From the wild and undeveloped coast of Costa Vicentina to the ochre-colored limestone stacks of the Algarve, Portugal possesses one of the most varied and striking coasts in the world.
We think the best way to experience Portugal’s extensive coastline is by walking.
Whether you’re looking for an active day trip from Lisbon, a multi-day coastal trek, or a secret hiking path in the Algarve, you’ll find inspiration for your next trip to Portugal here.
Continue reading to discover the best hikes in Portugal.
- When to Hike in Portugal: Spring (April – May) and Fall (Late September – early November)
- Signage and Trail Markers: Consistent. Most trails we hiked were very well-signed and easy to follow.
- Hiking Boots: It’s easy to underestimate hiking in Portugal because many of us assume that if trails are flat than they aren’t difficult. Even without dramatic ascents and descents, hiking with proper equipment ensures your safety and comfort. So, we urge you to bring your hiking shoes along and leave behind your flat-soled sneakers. Here’s a great lightweight boot for women: Hanwag Tatra Light Lady GTX
- Recommended Hiking Guidebooks: Walking in Portugal and Walking in the Algarve
Best Hikes in Portugal Map
1. Cabo da Roca to Azenhas do Mar Coastal Trail
Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, Lisboa
If someone mentions Sintra, palaces are the first thing that comes to mind. Indeed, Sintra’s renown is forever interlinked with its architectural treasures.
However, most people don’t know that the Sintra Coastline is equally marvelous and worthy of exploration.
We recommend starting this day hike in Cabo da Roca. We’ve explained how to get Cabo da Roca from Cascais and Lisbon in our Sintra coast trail guide.
From Cabo da Roca, you’ll hike North to Praia da Ursa, one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal. Many people end their hike here, and we really can’t blame them.
With its offshore limestone formations shaped like Hershey kisses, Praia da Ursa is a whimsical place that feeds the imagination.
This hike continues to the pristine beaches of Praia da Adraga, Praia Grande, Praia das Maçãs, and ultimately ends in Azenhas do Mar.
With its cluster of whitewashed homes hovering above the sea, Azenhas do Mar is an enchanting sight to behold. Atlantic waves batter the village’s seawall.
And, a natural saltwater pool collects at the foot of the village.
There’s no direct bus from Azenhas do Mar to Cabo da Roca, or Cascais. So, we took an Uber (22 EUR) back to Cascais.
There is however a bus from Azenhas do Mar to Sintra (Portela de Sintra Station). If you’re heading to Sintra, take Bus 440 or 441 (22 minutes).
Cabo da Roca to Azenhas do Mar Coastal Trail Stats
Starting Point | Cabo da Roca
Ending Point | Azenhas do Mar
Distance | 11.5 km point-to-point
Time Needed | 4 hours
Elevation Gain | 273 meters
Elevation Loss | 367 meters
Difficulty | Moderate
Where to Stay in Lisbon | Goodmorning Solo Traveller Hostel (budget), Tesouro da Baixa by Shiadu (midrange), or Casa Balthazar (luxury)
Where to Stay in Cascais | Nice Way Cascais Hostel & Surf Camp (budget) Casa Vela Charm Guest House (midrange), or The Albatroz Hotel (luxury)
Learn More: Cabo da Roca to Azenhas do Mar Day Hike
2. Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
Algarve
The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is the most popular day hike in Algarve and encapsulates some of the most impressive scenery in the region.
The 5.7 km trail stretches between Praia da Marinha and Praia de Vale Centianes. Though you can start at either end, we recommend starting at Praia da Marinha.
Highlights of the trail include Benagil Beach, Corredoura Beach, and Carvalho Beach. If you want to see Benagil Cave, you can rent a paddleboard, or kayak at Benagil Beach and paddle out to the cave.
Alternatively, you can join one of these guided tours:
- Benagil Caves Kayaking Experience starting at Benagil Beach
- Benagil Caves and Secret Spots Guided Kayaking Tour starting at Benagil Beach
The cave is only accessible from the sea. The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail ends at Praia de Vale Centianes. Grab lunch at the beach restaurant O Stop, before making the return journey.
We recommend hiking this trail out-and-back, but if you decide to hike it one-way, you can return to the starting point with a taxi/Uber.
