In the southwest point of Europe, known for its dramatic cliffs, incredible beaches, and sun all year round, Portugal makes a perfect Portugal Hiking Holiday. Hiking trails are spread across the country from easy day trips to multi-day treks. From the wild and undeveloped coast of Costa Vicentina to the ochre-colored limestone stacks of the Algarve, Portugal boasts one of the most varied and striking coasts in the world. Here are 5 best hikes in Portugal from the iconic to the more off beaten. If you are planning a walking holiday in Portugal and are looking where to stay, read more on Best Luxury Accommodations in Portugal.
The Azores
The Azores is the Atlantic Ocean’s own secret garden of untouched landscapes and natural beauty that not many people know about. It’s an archipelago of 9 islands scattered along the ocean, about 1600kms off the coast of Portugal. With volcanic origins, the lands have now been transformed into natural beauties, hosting incredible waterfall hikes together with lush forest landscapes. The diverse volcanic landscapes of Portugal’s Atlantic islands make them a true hiking paradise. All islands on the Azores have some great hikes. São Miguel, the main island, is a great place to start your hiking adventure in The Azores. The island of São Jorge is a real hidden gem where shoreside cliffs lead to tiny villages that can sometimes be reached by walking trail only. Another Azores island with great hikes is Pico island, which also features Portugal’s highest point — the 2351 meter tall dormant volcano of Mt. Pico. It’s a highly challenging 6-hour mountain climb. But the island with by far the most trails is the largest island of São Miguel. Venture on our Sao Miguel ‘The Green Island’ Deluxe Walk.
Some great hiking trails:
- Mount Pico, Pico Island
- Caldeira de Santo Cristo, São Jorge
- Lagoa do Fogo, Sao Miguel
- Faja Grande, Flores Island
- Sete Cidades Lake, Sao Miguel
- Caldeirao, Corvo Island
- Caldeira-Faial, Faial Island
Algarve Coast
Portugal’s southern Algarve coast is a beach paradise offering some breathtaking trails along the coast. From coastal adventures and rolling vineyard landscapes to lush inland forests, hiking in Algarve will immerse you into some truly unforgettable experiences. The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is the most iconic, offering spectacular vistas of coastal limestone cliffs where ages of erosion have created numerous sea caves, sink holes, and pillars. Keep an eye out for the Praia da Marinha double arches. You can also make a stop in Carvoeiro from where you can take a boat tour to the sea caves, most famously the stunning Benagil caves.
Madeira
Madeira is one of the best places in the world to hike, with its lush forests, dramatic peaks and stunning coastlines. The hiking trails in Madeira are divided into two categories:
- Levadas – levada walks are very popular in Madeira. They consist of maintained paths alongside manmade water springs, making it a calming experience. You’ll be surrounded by lush nature and along the way you’ll see amazing panoramas.
- Veredas – vereda hiking trails are up in the mountains of Madeira. They offer incredible vistas but are often also a little more challenging.
Some great hiking trails:
- Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo – PR1: the most famous and hardest trail. The Vereda do Arieiro connects the two highest peaks on the island: Pico do Arieiro (1818m) and Pico Ruivo (1862m)
- Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço – PR8: this hiking trail is located on the eastern part of the island and offers incredible panoramic views! During the hike you’ll walk along the entire peninsula
- Levada das 25 Fontes – PR6: a lush and easy hike along the levada combining two trails to see two different waterfalls
Join us on our Discovery Walk of Madeira, Self-Guided.
Portuguese Camino De Santiago
The Camino de Santiago is a series of walks that converge on the medieval city of Santiago de Compostela, where St James (one of Jesus’ twelve apostles) is buried in a spectacular cathedral, and it’s been a pilgrimage for Christians for over a thousand years. The Camino Portugues, or Portuguese Camino, is a stunning alternative to the Camino Frances, for pilgrims looking for a more rural experience on the Camino de Santiago. From Porto, the Camino Portugues follows the coast all the way to Santiago. Pass beautiful towns, villages and scenic countryside and coastal views. Some key locations include Santarém, Coimbra, Porto city (home of the iconic Port wine), Viana do Castelo, Vigo, Pontevedra and finally Santiago de Compostela. Join us on our Camino de Santiago Walk from Portugal to Spain as you tick off 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Lisbon, Porto and Santiago; and discover the true hinterlands of Portugal and Spain in unspoilt traditional villages.
Sintra
The Serra de Sintra is the most beautiful forested area that makes an ideal day trip from Lisbon. It is a haven of beautiful palaces, castles, and gardens. In Sintra you’ll find tranquil pine forests with moss-covered granite boulders, cork oak trees among ferns, and sequoia trees covered in ivy. Several small lakes dot the center of the mountain range and there are some great viewpoints all around. Offering amazing views and spectacular beaches you’ll have all to yourself, this hike deserves to be on everybody’s Portugal bucket list. Hiking the Sintra Coastal trail offers several route variations where you can take base on how long you want to hike for.
Some great trails are:
- Cabo Da Roca to Azenhas do Mar (10.8 km)
- Cabo Da Roca to Praia da Adraga (roughly under 5km)
- Cabo Da Roca to Praia da Ursa and back (roughly 1.5km there and back)
Discover Sintra on our Best of Portugal Luxury Walk from Lisbon, Porto, Sintra and the Douro River.
