Hiking adventures in Portugal

Walking and hiking are an absolutely essential way of getting truly in touch with a landscape, and the only real way to get yourself truly off the beaten track, and far from the crowds. It’s a wonderful way to really experience a destination, and this is as true in Portugal as it is anywhere.

And walking holidays in Portugal are about so much more than valleys of vines and wild Atlantic coastlines, even if you do have them in abundance. Whether you’re venturing on a hike into the incredible mountains and lakes of the Azores or into the magnificent Peneda-Gerês National Park, there’s always a tavern to rest in at the end of a long day.

Hiking in Portugal represents a chance to see the things that most tourists don’t, lakes suspended in volcanic craters high above the glistening Atlantic Ocean, fresh, clear waterfalls springing from sweet-scented pine forests that cling to steep hillsides, whether in the Azores or on the mainland.

A walking or hiking holiday in Portugal is about finding these hidden gems, these off the beaten track locations, and with a local guide, passionate about their home and the trails that wind through the hills, you’ll be sure to find the very best locations and the most thrilling walks.

You can relax and soak up the scenery, let go of worrying about directions or places to stay, and simply drink in the experience of exploration.

Where to experience walking holidays in Portugal

Head to the Azores, a smattering of volcanic islands far out in the Atlantic Ocean, where steaming forests cling to mountainsides that are home to numerous trails that snake up to incredible crater lakes and hot springs, and where gold-sand beaches give way to the azure blue sea.

Alternatively, head up to Peneda-Gerês National Park a hidden gem near the city of Porto, and discover a landscape of dramatic massifs, rushing rivers and waterfalls, and creaking atmospheric pine forest hiding tumbledown granite villages that have stood for 800 years.

Wherever you head for your walking holiday in Portugal, one thing is guaranteed, you’ll create memories that last a lifetime.

Who are our Portuguese walking holiday guests?

Experienced hikers, people looking for a way to get in touch with the landscape, and those who just fancy getting out into the fresh air; absolutely anyone and everyone is welcome on our Portuguese walking holidays.

Your guides will be experts in judging the lengths and difficulties of each hike, and the experience will be totally tailored to you, so that you can simply relax and enjoy the feeling of getting your legs pumping, filling your lungs with fresh, clean air, and discovering the hidden gems far from the tourist trail.

All you need to bring is lots of energy, a willingness to discover new things and a love for the outdoors. Sound like you?

Why choose Not In the Guidebooks?

We’re passionate about helping people find the most amazing experiences on their travels, through meeting local people, exploring new places, and discovering alternative activities that make holidays special. We do this by carefully selecting partners in countries around the world who are experts in their local area, sourcing interesting people who can guide you through immersive experiences.

We’ve got local partners all across Portugal, from the far flung islands of the Azores in the Atlantic Ocean, all the way to the northern city of Porto and the capital Lisbon. Choosing a Not In The Guide Books holiday in Ireland means you don’t have to choose between a beach holiday or an activity-filled break, you can get the best of both worlds with a unique trip.