Seven Hanging Valleys Trail Stats
Trailhead | Praia da Marinha, or Praia de Vale Centianes
Distance | 12 km out-and-back
Time Needed | 4 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss | 159 meters
Difficulty | Easy – Moderate
Where to Stay in Carvoeiro | O Quintal Guesthouse (budget), Castelo Guest House (midrange), or Tivoli Carvoeiro (luxury)
Where to Stay in Ferragudo | One2Seven (midrange), or Caneiros Luxury House & Suites (luxury)
Learn More: Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
3. Trail of Headlands
Algarve
The trail of the headlands is a 6 km coastal trail in the Algarve. This is an excellent alternative to the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail. It’s not as well known, and as a result, there are far fewer walkers along this route.
You can start this stunning hike at Praia dos Caneiros in Ferragudo, or Praia do Carvoeiro in Carvoeiro. We started at Praia dos Caneiros beach because we were staying at Caneiros Luxury House & Suites, which is only a 5-minute walk to the beach.
Starting at the parking lot at Praia dos Caneiros, the trail leads East. Follow the yellow and red trail markers along the headlands. The trail affords you wondrous views of sheer cliffs and hidden coves.
Unlike the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, there aren’t many opportunities to access these coves by foot. So, this walk is all about savoring the views.
Shortly before arriving at Carvoeiro, you’ll pass Praia do Paraiso. This tiny beach is accessible by a steep staircase.
Carvoeiro is a beach town that manages to balance its development with its natural beauty. Grab lunch here and enjoy the town’s idyllic beach, Praia do Carvoeiro. For a healthy lunch and delicious smoothies, head to Earth Café.
We recommend hiking this trail out-and-back, but if you decide to hike it one-way, you can return to the starting point with a taxi/Uber.
Trail of Headlands Trail Stats
Trailhead | Praia dos Caneiros or Praia do Carvoeiro
Distance | 12 km out-and-back
Time Needed | 4 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss | 411 meters
Difficulty | Moderate
Where to Stay in Carvoeiro | O Quintal Guesthouse (budget), Castelo Guest House (midrange), or Tivoli Carvoeiro (luxury)
Where to Stay in Ferragudo | One2Seven (midrange), or Caneiros Luxury House & Suites (luxury)
Read: Where to Stay in the Algarve
4. Fisherman’s Trail
Costa Vicentina, Alentejo, and Algarve
The Rota Vicentina Fisherman’s Trail is a 4-day trek along the Vicentina Coast. The trail starts in Porto Covo in the Alentejo region and ends in Odeceixe in the Algarve.
Clinging to the coast almost the whole time, this exhilarating multi-day hike in Portugal gives you access to remote beaches and secret coves.
Without a question, this is our favorite Portugal hiking destination. The coast is rugged and wild.
The air is heavy with salt and wild herbs. And, it looks like the coast is collapsing into the Atlantic in a perpetual effort to join the sea.
Fisherman’s Trail Route
Day 1 | Porto Covo to Vila Nova de Milfontes (20 km, 6:30 hours)
Day 2 | Vila Nova de Milfontes to Almograve (15 km, 5:30 hours)
Day 3 | Almograve to Zambujeira do Mar (22 km, 6 hours)
Day 4 | Zambujeira do Mar to Odeceixe (18 km, 5:30 hours)
Trail Stats Fisherman’s Trail
Starting Point | Porto Covo
Ending Point | Odeceixe
Distance | 75 km point-to-point
Time Needed | 4 days
Difficulty | Moderate
Fisherman’s Trail Accommodations
You’ll overnight in guesthouses, or hostels along the way.
Note: wild camping isn’t allowed.
Make reservations a few weeks before you start the trek. We recommend staying in the following accommodations along the route:
Day 1 | Raminhos Guest House (budget), VILLA EIRA Boutique Houses(midrange), or Guarda Rios (luxury) in Vila Nova de Milfontes
Day 2 | Almograve Beach Hostel (budget), AL Casa das Andorinhas (budget), or Casa Azul (midrange) in Almograve
Day 3 | Hostel Nature (budget), Azul (midrange), or Alojamento White Rose Boutique (luxury) in Zambujeira do Mar
Day 4 | Bohemian Antique Guesthouse (budget), Casa Luar (midrange), or Casas Do Moinho (luxury) in Odeceixe
Learn More: Fisherman’s Trail Hiking Guide
Portugal Hiking & Travel Essentials
Getting Around Portugal
By Transit
You can embark on many hiking trails in Portugal without a car. Use this 2 week Portugal Itinerary (no car needed) to inspire your trip.
