Portugal may be famous for its golden beaches and historic cities, but it’s also a dream destination for hikers. From rugged coastal paths to mountain adventures, Portugal offers trails for every level of experience. If you’re planning a walking holiday, here’s your guide to the best hikes in Portugal.
Hiking in Portugal
Portugal boasts a diverse and picturesque landscape that is perfect for hiking enthusiasts of all levels. From coastal trails offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean to mountainous regions with rugged terrain and lush forests, Portugal offers a wide range of hiking opportunities. Whether you prefer leisurely walks along scenic coastal paths or challenging treks through remote wilderness areas, you'll find plenty of options to explore and enjoy in Portugal.
Best hiking in Portugal: Our top trails
Whether you’re looking for rugged mountain adventures or easy coastal strolls, Portugal has a trail to suit you. From the mainland to the islands, hiking in Portugal is a brilliant way to discover the country’s natural beauty, charming villages, and hidden gems. These are our top trails not to be missed:
Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
Our first stop is one of the best day hikes in Portugal. Portugal is home to unending natural beauty and a lot of this can be found on the country’s rugged coastline which has been shaped and changed over the years by the power of nature. This has resulted in a stunning selection of sea caves on Portugal’s southernmost Algarve coast and these stunning natural rock formations can be enjoyed on one of the best hikes in Portugal which is known as the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail.
The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is a renowned hiking route that showcases the natural beauty of Portugal's coastal regions. This 12km trail (around 7.5 miles) is the perfect way to discover all 7 caves along the Algarve coast, starting at the rugged cliffs of Carvoeiro and stretching to Praia da Marinha. Highlights of the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, which is suitable for all levels, from keen hikers to beginners, include Benagil Beach and Carvalho Beach.
Be aware that in order to catch a glimpse of the remarkable Benagil Cave, it is necessary to venture into the water as this cave can only be accessed from the sea. The surrounding area offers various options for renting paddle boards or boats, allowing you to enjoy the most breathtaking views of this magnificent cave.
Cabo da Roca to Azenhas do Mar Coastal Trail
The next stop on our tour of Portugal's best hikes takes us to another one of the best coastal walks in Portugal. We’re off to Sintra, and while you may initially be thinking of the colourful palaces that Sintra is famous for, the Sintra coastline is also a must visit.
This walking route starts in Cabo da Roca which can be most easily accessed from Cascais or Lisbon, and will take you through a range of wonderful beaches until you reach Azenhas do Mar, famous for its charming whitewashed houses that overlook the sea.
This is one of the best hikes near Lisbon. The total distance of this hike is almost 11km (7 miles) and will take you along the edge of the Sintra-Cascais Natural park on the Lisbon coast. This really is one of the best hikes in Portugal with stunning panoramic views that you will never forget.
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Rota Vincentina (Fishermen’s Trail)
Our top hiking trails in Portugal wouldn't be complete without a trip to Cabo Saint Vicente, renowned as the southernmost point of Europe. This serves as the beginning of one of Portugal's most enchanting trails, providing awe-inspiring vistas of the expansive coastline that stretches into the horizon.
Starting in the Algarve and then meandering up Portugal’s Alentejo coast, this coastal route is known as the “Rota Vicentina” or “the Fisherman’s trail”. This is because, as well as enjoying the spectacular Portuguese coastline, this hiking trail also gives you the chance to visit charming fishing villages which are steeped in history and the perfect places to make a pit stop to recharge your batteries. Don't forget to also try out the local gastronomic scene where fresh fish is the star of the show.
Once again, this Portuguese hike is good for all levels and instead of doing the entire trail, you can easily choose more manageable sections.
25 Fontes Hike
The trail known as 25 Fontes or 25 Waterfalls offers a self-explanatory and awe-inspiring experience as it leads you through a captivating tour of no less than 25 waterfalls on the picturesque Portuguese island of Madeira. This remarkable trail stands as the island's most renowned and favoured hike, drawing visitors from across the globe to witness its natural splendour.
The total distance this hiking trail is about 11km (almost 7miles) and can take 3-4 hours to complete. This walking route is suitable for all levels and take note that when planning, it's necessary to set aside some time to relax beside some of the waterfalls to take a break and enjoy the stunning landscapes on offer.
Paiva Walkways
The Paiva Walkways are a firm favourite for those visiting Portugal who want to venture a little further away from the coast and enjoy rural Portugal. This 8km (5 mile) trail isn’t too challenging and is a great day hike in Portugal, but what makes it special is the impressive wooden walkways from which you can enjoy beautiful views of the Paiva River in the Portuguese countryside.
The Paiva Walkways (known as “passadiços do Paiva” in Portuguese) are located in Arouca which is an area about 65km south-east of the city of Porto. Take note that in summer, the trail also passes by several spots where you can swim in the river to cool down from your adventures under the hot Portuguese sun.
Douro Valley Wine Trails
Combine hiking with wine tasting in the enchanting Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where terraced vineyards cascade down the hillsides to meet the winding Douro River. This region, famous for its Port and table wines, offers a unique walking experience unlike anywhere else in Portugal. Several self-guided trails weave through the landscape, connecting traditional villages, scenic viewpoints, and historic quintas (wine estates).
Popular routes include the paths around Peso da Régua, Pinhão, and the dramatic São Leonardo da Galafura viewpoint, where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping panoramas of the river and the vine-covered slopes. The hikes here are relatively gentle, making them ideal for those who prefer a relaxed pace, stopping often to admire the views, explore local wineries, and sample regional cuisine.
Along the way, you might pass through olive groves, almond orchards, and tiny whitewashed hamlets where time seems to stand still. In autumn, the landscape bursts into shades of gold and red as the grape harvest season (vindima) begins — a particularly magical time to visit.
What are the best hikes near Lisbon?
Just a short drive from Lisbon, you'll find a range of beautiful hikes that offer a mix of coastal views, lush forests, and historical landmarks. One of the top spots is Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage town just 30 minutes from the city. The Sintra-Cascais Natural Park offers numerous trails, including the popular Cabo da Roca to Praia da Adraga hike, which takes you along dramatic cliffs with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. The park is also home to the Serra de Sintra mountains, where you can explore dense forests, charming palaces, and hidden lakes, all while enjoying a cooler, more temperate climate than Lisbon.
Another excellent hiking destination near Lisbon is Arrábida Natural Park, located about 40 minutes south of the city. This park is a paradise for nature lovers, with its limestone hills, Mediterranean vegetation, and secluded beaches. The Ribeira do Cavalo trail is particularly stunning, leading hikers down to a pristine beach framed by high cliffs. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Castelo de Sesimbra route offers panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and the peaceful town of Sesimbra, known for its seafood and beautiful beaches.
What is the famous hike in Portugal and Spain?
No guide to hiking in the Iberian Peninsula would be complete without mentioning this one last hike. One of the most famous hikes in Portugal and Spain is the Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of St. James. This ancient pilgrimage route has been travelled by millions of pilgrims over the centuries, culminating at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain, where the remains of the apostle St. James are said to be buried. The Camino de Santiago offers several different routes, some of which creep into Portugal, each with its own unique landscapes, cultural experiences, and historical significance.