for choices when it comes to hiking and trekking.
For those who are finding it difficult to make up their mind, here is our list of the best hikes in Portugal.
Related reading: The Best Beaches in Portugal for all Beachgoers
The 15 Best Hikes in Portugal
1 – Rota Vicentina for long-distance hikes
If you are looking for long-distance hiking trails, then head for Rota Vicentina. Located on the southwestern point in Europe, the trail covers 450km and boasts of jaw-dropping cliff scenery.
The trail will take you through rustic villages, across the plains and along the coastline.
The Fisherman’s Trail
Fisherman’s Trail (or Trilha dos Pescadores in Portuguese), is one of the most scenic routes along the Rota Vicentina trail. In fact, it’s widely considered one of the most spectacular trails in the world.
The rugged coastline, long sandy beaches, wooden walkways, and wildflowers clinging to the clifftops makes for an exciting day hike or even strike out and cover the whole 230 km of the Fisherman’s trail!
The Historical Trail
The other incredible section of the Rota Vicentina is the Historical Trail, another of the spectacular Algarve hikes and one of the best hikes in Portugal.
This is a great complement to fishermen’s trail because it heads inland through the historical villages that made up a catholic pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela Cathedral.
2 – Lousã hiking trails up the mountain
Enjoy the dramatic hiking trails of Coimbra Lousã that will take you up the mountain. As the hike is difficult and steep make sure that you have the strength and endurance.
The trail will take you through the forests, fountains with springs, and ancient schist villages. Enjoy stunning views during your trip.
3 – Óbidos for an interesting hiking trail
An increasing number of locals and tourists head for Óbidos in central Portugal, north of Lisbon, for both hiking and biking.
If you are an outdoors enthusiast, you should not miss out on those miss out on these interesting hiking trails.
Várzea da Rainha
Várzea da Rainha is one of the most popular and best hikes in this region. The path begins at Óbidos and ends at Praia do Bom Sucesso beach.
4 – Parque Nacional de Penada-Gerês for well-designed routes
Parque Nacional de Penada-Gerês is the only national park in Portugal in the northwest.
Boasting a magnificent swathe of Portugal’s natural environment, there is ample opportunity here for outdoor lovers. Apart from hiking, one can enjoy kayaking, horse riding, and more.
One can explore the whole park on foot, thanks to the well-signaled routes that take you across the mountains, forests, and valleys.
5 – Borba-Serra d’Ossa for impressive views
Borba-Serra d’Ossa is located in the beautiful Alentejo region.
Because of the architecture and the use of white marble, it is also known as “white gold.”
You can explore the Chapel and Village of São Gregório which is located below the high mountains.
6 – Penafiel for picturesque old villages
Located close to Porto, the Penafiel hike takes you through picturesque old villages.
This is your chance to get an insight into local life and understand the culture.
On the way, you will cross the Monastery of Saviour of Paço de Sousa, which is a beautiful Romanesque monastery that dates back to the 10th century.
7 – Serra da Estrela for leisurely walks
Serra da Estrela has several tracks and routes for hiking in the nature park.
One finds an ideal setting here for hiking as the weather conditions are just perfect. May and October are ideal, and you can breathe in pure fresh air and enjoy stunning views all around.
8 – Montesinho Natural Park for undisturbed nature
Located in northern Portugal, Montesinho is almost cut off from the rest of the country and thus offers the most undisturbed nature.
The hiking trails will take you through a region that is virtually isolated. Walk up to Serra de Montesinho, the highest peak in the region, or take a stroll towards the village of Dine.
9 – Sintra for hiking between monuments
Sintra is a charming town just a short distance away from the Capital of Lisbon. The town, which is located in the Sintra Mountains is just perfect for hiking.
The two most popular hiking routes take you to the most impressive monuments here, Palacio de Pena and Moorish Castle.
Other exciting monuments where you can hike to include the Chalet da Condessa D’Edla and Vila Sassi.
10 – Mafra for an exciting and fun experience
Your walking trips through Mafra will take you across different villages and beaches. So, you get a mix of outdoor fun and adventure.
Enjoy your hikes as you cross through different natural environments and interact with the locals.
11 – The Algarve for an off-the-beaten-track hiking experience
The southern region of Portugal lures tourists for its sun, sea, sea caves, and beautiful beaches like Praia da Marinha and Benagil Beach.
However, hikers come here to explore the off-beaten tracks as there is still a lot to discover in the Algarve. Hikers can walk through different routes that will take them through the region’s northern villages and some historical towns.
Check out our full guide on all the best Algarve hiking trails!
The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
Even the name of the seven hanging valleys trail is exciting! We think this hiking trail offers the best scenery of southern Portugal as it spills into the Atlantic Ocean.
It is one of the most beautiful coastal hikes anywhere, beginning at incredible Praia da Marinha and the cathedral rock arches, past sea caves, Benagil Beach, rock formations, and coves, to end at Wale Centeanes Beach.
Check out more about the seven hanging valleys trail in our full guide on all the best Algarve hiking trails!
12 – Costa do Estoril walks for beautiful nature
Hiking in Costa do Estoril is just the best way to discover every element of natural forms that make this region.
When you hike in this region, you will come across Poets Park and Marechal Carmona Park. Enjoy the experience and feel mother nature very close to you.
13 – Madeira for volcanic nature
Madeira is a main island of Portugal that has been cast adrift in the Atlantic Ocean. The island is just perfect for hiking because of the volcanic nature of the land made of pointed, soaring peaks.
The best hiking route (which is surely one of the best hikes in Portugal), is around Pico Ruivo (Arieiro Peak) which will take you to the top and then down to the village of Ilha.
Another popular route is Vereda da Encumeada which will take you along the mountain pass.
14 – Alentejo for exciting routes and paths
Alentejo promises you plenty of privileged places and beautiful landscapes that are filled with exciting routes and paths.
Explore Sierra de São Mamede Nature Park on foot or on a bike. Spread across thousands of acres, this is your chance to get in touch with Nature and go on the routes that pass through hills, valleys, and streams.
15 – Setúbal is a beautiful destination
If you love walking, hiking, or trekking, then head for the beautiful destination of Setúbal. With so many different walking trails across the reserve, park, or beach, you can pick what you like.
Percurso dos Moinhos Trail is meant for those looking for longer hikes, and the trailer will take you through beautiful vegetation and around windmills.
Percurso dos Gaiteiros Trail and Percurso São Filipe Trail are other favorites and offer panoramic views. But with the longer hiking times here, make sure to wear the correct hiking footwear.
Related articles:
Check out our Two Weeks in Portugal Highlights Itinerary
Find out which are The Best Towns and Places to Stay in the Algarve
Take a look at our Favourite Portugal Photos to Inspire Your Vacation
