Olá, olá! Today, we will explore some of the best hiking trails in Portugal. From the rugged mountains to the beautiful coastlines, Portugal has some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. So, if you want to discover some of the best trails to walk in Portugal, lace up your boots, and let’s get started!
Below you can find 10 of the best hiking trails in Portugal (Continental) – in my opinion at least 🙂 – starting with number ten and ending with my favourite trail.
Our List of Hiking Trails in Portugal starts with…
10. Trilhos da Rota Vicentina
Our first trails are in the Rota Vicentina. This route has many trails that take you along the stunning southwest coast of Portugal. You’ll be treated to views of rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and quaint villages. Some of the most known trails are the Trilho dos Pescadores (Fishermen’s Trail) and Percurso Histórico (Historical Trail), but there are also other smaller and circular paths, for an easier walk.
These trails are perfect for nature lovers who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some peace and quiet. The trails are generally well-marked and, therefore, it should be easy to find your way. Along the way, you’ll encounter friendly locals, taste delicious seafood, and experience the natural beauty of Portugal.
9. Trilhos do Parque Nacional Peneda-Gerês
Our second route full of nice trails is Parque Nacional Peneda-Gerês (Peneda-Gerês National Park). This park is located in the northern part of Portugal and is home to some of the country’s most stunning landscapes. The park covers over 700 square kilometers (around 52 of which are public) and has several hiking trails to choose from.
One of the most popular trails is the Trilho da Mistura das Águas (Mix of the Waters Trail). This Portuguese hiking trail takes you through beautiful mountain landscapes, woods, and valleys, and shows you the Lagoa dos Druidas (Druidas Lagoon). This trail is of moderate difficulty, it’s circular, and it is 14 km long.
8. Trilho dos Passadiços do Paiva
Our next trail is Passadiços do Paiva. This trail is located in the northern part of Portugal and takes you along the Paiva River. The trail is famous for its wooden walkways, which wind their way through stunning natural landscapes. Along the way, you’ll encounter river beaches, rapids, and rock formations. The trail is about 8 kilometers long and takes about 3-4 hours to complete. It’s a place definitely worth visiting!
If you want to read more about this trail, you can check out this post about my hiking adventure in the Passadiços do Paiva.
7. Trilhos do Parque Natural de Sintra-Cascais
The next trails are located in the Parque Natural de Sintra-Cascais (Sintra-Cascais Natural Park). This park is located just outside of Lisbon and is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in Portugal. The park has several hiking trails to choose from, but one of the most popular is the Cabo da Roca-Praia do Carneiro trail.
This trail takes you along the coastline of the park and offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Along the way, you’ll also see beautiful beaches. The trail is about 4 kilometers long and takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete. It is considered an easy trail, but you’ll likely encounter some steep passages, which you have to be careful with.
6. Trilhos do Parque Natural do Douro Internacional
The route of the Parque Natural do Douro Internacional (Douro International Natural Park) is a stunning place in the north-east of Portugal, running along the Douro River that forms the border between Portugal and Spain. In there, some stunning trails can be found.
These trails pass through several small villages, vineyards, and stunning landscapes. They offer hikers the opportunity to explore the rugged and remote countryside of Portugal and Spain, with many scenic views of the Douro River and the surrounding mountains.
The Rota do Douro Internacional can be done in sections, with each section offering unique views and experiences. One of the trails that comprise this route, is the one that goes from Miranda do Douro to Miradouro Castrilhouço e Vale de Águia (Castrilhouço view point and Eagle Valley), but there are many more to explore.
5. Trilhos do Parque Natural da Serra de São Mamede
Parque Natural da Serra de São Mamede (Serra de São Mamede Natural Park) is a beautiful mountain range in the Alentejo region of Portugal, near the city of Portalegre. The park offers numerous trails with stunning views of the surrounding countryside, including olive groves, cork oak forests, and picturesque villages. The trail also passes through several historical landmarks, including the medieval walled town of Marvão and the Roman ruins of Ammaia.
