11 Best Hikes In Portugal To Experience
-
Loading... - Jordan Thompson
- 07 Jul 2022
- 141 Views
- 0 Like
- 0 Comment
Portugal is easily one of the most dramatically beautiful countries in Europe yet somewhat one of the most under-rated. Some of the best hikes in Portugal will easily rival any other options in other European countries yet for some reason, they just seem so much less known (or at the very least, less talked about) as their European rivals.
Sure, the beauty of Lisbon, Sintra, Porto and The Douro Valley (to mention but a few) are known the world over but step outside of most few key hubs and it’ll be a struggle to find places visitors have even heard of, let alone thinking of visiting.
Funny thing though is that with its position so much further down south in Europe, Portugal has some of the best weather we get here in Europe.
Throw in the exposure to the Atlantic ocean, which is constantly bashing away at its coastline and you have yourself some of the most dramatically beautiful coasts in all of Europe (just look at the Algarve coastline alone to see exactly what I mean).
The best hikes in Portugal are just a great way to make the most of your time here and even if you’re not much of a hiker, you’re still bound to find at least one of these hikes that will just suit your pace to a Tee.
Without wasting any more time, let’s just into the best hikes in Portugal you definitely have to experience.
1.) Rota Vincentina
You will begin this beautiful hike at Cabo Saint Vicente, which is the southernmost tip of the European continent.
The absolutely stunning views of the cliffs jutting jaggedly down to the crystalline ocean make for quite an amazing sight to see here.
This is one of the best hikes in Portugal as you get the opportunity to go through historical villages in addition to all that natural beauty, which balances things off quite brilliantly on your hike (also, it makes for a great excuse to stop an rest).
One of the major highlights of this hike though is the picture-perfect lighthouse that stands guard over the area just as it did when it was originally erected many centuries ago. (It kinda doesn’t look like your average lighthouse in that over the years it’s become rather sprawled out for a lighthouse).
2.) Trilho da Cidade da Calcedonia
This is one of the most popular day hikes in the Peneda-Geres, which is Portugal’s sole National Park. The round-trip hike takes anywhere from four to five hours to complete and is fairly moderately paced.
On this hike, you will find some pretty spectacular views of Portuguese villages set against a scenic backdrop of really lush vegetation and rolling hills.
Stop at Saber al Borralho afterwards to treat yourself to a wide selection of traditional Portuguese food and wine.
3.) 25 Fontes Hike
Located on the beautiful Portuguese island of Madeira, this is one of the best hikes in Portugal if you’re really into waterfalls as this moderate hike will take you to no less than twenty-five stunning waterfalls.
It is worth setting aside a bit of extra time on this hike to allow yourself just chill and relax at some of the waterfalls and after you’re done with your hike, you can stop to treat yourself at the Rabacal Café to some sugary sweet goodness. Read More…
