Portugal is perfect for hiking because it’s both small, yet sparse. It has culture and nature, and they’re often interlinked. It’s also a great way to get a sense of the past, as many Portuguese bridges, wall and villages were built centuries ago.
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The spiritual journey from Porto
For those wanting non-stop culture and history, there’s few better routes than Camino de Santiago from Porto to Tui. It’s a central part of the Portuguese Way, being a 120km chunk that takes 8 days.
Unlike some of the more remote wilderness treks, this is great for those wanting architecture – not least because you begin in Porto and end up in Galicia. There’s a ton of variety on the path.
- Pass baroque churches and cross ancient stone bridges.
- The leg from Barcelos to Ponte de Lima is the most difficult, with many small hills.
The coastal walk
If you prefer ocean breeze, the Fishermen’s Trail (Trilho dos Pescadores) is a good option from the routes that Santiago Ways offer. It’s one of the best coastal trails in the world.
Unlike the Camino, which cuts inland through villages, this stays very much on the cliffs. This means there are lots of small local paths that fishermen have used for generations. You will see the Atlantic during some touch stretches, but the wind can be welcome in hot months.
- One of the few places where storks nest on ocean cliff edges.
- A big chunk of the trail is on sand dunes.
The scenic Algarve day hike
For those wanting big views without big commitments, the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is suitable. It’s in the Algarve and the linear route is only 6 km (one way) between Praia da Marinha and Praia de Vale Centeanes.
It’s a treat for the eyes without getting into the thick of a week-long trek. It winds all along the top of golden limestone cliffs. So, you’ll see the clear waters, sinkholes, sea arches, and much more.
- Walk over the famous Benagil Cave, peering down into the “eye” of the cave.
- It can be done in a single morning or afternoon, leaving time to swim along the way.
Architectural wonders in nature
The Paiva Walkways (Passadiços do Paiva) is a totally different experience. It’s all about on infrastructure within nature. You can find it in the Arouca Geopark which is about an hour from Porto, and it’s an 8 km route with wooden boardwalks zigzagging along the Paiva River.
This is perfect for those wanting a controlled adventure. You get to see its “Stairway to Heaven”, which is a steep ascent, but you’ll well connected in a famous park.
- One of the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridges (516 meters).
- Boardwalks to river beaches where you can cool off.
Ready to start walking?
There’s a little something from everyone, depending on how much time you want and what you want to see. Is it wildlife, architecture or a little bit of everything? While the Camino Portuguese is iconic, and a great way to get your Camino certificate, there are many shorter hikes that can be memorable ways to see Portugal.
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