One of the most famous trails is the one that goes from Marvão to Castelo de Vide through the Caminho Medieval (Medieval Way). Hikers on this trail can experience the natural beauty of the Alentejo region and learn about the history and culture of Portugal. Furthermore, if you visit you’ll also get to see several different animal and plant species, as this region is rich in fauna and flora.
4. Trilho da Grande Rota do Vale do Côa
This trail is located in the northeastern region of Portugal, close to the Spanish border. It runs along the Côa River and takes hikers through the stunning Vale do Côa (Côa Valley), known for its prehistoric rock art. The trail is approximately 200 kilometers long and can be completed in around 10 days.
Along the way, hikers will encounter small villages, vineyards, and orchards, as well as the chance to observe wildlife like golden eagles and wild boar. The trail also passes through the Parque Arqueológico do Côa (Côa Archaeological Park), where hikers can see the ancient rock art up close. The best time to hike the Rota do Côa is in the spring or autumn when the weather is milder and the landscape is at its most vibrant.
3. Trilhos da Serra da Freita e do Geoparque de Arouca
Serra da Freita is a mountain range located in the central-northern region of Portugal. The Serra da Freita offers several trails (one of them I already spoke about – the Passadiços do Paiva trail) and is an incredible experience for those who enjoy nature and adventure. This mountain range is part of the Arouca Geopark, recognized by UNESCO, which means that there is a great geological and natural richness to be discovered along the trails.
These trails will take you through the Paiva River valley, where you will encounter several waterfalls and cascades, such as the Cascata da Mizarela (Mizarela Waterfall). Along the way, you will also come across the Paiva River itself, which is one of the cleanest rivers in Europe and offers great spots for a refreshing swim during the summer months.
The Serra da Freita hiking trails are not that difficult, but they do require some physical effort, as, depending on the trail or trails you choose, you will likely be walking up and down several hills. It is recommended to wear comfortable hiking shoes, bring plenty of water, and a snack, especially if you plan to complete the trail in one day.
One of the things you can do while hiking in Serra da Freita is explore the Geoparque de Arouca (Arouca Geopark). The geopark is home to several geological and natural wonders, such as the Pedras Parideiras, a unique rock formation where rocks seem to be giving birth to smaller rocks.
2. Trilho da Rota dos Fósseis
Rota dos Fósseis, also known as the Fossil Route, is a hiking trail located in the Penhas Garcia area, in the central region of Portugal. The route is known for its abundance of trilobite fossils, extinct marine animals, which date back millions of years and provide a unique glimpse into the area’s geological history.
The trail is approximately 3 km long and takes hikers through a variety of landscapes, including waterfalls, rivers, and rocky terrain. Along the way, hikers can also observe some old agricultural houses and windmills, which give the place a magical touch.
And my favourite hiking trail in Portugal is…
1. Trilho dos Moinhos do Jancido
Trilho dos Moinhos de Jancido (Moinhos de Jancido Trail) is a hiking trail located in the municipality of Foz do Sousa, belonging to Gondomar, near Porto, Portugal. This circular trail is approximately 6 kilometers long and takes about two and a half to three hours to complete.
The trail takes hikers through a beautiful rural landscape filled with vineyards, fields, and forests. Along the way, hikers can see several old windmills, including the Moinho da Capela which have been restored, although not in productive use.
Throughout the trail, hikers will have stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys, as well as the opportunity to observe the local flora and fauna. The trail is not very difficult, but there are some steep sections, so it is recommended to wear good hiking shoes and bring plenty of water.
If you want to know more about this trail, you can check out this video where I show you more about my adventure in the Moinhos do Jancido Trail.
What is Destination: Portugal?
And there you have it, some of the best hiking trails in Portugal. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, Portugal has something for everyone.
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I’ll see you in the next article.
Beijinhos,
Mia