In every region of mainland Portugal, as well as on several of the islands of Madeira and the Azores, there are numerous excellent hiking paths to choose from, each with a different difficulty level and a vast variety of sceneries.
Some of these walking routes are quite short, requiring only a few hours of walking, whilst others may require a week or more to complete the entire path.
Camino Português
There are two options for walking along the trails before they come together in Redondela: you can choose to walk through the beautiful towns, villages, and countryside surrounding Barcelos and Ponte de Lima as well as Valença and Porrio, or you can choose to walk through more coastal scenes and communities in Vila do Conde, Esposende, Viana do Castelo as well as Caminha, Oia, Baion, and Vigo.
Following Redondela, the route heads inland, passing through the picturesque city of Pontevedra and the charming towns of Caldas de Reis and Padron.
Depending on the route you take and where you begin, you can expect to travel around 240 kilometres (150 miles) from Porto to Santiago de Compostela by foot. It is also feasible to begin from Lisbon, which is around 641 kilometres (398 miles) away.
The opportunities to bond with fellow pilgrims on the pilgrim trail, the sense of accomplishment at the end of each long walking day and when you reach the cathedral, and the opportunity to experience rural lifestyles and landscapes as well as local culture and history in the towns and cities along the way are just a few of the highlights of the Portuguese Camino de Santiago.
You will need to train for this adventure because walking days are on average 20 kilometres long. You will also need to allow for more time and shorter walks where possible.
The Rota Vicentina Fishermen’s Trail is located near Odeceixe in the Algarve.
From an hour to a half-day journey via spectacular coastline and countryside. The Rota Vicentina is one of the best-maintained routes on the Portuguese mainland, with volunteers constantly inspecting and repainting waymarkers. It is divided into two linear trails: the Fishermen’s Trail, which runs along the coast from Sagres to Porto Covo, although a portion of it is inland, and the Historical Route, which connects Sagres to Santiago do Cacem.
Levada walking around Madeira Island
Levadas are irrigation canals, and many of Madeira’s hiking trails follow them. The advantage is that the watercourses are often level, yet this does not mean that the trail is without obstacles, such as tunnels and steep drops that are not suitable for vertigo sufferers.
Levada do Rei, a leisurely half-day linear walk, or Vereda dos Balces, a one-hour excursion with panoramic vistas.
Levada do Rei is a rather easy trek with only a couple of very short tunnels to crouch through and a tiny waterfall to walk behind (bring a poncho!). The views of the jagged peaks of Madeira’s highest mountains are breathtaking, as is the lush vegetation that lines the trail.
The levada comes to an end at a little waterfall and lake surrounded by stones called Ribeiro Bonito, which translates as Pretty Stream. After some time relaxing by the water, simply turn around and retrace your steps back to the starting spot. Each route is 5.3 kilometres / slightly more than three miles.
Paiva Boardwalk and 516 suspension bridge
The eight-kilometer-long (5-mile-long) wooden walkway along the Paiva River allows visitors to walk through a lovely valley that was previously inaccessible on foot. The environment is breathtaking, and Vau has a tiny river beach near the midway mark.
It features the world’s largest pedestrian suspension bridge.
Serra do Topo to Caldeira de Santo Cristo and Fajã dos Cubres hike
From the hills to a volcano crater on the Azores’ São Jorge island
The PR1 route on the island of So São Jorge is a pleasant hike in the Azores.
Before reaching Caldeira de Santo Cristo, the initial descent passes past hillsides filled with blue hydrangeas and a tract of lovely woods. This is a volcanic crater that has resulted in the formation of an ocean-facing lagoon. Take full advantage of the opportunity to stop for a refreshing swim and a picnic along the lake.
