Portugal is a southern European country on the Iberian Peninsula, bordering Spain. Its location on the Atlantic Ocean has influenced many aspects of its culture: salt cod and grilled sardines are national dishes, the Algarve’s beaches are a major destination and much of the nation’s architecture dates to the 1500s–1800s when Portugal had a powerful maritime empire. The country’s history and culture, gastronomy, and wines are among the main attractions, not to mention the beaches, surfing, golf, the varied landscapes, and, above all, the Portuguese people, who are seen as affable, open, and sincere.
Walking in the Algarve offers something for everyone. Inland, trails wind through rolling hills and pretty villages while the flatter eastern coastline is in stark contrast to the more dramatic, wilder west coast. Little known by tourists, the Via Algarviana stretches some 300km in the easternmost part and is characterized by traditional agricultural villages and farmland – a different Algarve altogether from the beautifully-preserved coastal Rota Vicentina path.
The Azores: The unspoiled archipelago of the Azores is characterized by volcanic landscapes, lush vegetation, and charming fishing villages. Walk around a volcanic crater on Sao Miguel Island, explore the vineyards of Pico or spot whales and dolphins off the coast on our Azores Island Hopping trip. There are one and two-week self-guided walking trips to the Azores for those that prefer to travel independently.
Madeira: This lush volcanic island is known for its year-round climate, making it ideal for a walking break throughout the year. Discover the island’s levadas (a network of narrow irrigation channels) and coastal paths that overlook the dramatic Atlantic coastline.
Travel between India and Portugal is now open. If you would like to plan a holiday – be it walking, cycling, touring, or snow holiday – we are accepting bookings for 2022 as normal, with the added bonus that prices for our summer holidays remain unchanged from 2021.
From the expansive sandy beaches of the south to the wilder western coast, and from bustling coastal resorts and historic towns to pretty fishing villages, Portugal is an excellent destination for a walking holiday. Our Portugal walking holidays offer breathtaking diversity plus soulful solitude. Alentejo’s 350km Rota Vicentina combines deserted coves and sea-cliff views with ancient inland shepherd trails punctuated by medieval hamlets, while the Costa Prata mixes beaches with seaside gems like canal-laced Aveiro.
Generally easy walking with few ascents / descents, but perhaps the occasional long day.
Easy-to-moderate walking with some ascents / descents, and occasional longer days.
Moderate walking on varied terrain, with some long days and regular ascents / descents.
Moderate-to-challenging walking on more rugged terrain with significant ascents / descents on most days. Compass skills may be required (check the individual holiday).
Challenging hikes, featuring long days with significant ascent / descent on challenging terrain. Compass skills may be required.
Choice of easier or harder routes, so that you can tailor most days to your requirements.
Like all our holidays, our walking holidays in Portugal revolve around three key ingredients: unspoiled scenery; hand-picked accommodation of character where you’ll receive a warm welcome; and delicious regional cuisine. We’ll ensure you enjoy your walking holiday to the full.
We take great pride in our route guides, updating them constantly so that you have the most current information and can enjoy the richest possible holiday experience. Walking at a pace that suits you, you can rely on them to steer you from A to B, and fill you in about places of interest and local culture along the way.
Not being part of a group means you can stay in intimate hotels and guesthouses, and gives you so much freedom. Freedom to choose your start date, the length of your holiday (feel free to add extra nights) and your travel route – we’ll happily book a bespoke travel package for you, either by air, by rail or by ferry.
We’ve built up a wealth of experience since we started. Whether you’ve got a query or wish to book a holiday, you’ll deal with friendly experts who share a passion for travel and who have stayed in our featured hotels and walked our routes. They’ll be delighted to answer your questions and help you plan your perfect holiday.
