Best Hikes in Portugal

In the land of azulejos, pastel de nata and port wine, it’s easy to forget that – outside of the stunning seaside cities of Porto and Lisbon – there’s world-class hiking. Portugal is home to some truly incredible hikes that you don’t want to miss! And, of course, who’ll blame you for indulging in those things that make Portugal Portugal when you’re off the trail?

So come with us as we explore some of the best hikes Portugal has to offer:

Caminho Português

Two men walking along a dirt path on a cliff, with the ocean coast on the ground floor

Traditionally a pilgrimage route turned modern-day hiking and walking route for pilgrims and adventurers alike, the Caminho Português has been walked by people for centuries. Most trekkers begin in Porto for a 260-kilometer hike to Santiago de Compostela (Spain), but there’s an option to start further south in Lisbon for a 610-kilometer caminho.

On our Camino de Santiago Walking & Hiking Tour, we hike hand-selected sections of the best portions of this historic route. Learn more about it today!

Douro Valley Wine Trails

Hillside full of rows of crops, with a blue lake in the center

If you want to explore a region where the hiking is as good as the wine, then the Douro Valley is the place for you. Experience the terraced hillsides as lush rolling hills flow into riverside villages and ancient Roman towns. From vast vineyards to farms to tiny hamlets, the Douro Valley will enchant you every step of the way.

See for yourself the charms of the Douro Valley on our Portugal Walking & Hiking Tour!

Pena Palace

Yellow and red Spanish-style castle building with people standing on the outdoor patio

Just outside of the delightful old-world city of Lisbon, and located within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, is Pena Palace. Known for its fantastical landscape and whimsical architecture, travelers from around the world visit the palace to experience its storybook-like beauty. This moderate hike provides stunning views of nearby castles, the Atlantic Ocean and, of course, Sintra.

When you arrive at the Palace, make sure to enjoy the manicured gardens, Romantic architecture and colorfully painted rooms and exterior.

Experience it for yourself on our Portugal Walking & Hiking Tour!

Boca do Inferno (Azores)

Man and woman walking along a dirt path with large, wooden handrails

You can find many incredible trails in the Azores, but one of our favorites is the Boca do Inferno. Found on the Sete Cidades Volcano, Boca do Inferno is a beloved hike with a scary name. Translating from Portuguese to English as “Mouth of Hell,” hikers will understand why it got its name at the viewpoint overlooking the stratovolcano. With two lakes visible, one within a caldera, it’s shockingly mouth-like. And the “hell” element, of course, comes from the fact it’s a volcanic island. Shooting lava is what it’s known for.

See what it’s all about on our Portugal’s Azores Multi-Adventure Tour!

There are so many trails to love in Portugal, and these are just some of our favorites. We’d love to share more of them with you! Check out all of our Portugal Active Travel Tours and find your perfect trip today.

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Find your perfect trip at Backroads today. Search through over a hundred unique adventures.