7 incredible hikes to challenge you in Portugal

Running along cliffs above stunning beaches, winding between picturesque cities and beautiful villages, or climbing craggy mountains in national parks and nature reserves, countless scenic routes across Portugal greet hikers of all levels. Long-distance treks could constitute your entire journey, or short walks could be spurs on a wider itinerary. 

Spring and fall are the best times to hike in Portugal, although if you’re heading south to hike in the Algarve, winter doesn’t disappoint either: you’ll have cool but mostly pleasant days and a welcome lack of crowds wherever you go.

Stepping on a trail here can just as easily take you past crashing waves as it can reach back in time to traditional stone towns or roads once used by ancient Romans. Pick your pleasure and set your course toward these seven of our favorite hikes in Portugal.

1. Rota Vicentina

Best long-distance coastal hike
Distance: Fishermen’s Trail 226km (141 miles), Historical Way 263km (163 miles); one way
Estimated time to complete: 14 days for each trail
Level of difficulty: moderate

The Rota Vicentina is actually two walking trails – one coastal and one inland – along the southwest coast to Cabo de São Vincente. The coastal walk (better known as Fishermen’s Trail) uses paths forged by beachgoers and fisherfolk, and passes through some of Portugal’s most dramatic coastal scenery. The inland route (the Historical Way) is equally appealing. It runs through rural villages, cork tree forests and river valleys, with a scenic coastal section anchoring its southern end.

The Fishermen’s Trail has 13 sections, and the walk is slightly more difficult, with some passages on dunes and thigh-burning sands. At times it snakes along cliffs, mostly on a narrow single track, and only walkers are allowed. The Historical Way also has 13 sections but is longer and generally easier, with wider trails; mountain bikes are permitted.

Planning tip: It’s rarely more than 25km (15.5 miles) between villages, so you can leave the camping gear at home and lodge overnight at accomodations in the towns.

2. Via Algarviana

Best long-distance hike in the interior
Distance: 300km (186 miles); one way
Estimated time to complete: 2–3 weeks
Level of difficulty: moderate

If you tire of lounging on the Algarve's postcard-pretty beaches, a hike along part – or if you’re really brave, all – of the Via Algarviana will thrust you directly into the magnificent landscapes of this region.

The trail stretches from Alcoutim in the northeast to Cabo de São Vicente in the southwest. Some of the most beautiful sections are around Monchique, where splendid panoramas open around you on the climb through cork groves to the Algarve's tallest peaks. Avoid high summer, when temperatures can be extreme and wildfires can pose a hazard.

Planning tip: For a two-day taster, stay in Monchique, walk up to Picota and back one day, then to Fóia and back the next. 

3. Rocha da Pena circuit

Best short hike for bird-watching and wildflowers
Distance: 6.6km (4.1 miles); round trip
Estimated time to complete: 2–3 hours
Level of difficulty: moderate

The Serra do Caldeirão's most worthwhile short walk is to this limestone escarpment via a well-posted circuit. The area has 450 plant species, including native daffodils and bee orchids. Among the birdlife you might see are the short-toed snake eagle, Iberian green woodpecker and Egyptian vulture.

Museums in Salir, Alte and Querença stock a basic map. Carry water and snacks (the only refreshment stops are small shops and cafes at the base and in the village of Pena), and heed seasonal forest fire warnings. Rocha da Pena is also popular with rock climbers.

Don’t miss: The optional detour up to Talefe, the highest point in Rocha da Pena at 479m (1571ft), has mesmerizing views over the Algarve’s hinterlands.

4. Paiva walkways

Best hike in a river valley
Distance: 8km (5 miles); one way
Estimated time to complete: 3 hours
Level of difficulty: moderate

In northern Portugal’s Aveiro region, staircases and walkways cling to the hillsides of a rugged valley centered by the gurgling Rio Paiva. The river supplies welcome opportunities to cool off, with three beaches along the way. At the journey’s end (or beginning), you can make an optional visit to Ponte 516 Arouca, the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge.

You can start in either Areinho or Espiunca, though it’s less strenuous to begin in Areinho if you are only going one way. If you’re planning to do a round-trip hike, start in Espiunca and get the harder bits out of the way first. There are no buses here, so you’ll need your own vehicle to reach the trailhead or arrange a taxi to bring you to your starting point and pick you up.

Planning tip: Preparation is essential for this walk. It's located in the Arouca Geopark, and you must have a (very reasonably priced) ticket. You can book in advance here.  

5. Piódão to Foz d’Égua

Best hike from village to village
Distance: 6.8km (4.2 miles); round trip
Estimated time to complete: 2 hours
Level of difficulty: moderate

Tiny Piódão sits deep in the Serra de Açor (Goshawk Mountains), a remote range of vertiginous ridges, deeply cut valleys, rivers and virgin woodland. The village itself is extremely atmospheric – gray schist buildings on verdant, steeply terraced slopes – but it can get busy with tourists. To capture the region's underlying serenity, take the short signposted trail to the nearby village of Foz d’Égua, home to some lovely old stone bridges, more schist structures and a precarious looking footbridge over the river gorge.

Don't miss: Magnificent views over the hillside emerge on the loop back.

6. Via Geira

Best hike for Roman history
Distance: 4.3km (2.7 miles); one way
Estimated time to complete: 1–2 hours
Level of difficulty: easy

One of Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês' unforgettable walks is the Via Geira, an ancient Roman road that once extended nearly 322km (200 miles) between Braga and Astorga in Spain. From the milepost, you can walk southwest, following the Rio Homem downhill through the entrancing Mata de Albergaria forest. This entire stretch is littered with Roman trail markers, some inscribed with the name of the emperor during whose rule they were erected.

Don't miss: The most beautiful bit begins at Portela do Homem, where the Roman milepost XXXIV still stands.

7. Seven Hanging Valleys Trail

Best cliff hike
Distance: 5.7km (3.5 miles); one way
Estimated time to complete: 2–3 hours
Level of difficulty: moderate

It is hardly a surprise to find one of Portugal's loveliest seaside walks on the central coast of the Algarve. Multicolored rock formations, salt-tinged air and crashing waves set the scene along the coastal cliffs.

The light is most impressive in the early morning or late in the day, but in truth, there’s no bad time to go. Even if you start in the heat of the day, you can cool off at beaches along the way (or if you are walking east, hold out for Praia da Marinha at the end).

Don’t miss: The trail is rich with photo opportunities, like the lighthouse at Alfanzina and the wind-carved arches jutting into the ocean at Praia da Mesquita. The walk also passes over the Benagil Caves, but if you want to see the spectacular interior, head down to Praia de Benagil, where you can arrange a boat trip.