12 Beautiful Hiking Trails in Portugal That Will Make Your Couch Look Even Less Appealing
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Portugal is recognized worldwide for its dramatic landscapes and impressive natural beauty. Therefore, you likely won’t be surprised to hear that the country has a collection of Europe’s best hiking trails. Portugal has everything from strolls along the Atlantic Coast and through lush forests to challenging deep valleys and mountain hiking trails.
So much so that deciding which trail to tackle first is a challenge. Luckily, we’re here to help. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of 12 beautiful hiking trails in Portugal. The hiking trails we’ve selected offer panoramic views, natural beauty, and plenty of excitement. Stick around to learn more and find your next hiking adventure.
Sagres Headland Trail, Sagres
Let’s start this list with one of Portugal’s most picturesque coastal walks. Located at the southwestern tip of Portugal, Sagres Headland is famed for its lush scenery, jagged cliffs, and inviting emerald waters. On the Sagres Headland Trail, you can experience everything the area offers, including part of Costa Vicentina Natural Park.
Besides the epic views and unique attractions you’ll encounter along the way, one of the most incredible things about this trail is its ease. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, the Sagres Headland Trail is only 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) long and features a wide cobblestone path. It only takes approximately one hour to complete. Keep your eyes peeled for Sagres Fortress along the trail.
Read also: Famous Portuguese Landmarks
Passadiços do Paiva Trailhead, Arouca
If you’re looking for a more challenging hiking trail but nothing too intense, consider visiting the Passadiços do Paiva trailhead in Arouca, Northern Portugal. This beautiful trail runs along the scenic Paiva River, which is surrounded by lush Portuguese countryside. It is roughly 5 miles (8 kilometers) long.
This hiking trail features a well-built raised walkway, so you can expect even and relatively flat terrain. However, there are some steep staircases to tackle occasionally. If you want to tackle the fewest stairs possible, start your hike at the Areinho trailhead and end at Espiunca. You must pay to walk along the Passadiços do Paiva trail, but entry is usually only €2 ($2.22).
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Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, Algarve
The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail in Portugal’s pristine Algarve region is one of the country’s most beautiful and accessible hiking trails. It features Portugal’s iconic golden cliffs, shimmering emerald waters, and charming beaches. The trail is 7 miles (11 kilometers) long and takes approximately six hours to complete. It’s also relatively flat, which suits beginners.
However, you might not complete the entire trail because you’ll likely stop at one or two gorgeous beaches to swim in the mesmerizing waters. You’ll also stop several times to take photographs of the breathtaking scenery. Don’t miss a photo opportunity at Praia da Mesquita and Alfanzina Lighthouse. You’ll also witness the famous Benagil Caves along the trail.
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Vista do Rei Loop of Sete Cidades Lake, São Miguel
Away from mainland Portugal in the Azores, an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic, is a beautiful hiking trail that offers some of the best views in the country. Starting at the Vista do Rei viewpoint on São Miguel Island, this gorgeous trail leads through the southwest slope of Sete Cidades ridges and ends in a charming village.
The 8.5-mile (13.8-kilometer) roundtrip provides walkers with exceptional views of the caldera and two contrasting lakes, one blue and one green. Despite the hiking trail’s 168-foot (550-meter) elevation, the trail is surprisingly flat, with just a few up-and-down sections. Best suited to intermediate hikers, it will likely take you almost five hours to complete the hike.
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Sete Lagoas Loop, Peneda-Gerês
Peneda-Geres is Portugal’s only national park, so it comes as no surprise that it’s one of the country’s most popular places to hike. You’ll find many picturesque hiking trails in the national park, but the 7.5-mile (12-kilometer) Sete Lagoas Loop is among the most beautiful. It starts and ends in Xertelo and takes approximately four hours to complete.
The main highlight of the Sete Lagoas Loop is the seven gem-like lagoons you witness along the trail. These emerald-colored lagoons, surrounded by lush forest, are a sight to behold. Better yet, you can stop during your hike to cool off in the water. Afterward, explore the mountainside before continuing back to Xertelo.
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Trilho da Cidade da Calcedónia Trail, Peneda-Gerês
Another epic hiking trail in Peneda-Geres National Park is the Trilho da Cidade da Calcedónia Trail. Like the Sete Lagoas Loop, this scenic trail offers a fascinating insight into the national park. You can expect spectacular views of Portugal’s forests, charming villages, and rolling hills. Oh, and you’ll find some places near the trail selling delicious Portuguese wine and cuisine.
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This circular route is 4.1 miles (6.6 kilometers) long and takes roughly three hours to complete. However, that doesn’t include all the time you’ll spend photographing and admiring the views. This hiking trail is relatively easy despite the national park’s hilly landscape. Therefore, hikers of most abilities can complete the hike.
