Hiking in Portugal: Top Outdoor Adventures Awaiting You

Portugal is one of Europe’s top hiking destinations, both in terms of all the places there are to explore as well as the stunning views awaiting lucky visitors. On top of the three locations listed above, there are plenty of other places to explore in this small Atlantic country as well.

Along with Central Portugal, the north of the country is home to scenic highlands and valleys as well. Peneda Geres National Park, along the Spanish border, is an excellent place for hiking enthusiasts to visit. Home to gorgeous mountain scenery and an ancient Celtic settlement, the national park is the perfect place for a hiking adventure.

The Azores, south of Madeira also provide amazing hiking options for those willing to seek them out. Home to Mount Pico (2.351 meters), the tallest mountain in Portugal, as well as various wineries, stunning coastlines and several other volcanic mountains, the archipelago is the perfect spot for all kinds of hiking adventures.

**Stunning scenery **

Portugal is blessed with some stunningly beautiful scenery. From prominent volcanoes on semi-tropical islands to stunningly beautiful beaches framed by sandy sea cliffs, hiking in Portugal allows you to see all of the country’s diverse natural beauty. With mountain peaks that are prominent, but not technically difficult to ascend, there’s always an amazing views waiting to be discovered.

Come for the culture

The discovery of natural beauty is the main driving force behind almost every hiking adventure. However, in Portugal, cultural and natural discover go hand in hand. Explore historic fishing villages while hiking along the southern coast of Alqueva or discover historic settlements along the rugged terrain of Portugal’s various island outposts. Regardless of where you head, be sure to try some of the local cuisine and excellent wine too.

Incredible diversity

Due to its coastlines, rugged highlands and island territories, Portugal is chock-full of diverse landscapes. Heading to Madeira can get you up close to active volcanoes, while walking along the beaches of the Portuguese coastline offer unfettered access to a maze of coves and caves. Meanwhile, heading to the Portuguese central and northern highlands provides hours of entertaining hikes through forests along lakes and up modest mountains.

During the summer, Portugal has great weather. The average temperature sits around mid-20s, and occasionally 30ºC. The mountains in the north tend to be cooler than the south, but the south is usually windier. Rain is quite infrequent throughout the country during the summer.

Depending on where you are going in the country, you will want to fly into the international airports at Lisbon (LIS) or Porto (OPO). From there, the rest of the country is pretty well connected by bus or domestic flight.

Portuguese

+351

Euro

March to October