10 of the Best Hiking Trails in Portugal

A beautiful hike in the north of Portugal, Passadiços do Paiva runs along and above the Paiva river. The trail is about 5 miles (8 kilometers) and mostly travels along a raised walkway. This even terrain makes the hike fairly easy; the hardest part is a section of stairs. To go up the smallest number of stairs, start at the Areinho trailheads and end at Espiunca (rather than going the other way around). There are cafés and restaurants at both entrances and taxis that can drop you off back where you started. Admission tickets start at €2 online.

As Portugal’s only national park, Peneda-Gerês offers a unique and protected landscape. The 7.5-mile (12-kilometer) Sete Lagoas loop starts in Xertelo and goes along seven gemlike lagoons that are perfect for a dip. After that, you can explore the mountainside before heading back. There isn’t much shade or any dining places along the way, so bring some sun protection, food, and water with you, as well as a trash bag to dispose of your waste.

One of the most iconic pilgrimages in the world, the Caminho de Santiago has several routes, and this is the second most traveled. While the full route starts in Lisbon, we suggest doing a shorter version, starting in Porto (for a walk of 150 miles or 240 kilometers) or closer to the Spanish border. This is a long, tough hike that requires intense training and planning. Those who have hiked it will tell you it’s an incredibly rewarding experience, offering deep connections with fellow hikers and the satisfaction of overcoming physical and mental obstacles.

Trilho dos Pescadores (Fishermen’s Trail) is a gorgeous choice for all sea lovers. It’s a long, 13-stage 140-mile (226-kilometer) trail down the Portuguese coast, starting in Alentejo and ending in Algarve. The terrain is mostly sandy, so it can be taxing, but you’ll find a beach is always nearby if you need a break and a refreshing dive in the Atlantic.

The enchanting scenery in the Azores Islands give the region the feel of a fairytale land. Fittingly, the two adjacent lagoons in São Miguel—one blue and one green—have a tragic mythical story attached to them. According to legend, they are the result of the tears shed by a blue-eyed princess and green-eyed shepherd that couldn’t be together. There is an easy circular hike of about 1.7 miles (2.7 kilometer) that goes through Boca do Inferno, a viewpoint that lets you gaze at both of these lagoons. (For a good view, try to avoid going on a foggy day.)

Taking an urban hike is the best way to explore Lisbon. The city is hilly and has slippery cobblestone streets, so don’t underestimate it! Bring comfortable shoes and water. There are no official trails to follow; instead, head to the Alfama district, which is a great area to get lost in. Follow the stairs, the smells, the sounds—and don’t forget to say “Bom dia” to the inevitable Portuguese lady sitting on her stoop. After some exploring, you can also check out some of the great food the city has to offer.

The 25 Fontes hike takes you through the forest, along an artificial stream, and into a beautiful lagoon with—as the name suggests—25 waterfalls. This loop is a moderately difficult 8-mile (13-kilometer) hike. The starting point is not very close to the capital of the island, but the area does offer a number of interesting attractions; choose a tour that takes care of transportation to enjoy everything the region has to offer.

A beautiful seaside trail that goes along part of the southern coast of Algarve, the Sete Vales trail is popular with people who love an ocean view. The vistas are breathtaking, and you’ll have plenty of chances to take a dip in the Atlantic on one of the beaches the trail runs through, such as Praia da Marinha. This hike is moderately difficult, mainly because there are loose rocks along the path in some parts. Afterwards, if you want to explore more of the area’s natural beauty, check out a Jeep safari tour.

The Arrábida Natural Park is only a short car ride from Lisbon and offers an easy 1.5-mile (2.4 kilometer) hike that includes a lot of spots to explore, such as a chapel hidden inside a cave and traces of a roman fishing factory. The trail starts in Portinho da Arrábida, so it’s easy to have a meal and coffee before you head out on your walk. If you’re interested in a more intimate and well-rounded experience of Arrábida, take a tour that pairs a chance to explore the park with stops at local villages and a visit to a winery.

This 5-mile (8-kilometer) long loop takes you through the vineyards and offers views of the beautiful Douro River snaking through the mountain. The path then heads down to the river and past the Six Senses Douro Valley, where you can stop for a quick glass of wine. The hike back up into town, at the end, is the hardest part of an overall easy path. If you’re interested in learning more about port wine and the Douro region after your hike, take a Douro wine-tasting tour complete with lunch and an optional (but highly recommended) cruise.