Read also: Awesome Places in Portugal To Retire
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The Historical Way, Southwest Coast
If you consider yourself an expert hiker and you’re looking for your next big challenge, we recommend taking on the Southwest Coast’s Historical Way. Paired with the Fisherman’s Trail, the Historical Way is an astonishing 163-mile (263-kilometer) coastal and inland trail that runs through rural trails, vibrant villages, and centuries of history.
The route comprises dense tree forests, cliffs, valleys, rivers, and mountain ranges. The Historical Way starts in Santiago do Cacém, Alentejo, and finishes in Odeceixe, Algarve. Even experienced hikers struggle to complete the hike in six days. In fact, if you want to take your time and experience the Historical Way to its fullest, we recommend allowing 11 days.
Read also: Tourist Mistakes To Avoid When Visiting Portugal
Praia Grande Beach to Cabo da Roca Trail, Sintra
If the thought of hiking over 160 miles (257 kilometers) is your worst nightmare, it is ours; take on the Praia Grande Beach to Cabo da Roca Trail instead. This moderate hiking trail is only 4.3 miles (7 kilometers) one-way but offers impressive Portuguese coastal landscapes. The trail provides ocean views, beautiful cliffs, caves, and fascinating cliff formations.
The trailhead starts at the Southern end of Praia Grande Beach and follows the coastline to Cabo da Roca further north. You can easily reach the trailhead by car from Sintra, which is approximately 16 miles (26 kilometers) away. The trail is steep in a few sections, but the single-track dirt path is mostly flat. It will take you roughly three hours to complete the hike.
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PR6 – Levada das 25 Fontes Hike, Madeira
If you’re lucky enough to visit the picturesque island of Madeira, found off the west coast of Africa, you must take on the PR6 – Levada das 25 Fontes Hike. It is arguably the most beautiful hiking trail on the island, which is saying something considering Madeira is famed for its breathtaking landscapes. The trail is 7.2 miles (11.6 kilometers) long.
This hiking trail takes hikers along the iconic levadas, or narrow waterways that carry water from the mountains to terraced fields. The scenery along the trail is unbelievable. You’ll witness sweeping landscape vistas, dense forests, and verdant mountains shrouded in clouds. We don’t know about you, but that sounds pretty amazing.
Read also: Portugal’s Best Beach Destinations
Ponta da Piedade Loop, Lagos
The next Portugal hiking trail on our list is the Ponta da Piedade Loop, which starts in the charming Algarve town of Lagos. For those who don’t know, Ponta da Piedade is one of Portugal’s most iconic natural landmarks. It’s a rocky headland with towering rock formations along the coastline.
Walking to the cliffs along the hiking trail is easily one of the best ways to experience the location, even if you must walk 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) from Lagos and back to witness it. Luckily, the trail features a paved dirt track with minimal ascent and descent, making things much more manageable. The views of the coast along this trail are magnificent.
Read also: Hidden Gems in Portugal
Trilho do Vinho do Porto, Douro Valley
The penultimate hiking trail on our list is a hike for the wine lovers among us. Portugal’s Douro Valley is famous worldwide for its delicious red wines, especially Port, a full-bodied, medium-sweet wine with delightful fruity notes. On the Trilho do Vinho do Porto trail, you can enjoy the Douro Valley’s best wine and admire the stunning scenery.
This scenic hiking trail is a 5-mile (8-kilometer) loop leading through beautiful vineyards alongside the gorgeous Douro River. The well-maintained path then heads down to the river and past the 5-star Six Senses Douro Valley. You can stop here for a refreshing glass of wine. If you’re feeling extra luxurious, why don’t you stay for the night?
Read also: Must-See UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Portugal
Piódão do Foz d’Égua Loop, Coimbra
Last but certainly not least, we have the Piódão do Foz d’Égua Loop in Coimbra, Central Portugal. Tucked away in the Serra de Açor mountain range of the Coimbra region, this beautiful 3.7-mile (6-kilometer) circular trail links the two magical medieval villages of Piódão and Foz d’Égua.
The scenic trail winds through lush forests, olive groves, and medieval structures on its way to Foz d’Égua, a picture-perfect village with breathtaking architecture and lovely scenery. This hike features an easy-to-moderate path with clear markings, so beginner and intermediate hikers can easily complete it. It usually takes most people two hours to complete the hike, but you should allow plenty of time to take photographs and explore both villages.
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Sagres Headland Trail is amazing! Caught the sunset there and it was breathtaking
Has anyone tried the Sete Cidades loop in the rain? Going next month and wondering if it’s still doable or if I should plan for another trail. Weather seems unpredictable!
Did it last year with light rain. Paths are manageable, just pack good boots.
What about heavy rain tho? Is it safe?