By Car
Use our Algarve road trip itinerary to plan a trip to Southern Portugal.
We recommend using the Discovercars.com car rental reservation platform to search for and book car rentals in Portugal. This easy-to-use booking platform compares car rental deals from 500+ trusted providers, so that you can choose the best option for your trip.
Tip: If you can only drive automatic transmission cars, as opposed to manual transmission cars (stick shift), book your can rental as early as possible.
Portugal Guidebooks
- Hiking Guidebook: Walking in Portugal: 40 graded short and multi-day walks
- Algarve Hiking Guidebook: Walking in the Algarve: 30 Coastal and Inland Walks in the South of Portugal
- Fisherman’s Trail Guidebook: Portugal’s Rota Vicentina: The Historical Way and Fishermen’s Trail
- Camino Portugués Trekking Guidebook: A Pilgrim’s Guide to the Camino Portugués and Cicerone’s The Camino Portugués
Day Hiking Packing List
- Day Pack: Osprey Tempest 30 Women’s Backpack / Osprey Talon 33 Men’s Backpack
- Grade A/B Hiking Boots: Hanwag Tatra Light Lady GTX
- Cat 3 or CAT 4 Sunglasses: Julbo Shield Mountain Sunglasses
- Reusable Water Bottle: Ion 1 Litre Water Bottle
Multi-Day Hiking Packing List
- Hiking Pants with elastic ankles like these Macpac Women’s Hike Tight Pants.
- Quick Dry T-shirts
- Hiking Vest like this Eddie Bauer StormDown Vest.
- Rain Jacket like this North Face Venture Rain Jacket.
- Sun Hat
- Sport Headband. It’s really windy along Portugal’s Atlantic Coast. We both wore buffs to protect our ears from the strong winds. Buffs are also helpful in keeping hair out of your face while you hike.
Outdoor Photography Gear
- Camera Body: Sony Alpha a6400
- Mid-range Zoom Lens: Sony Vario-Tessar 16-70mm F4 ZA OSS ZEISS
- Wide angle Zoom Lens: Sony – E 10-18mm F4 OSS Wide-angle Zoom Lens
- Backpack Camera Clip: Peak Design Camera Clip
More Portugal Travel & Hiking Guides
Algarve, Portugal:
Hiking Southern Europe:
- Best Hikes in Mallorca
- Best Hikes in Malta
- Best Hikes in Portugal
- Best Hikes in Tenerife, Canary Islands
- Best Hikes in Gran Canaria, Canary Islands
Hiking in the European Alps:
- Best Hikes in Slovenia
- Best Day Hikes in Austria
- Best Day Hikes in the Dolomites
- Best Day Hikes in Europe
Trekking Europe:
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These are stunning, I can’t wait to go back to Portugal and do some hiking! You’re absolutely right about the summer heat, I’d be sure to get an early start.
These look great. Where can we find out if the Linear one way walks have a form of Public Transport to get back to the starting point ? You did mention taxis in some of them which is very helpful. Do all of them have this option ?
Thank you
Hi Albert,
1. Cabo da Roca to Azenhas do Mar Coastal Trail – it’s best to take a taxi/Uber
2. Seven Hanging Valleys Trail – we recommend hiking this trail out-and-back
3. Trail of the Headlands – we recommend hiking this trail out-and-back
4. Fisherman’s Trail – From Odeceixe, we took transit to Lagos, in the Algarve. But, it’s also possible to return to Lisbon.
Have a great hiking trip,
Sabrina
Thank you very much Sabrina
Hello! If I can only do 1 day out of the 4 for the Fisherman’s trail, which one would you recommend I do? Thanks!!
Hi,
That’s very difficult to answer. Maybe Day 3: Almograve to Zambujeira do Mar, even though the final stretch is just roadside walking. Zambujeira do Mar is the most picturesque village along the trail, so hiking around there is wonderful.
-Sabrina