Walking Holidays in Portugal
Walks in the many varied environments of Portugal
Treking - Paulo Magalhães
Despite being a small country, mainland Portugal has an unusually rich and diversified natural habitat, with an Oceanic climate in the north, and a Mediterranean climate in the south. Walks through the Serra da Estrella mountain range can take one through stunning gorges, mountain streams and lakes, in stark contrast with the vast, dry, flat expanses of the Alentejo with its towering pine trees.
Venturing off the mainland, the Atlantic islands of the Azores and Madeira contain some of the most striking natural environments on the planet. The Temperate climate of the Azores archipelago has produced a unique ecological environment, home to many endemic species of plants.
Treking - Paulo Magalhães
The forests on the island of Madeira are very similar in composition and antiquity to those of the Tertiary period that covered the Southern Europe and Northern Africa millions of years ago. Walks through these forests provide a feast for the eyes with their stunning varieties of flowers and the chance to see birdlife unique to the island, such as the Madeira Firecrest.
Below you will find a wide range of walking holidays through different regions of Portugal.
Porto
Walking holidays along the Douro river
Built on hills overlooking the river Douro in the north of Portugal, Porto is a very modern European city with a rich history of trade, industry and exploration. It is of course most famous for the sweet, fortified Port wine that is famous around the world as a dessert wine. Ports unmistakable bouquet, body and flavour are due to the high quality of the grapes, as well as to the region´s unique soil and climatic conditions. In 1757 the Marquis de Pombal demarcated the Douro Valley vineyards, creating and regulating the first Demarcated Wine Region in the whole world.
Grape Gathering - João Paulo
The Douro and Historical Villages
An 8 day walking holiday following the Douro. The Douro is one of the major rivers of the Iberian peninsular, stretching from northern Spain through to its outlet off the coast of Porto. Over the centuries many historical villages have been built along this river and today some of Portugal's finest vineyards are found on the almost vertical slopes dropping down to the river. Picture yourself hiking through Port Wine vineyards and visiting Portugal's Historical Villages, with its castles and stone wall houses that have kept the same appearance for centuries.....(More)
Historic Porto and Port wine lodges
A half day tour of the bustling suburb of Vila Nova da Gaia lying opposite Porto on the steep south bank of the mighty River Douro. Sitting on top of a pre-Roman fortified hamlet, it was given town status in 1255 by King Afonso III and then bequeathed to the aristocracy in order to counteract the power of the bishops of neighbouring Oporto, who were charging unreasonably high shipping tolls at the time. Gaia today is dominated by the Port wine lodges, with over fifty wine companies based in its narrow, twisting streets. Here, the ageing and blending of most of the world's supply of Port wine takes place beneath a sea of red roofs emblazoned with some of the most famous names in winemaking....(More)
Lisbon
Walking holidays in the capital and surrounding cities
Lisbon contains some of Europes most beautiful architectural treasures, from the tropical-gothic Manueline style of Jeronimos monastery in Belem, to the Moorish castle of St. George with its sweeping views of the city. One of the most striking features of the city are the ceramic tiles, azulejos, that adorn many walls and buildings, first introduced into Portugal by the Moors.
Lisbon Azulejos - Antonio Sacchetti
Lisbon and the Silver Coast
The focus of this 10 day women only, walking tour is Portuguese history, culture and cuisine. We will take in the natural beauty of the country and gorgeous beaches, and we will spend time learning, playing and resting. The first 4 days will be spent in the seaside resort of Cascais; and the next 4 days in the walled town of Obidos, before returning to Cascais for an additional day of exploring the neighboring city of Lisbon.....(More)
The Tejo and Historical Villages
8 days spent following the Tagus. The Tagus is the largest river of the Iberian Penninsular, originating at the Fuente de García, in the Albarracín mountains of Spain, and flowing into the Atlantic Ocean off Lisbon. This tour takes in the Schist villages near the Zêzere River and the Tejo International Natural Park, with its breathtaking views of the river and a large variety of fauna and flora....(More)
Madeira
Walking holidays in the unique Temperate climate of Portugal´s Atlantic island
Located midway between Europe and the Americas, the Atlantic island of Madeira is a stunningly beautiful island. Discovered by the Portuguese in the 15th century, it is claimed that the early Portuguese settlers named the first boy and girl born on the island "Adam" and "Eve". Madeira´s idyllic scenery and profusion of flowers provide a wonderful backdrop for walking holidays along the streams and waterways that flow through the island.
Madeira - Sebastiao da Fonseca
Madeira Walking Day Tours
Specialising in walks along the beautiful streams and watercourses (levadas) of Madeira, we provide half-day walks through Santo da Serra, Serra do Faial, Quinta Grande and Campanario. Mountains and valleys of stunning beauty, past houses festooned with dahlias and the aroma of wood fires.....(More)
Walking Tours in Madeira's Levadas
Full day walks taking in Queimadas, Rabaçal, Ribeiro Frio and Prazeres through high mountain ranges, deep valleys, and luxuriant vegetation. Expect stunning views over gorges and valleys, spectacular waterfalls and beautiful flowers....(More)
Madeira Levadas Walking
We provide various walking tours, from half-day to 15 days. Walking alongside the beautiful Levada da Serra do Faial; the Levada da Negra, to the Funchal valleys; visit to the lovely Nossa Senhora do Monte Church and its gardens; walking along the south coast, from Estreito de Camara de Lobos to Boa Morte; walks high up in the mountains from Pico do Arieiro to Pico da Torre, and up to Pico Ruivo, descending to Achada do Teixeira by Santana; the Levada of Caldeir'o Verde to the spectacular Caldeir'o Verde water falls; Gardens of the south coast of Madeira....(More)
The Azores
Walking holidays in the breathtaking beauty of Portugal´s Atlantic archipelago
The nine volcanic islands that make up the Azores form a distinct ecological environment among the world's Temperate broadleaf and mixed forests, with many endemic species of plants being found here. The Azores are actually the tops of some of the tallest mountains on the planet, as measured from their base at the bottom of the ocean. Their volcanic origins and moderate climate combine to produce an incredibly fertile environment that is a pleasure to explore.
Sete Cidades in São Miguel - João Paulo
Azores Walking & Trekking Vacations
Enjoy breathtaking scenery and accommodation in 16th century manor homes during this 8 day walking holiday. Experience the culture, learn the interesting history, learn a little bit of Portuguese. Enjoy the many available activities, including, biking, hiking, kayaking, scuba, fishing, and more.....(More)