Portugal has forests, mountains, rivers, and beaches perfect for hiking. Trails can be easy or hard, short or long. Let’s explore the best spots!
1. Paiva Walkways: A Wooden Path Over the River
The Paiva Walkways (Passadiços do Paiva) is like a long wooden bridge next to a rushing river. You’ll walk on steps and flat paths while hearing birds sing. The trail is 8 km long and takes 2–3 hours.
How to Get There:
Drive to Espiunca or Areinho (two starting points).
Park your car, but don’t leave valuables inside (no guards!).
Expert Tip: Start early! I once saw a family of otters playing in the river at sunrise.
2. Sintra’s Magical Forest Trails
Sintra has forests with giant trees and hidden castles. The Pena Park Trail is easy (1.5 km) and ends at a colorful palace.
How to Get There:
Take a train from Lisbon to Sintra (40 minutes).
Expert Tip: Wear sneakers—some paths have slippery rocks.
3. The Algarve’s Seven Hanging Valleys
Walk next to the cliffs and see the ocean crash below! The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is 6 km (medium difficulty).
How to Get There:
Start in Praia da Marinha (free parking).
Expert Tip: Bring a swimsuit! You can jump into the sea halfway.
4. Peneda-Gerês National Park: Waterfalls and Wolves
Gerês is Portugal’s only national park. The Tahiti Waterfall Trail (3 km) has shallow streams to splash in.
How to Get There:
Drive to Vila do Gerês (2 hours from Porto).
Expert Tip: Listen for wolf howls at dusk (they’re shy, so don’t worry!).
5. Rota Vicentina: Beaches and Fishing Villages
This trail has 450 km of paths, but the Fishermen’s Trail (13 km) is famous. Walk on sandy cliffs and spot dolphins!
How to Get There:
Start in Porto Covo (by bus from Lisbon).
Expert Tip: The wind blows hard here—hold your hat tight!
6. Madeira’s Levada Walks: Tunnels and Rainbows
Madeira Island has levadas (tiny canals) with flat trails. The 25 Fontes Walk (4 km) goes through tunnels and past 25 waterfalls!
How to Get There:
Fly to Madeira, then take a bus to Rabaçal.
Expert Tip: Bring a flashlight for the dark tunnels.
7. Montesinho Park: Wild Horses and Stone Villages
In northeast Portugal, this park has villages from the Middle Ages. The Rio de Onor Trail (10 km) crosses into Spain!
How to Get There:
Drive to Bragança (3 hours from Porto).
Expert Tip: Say “hola” to Spanish cows grazing by the trail.
8. Arrábida Mountain: Secret Caves and Blue Seas
Arrábida has a mountain that drops into the ocean. The Creiro Trail (5 km) leads to a hidden Roman fish factory!
How to Get There:
Drive 40 minutes from Lisbon.
Expert Tip: Look for fossils in the rocks near the beach.
Hiking Difficulty Chart
Trail Name | Distance | Difficulty (1–5) | Time Needed |
Paiva Walkways | 8 km | 2 | 2.5 hours |
Pena Park Trail (Sintra) | 1.5 km | 1 | 1 hour |
Seven Hanging Valleys | 6 km | 3 | 3 hours |
Tahiti Waterfall Trail | 3 km | 1 | 1 hour |
Fishermen’s Trail | 13 km | 4 | 5 hours |
25 Fontes Walk (Madeira) | 4 km | 2 | 2 hours |
Rio de Onor Trail | 10 km | 3 | 4 hours |
Creiro Trail (Arrábida) | 5 km | 2 | 2 hours |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can a 7-year-old hike the Paiva Walkways?
A: Yes! Bring water and take breaks. The path has handrails for safety.
Q: Are there snakes in Portugal’s forests?
A: Most snakes hide from people. Just watch your step and don’t touch them.
Q: Do I need special shoes?
A: Sneakers work for easy trails. For rocky paths, wear hiking shoes.
Q: Is hiking free?
A: Most trails are free, but Paiva Walkways cost €2 (book online here).
Q: Can we swim in the Paiva River near the walkways?
A: Swimming is not allowed on the Paiva Walkways trail. The river has strong currents!
Q: Does the Pena Park Trail in Sintra cost money?
A: The trail itself is free, but entering Pena Palace costs money. You can hike the trail without going inside the palace.
Q: Are there bathrooms on the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail?
A: No bathrooms on the trail. Use the restroom at Praia da Marinha Beach before starting.
Q: Is the Tahiti Waterfall in Gerês safe for toddlers?
A: Yes! The trail is short and flat, but hold hands near the waterfall rocks—they’re slippery.
Q: Can we camp on the Fishermen’s Trail?
A: Camping is not allowed. Stay in villages like Porto Covo or Zambujeira do Mar instead.
Q: Are the tunnels on Madeira’s 25 Fontes Walk scary?
A: The tunnels are short and not too dark. Bring a flashlight, and you’ll feel like an explorer!
Q: Do we need a passport for the Rio de Onor Trail (it goes into Spain)?
A: No passport needed! The trail crosses a tiny, unofficial border. Just don’t wander too far into Spain.
Q: Are dogs allowed on the Creiro Trail in Arrábida?
: Yes! Keep dogs on a leash—goats and sheep live near the trail.
Q: What’s the best time of year to hike these trails?
A: Spring (March-May) and fall (September–October) are best. Summer is very hot, and winter trails can get muddy.
Q: Are there guided tours for kids on these hikes?
A: Some trails like Paiva Walkways offer family-friendly tours. Check their website for “kids’ adventure” days.
Q: Can we see dolphins on the Fishermen’s Trail?
A: Yes! Dolphins often swim close to shore in the morning. Bring binoculars.
Q: Are there places to buy food on the trails?
A: Most trails have no shops. Pack sandwiches and snacks. Sintra and Gerês villages have cafes near the trailheads.
Q: What if it rains during our hike?
A: Trails like Paiva Walkways close during storms for safety. Check the weather app before you go!
Q: Are the Levada walks in Madeira good for scared-of-height kids?
A: Most levadas (like 25 Fontes) have wide paths. Avoid trails like “Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo”—those have steep drops.
Q: Can we ride bikes on these trails?
A: Bikes are not allowed on wooden walkways (like Paiva) or narrow paths (like Seven Hanging Valleys).
Expert Tip: I always pack a small first-aid kit, extra socks, and a reusable water bottle. Once, my niece slipped on a wet rock in Gerês—clean socks saved the day!
