4 Stunning Hikes in Portugal – Unforgettable Coastal Hiking in Portugal
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Loading... - reuben emily
- 06 Jul 2022
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Whether you’re looking for an active day trip from Lisbon, a multi-day coastal trek, or a secret hiking path in the Algarve, you’ll find inspiration for your next trip to Portugal here. Continue reading to discover the best hikes in Portugal.
1. Cabo da Roca to Azenhas do Mar Coastal Trail
Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, Lisboa
§ Trailhead: Cabo da Roca
§ Distance: 10.8 km point-to-point
§ Time Needed: 5 hours (with breaks)
§ Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
§ Where to Stay in Lisbon: Goodmorning Solo Traveller Hostel (budget), Tesouro da Baixa by Shiadu (midrange), or Casa Balthazar (luxury)
§ Where to Stay in Cascais: Nice Way Cascais Hostel & Surf Camp (budget) Casa Vela Charm Guest House (midrange), or The Albatroz Hotel (luxury)
If someone mentions Sintra, palaces are the first thing that comes to mind. Indeed, Sintra’s renown is forever interlinked with its architectural treasures. However, most people don’t know that the Sintra Coastline is equally marvelous and worthy of exploration.
We recommend starting this day hike in Cabo da Roca. We’ve explained how to get Cabo da Roca from Cascais and Lisbon in our Sintra coast trail guide.
From Cabo da Roca, you’ll hike North to Praia da Ursa, one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal. Many people end their hike here, and we really can’t blame them. With its offshore limestone formations shaped like Hershey kisses, Praia da Ursa is a whimsical place that feeds the imagination.
This hike continues to the pristine beaches of Praia da Adraga, Praia Grande, Praia das Maçãs, and ultimately ends in Azenhas do Mar.
With its cluster of whitewashed homes hovering above the sea, Azenhas do Mar is an enchanting sight to behold. Atlantic waves batter the village’s seawall. And, a natural saltwater pool collects at the foot of the village.
2. Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
Algarve
§ Trailhead: Praia da Marinha, or Praia de Vale Centianes
§ Distance: 5.7 km point-to-point (with taxi return), 11.4 km out-and-back
§ Time Needed: 2 – 2:30 hours point-to-point, 5 hours out-and-back
§ Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
§ Where to Stay in Carvoeiro: O Quintal Guesthouse (budget), Castelo Guest House (midrange), or Tivoli Carvoeiro (luxury)
§ Where to Stay in Ferragudo: One2Seven (midrange), or Caneiros Luxury House & Suites (luxury)
The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is the most popular day hike in Algarve and encapsulates some of the most impressive scenery in the region. The 5.7 km trail stretches between Praia da Marinha and Praia de Vale Centianes. Though you can start at either end, we recommend starting at Praia da Marinha.
Highlights of the trail include Benagil Beach, Corredoura Beach, and Carvalho Beach. If you want to see Benagil Cave, you can rent a paddleboard, or kayak at Benagil Beach and paddle out to the cave.
Alternatively, you can join one of these guided tours:
§ Benagil Caves Kayaking Experience starting at Benagil Beach
§ Kayak or SUP Coastline Caves Tour starting at Benagil Beach
The cave is only accessible from the sea. The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail ends at Praia de Vale Centianes. Grab lunch at the beach restaurant O Stop, before making the return journey.
3. Trail of Headlands
Algarve
§ Trailhead: Praia dos Caneiros or Praia do Carvoeiro
§ Distance: 6 km point-to-point (with taxi return), 12 km out-and-back
§ Time Needed: 2 hours one-way (5 hours out-and-back with lunch break)
§ Difficulty: Moderate
§ Where to Stay in Carvoeiro: O Quintal Guesthouse (budget), Castelo Guest House (midrange), or Tivoli Carvoeiro (luxury)
§ Where to Stay in Ferragudo: One2Seven (midrange), or Caneiros Luxury House & Suites (luxury)
The trail of the headlands is a point-to-point or return hike in the Algarve. This is an excellent alternative to the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail. It’s not as well known, and as a result, there are far fewer walkers along this route.
You can start this stunning hike at Praia dos Caneiros in Ferragudo, or Praia do Carvoeiro in Carvoeiro. We started at Praia dos Caneiros beach because we were staying at Caneiros Luxury House & Suites, which is only a 5-minute walk to the beach.
Starting at the parking lot at Praia dos Caneiros, the trail leads East. Follow the yellow and red trail markers along the headlands. The trail affords you wondrous views of sheer cliffs and hidden coves. Unlike the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, there aren’t many opportunities to access these coves by foot. So, this walk is all about savoring the views.
Shortly before arriving at Carvoeiro, you’ll pass Praia do Paraiso. This tiny beach is accessible by a steep staircase.
Carvoeiro is a beach town that manages to balance its development with its natural beauty. Grab lunch here and enjoy the town’s idyllic beach, Praia do Carvoeiro. For a healthy lunch and delicious smoothies, head to Earth Café. Read More…
