Walking in Portugal

Here at Explore, we’re big believers that travelling on foot is one of the best ways to discover a destination, and Portugal is no exception. We offer small group walking holidays in Portugal, graded from Easy through to Moderate and covering a range of terrains, from the islands of the Azores to the Levada trails of Madeira. Our small group holidays are led by a local leader, an expert in the area who is on hand to guide you on the routes and introduce you to the flora and fauna, and local culture along the way.

If you prefer walking under your own steam, we also offer self-guided trips, whether you want to walk in the Sintra hills overlooked by castles or hike along the wild Atlantic coast to the lighthouse at Cabo Sao Vicente, the southwestern most point in continental Europe. 

The Algarve
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 characterised 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 characterised 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.

Can I join a walking trip in Portugal as a solo traveller? 
Our small group trips are ideal for travelling solo, and you’ll be in good company – around half of travellers on our trips are travelling on their own. Our walking itineraries are designed with solo travellers in mind so that you can meet and socialise with other like-minded holidaymakers, sharing your experiences along the way. If you prefer to travel independently, some of our self-guided trips can be taken as a solo holiday. 

What is a self-guided walking holiday? 
Our self-guided trips offer complete flexibility – navigating your own way with the aid of our comprehensive route notes and maps, you'll start when you like, walk at your own pace, and take the coffee (or custard tart) breaks that suit you – and you’ll still have the support of Explore’s local crew to transport your luggage. On a walking holiday, you’ll see a side to Portugal that’s missed by so many visitors.

When is the best time to go walking in Portugal?
The best times of year to visit Portugal are in spring and autumn, and this is particularly true for walking holidays. The climate is pleasantly warm outside of summer and so more comfortable for walking and exploring. There’ll still be plenty of sunshine, and you can swim in the still-warm sea, while the cooling Atlantic breezes mean it’s not too hot - perfect for hiking. 

How challenging are walking holidays in Portugal?
Our walking holidays in Portugal are graded from easy through to moderate, and walks vary from three to six hours in a day. Landscapes and terrains are varied, from cobbled streets to ancient woodlands and coastal paths. Our small group trips all stop and regroup regularly, with plenty of rest breaks to take in the views along the way. 

What will I eat on a Portugal walking holiday? 
Portugal is well known for its delicious cuisine. Dishes are typically hearty - ideal for fuelling a walking holiday - and packed with fresh local ingredients. Food varies between different regions. In southern Portugal try cataplana, a flavoursome seafood stew cooked in a clam-shaped copper pot. The Azores are known for their seafood, particularly tuna, and traditional cozido (slow-cooked Portuguese hot pot), cooked in the volcanic fumeroles. In Lisbon, the custard tarts are a must. Throughout Portugal you'll find delicious wines, while in Madeira poncha is the cocktail to order, made from distilled sugar cane juice. 

Where will I be staying on my Portugal walking holiday?
Our small group tours to Portugal stay in small comfortable hotels. Wherever possible we stay in locally-owned and run hotels, and always choose the best locations for exploring the area. On our Azores walking holiday, accommodation on Horta Island is premium standard as is the centre-based accommodation on our Eastern Algarve trip. Elsewhere, accommodation is a comfortable standard throughout.