Portugal's Ultimate Hiking Trails For Outdoor Enthusiasts, According To A Former Resident

These days, if you spend enough time at Portugal's most-visited destinations, you might not notice a ton of locals. Sure, Porto's emblematic Livraria Lello is crowded, and Lisbon's Alameda neighborhood will make you feel as packed as a sardine in a can. However, in my experience, it's just not that common to see real Portuguese people eating croissants at Majestic Café or queuing up in front of the Torre de Belém. 

So, what do locals actually do on the weekends? Walking and hiking are some of the most beloved pastimes in Portugal. They are the most practiced form of exercise among Portuguese people of all age groups. And considering how gorgeous Portuguese trails are, it's hardly any wonder why. To get a feel for what Portuguese people actually do — and what local scenery they most admire — tie up your walking shoes and head to one of the countless trails that wind through the Iberian landscape. 

As a former resident of Portugal, I have experience asking locals about their favorite hikes and trying those spots out. Armed with these experiences, I have identified some of the best places to hike in Portugal. I have chosen these spots based on a mix of my own favorite trails, my Portuguese friends' recommendations, and traveler tips from sites like Google Maps and Tripadvisor. The following picks stood out for their unique blend of impressive scenery and cultural significance.

The Algarve region boasts some of the best luxurious beaches in Portugal. While some people are content to lie under the sun for hours, others, like yours truly, may prefer to experience the Portuguese coastline in another way. Located on the outskirts of the idyllic town of Carvoeiro, O Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos is one of my favorite places to walk. This 7.1-mile trail winds over sandstone cliffs, leading hikers from one spectacular oceanside viewpoint to the next. 

I first completed this trail a couple of years ago, but I remain in awe of its natural beauty that unfolded before me with each step. As one hiker shared on Google Maps, "A great place to spend a day walking. If you like walking like me, I recommend you take this route. And charge your phone, you will need it to take a million photos, each of which looks like a postcard."

Of course, not everybody wants to spend a whole day hiking in the sun. Folks who would prefer to enjoy Carvoeiro's scenery without walking for hours can enjoy the Caminho do Algar Seco. This mostly flat portion of the Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos trail comprises about 1⁄3 of a mile of boardwalks. With tremendous views over caves and cliffs, this walkway is not just gorgeous but also child-friendly. Per a parent on Google Maps, "Beautiful boardwalk along the cliffs, we had our young daughter of almost 2 years walk."

Portugal may be famous for its sunny beaches and white sands, but that doesn't mean the country's coastline was always a hotspot for tourists. Back in the day, Portugal's shores were covered in dunes, reeds, and wetlands — not cabanas and lounge chairs. To get a feel for the country's natural landscape, I recommend heading to the Passadiços de Esmoriz. Nestled on the coast of the small fishing village of Esmoriz, this 3.7-mile-long boardwalk snakes above a natural bay and estuary where you can see up to 33 different species of birds. People looking to escape the chaos of nearby big cities like Porto or Aveiro will find tranquility here. As one hiker shared on Google Maps, "Nice peaceful place. Saw dragonflies, various birds, including a large bird of prey." 

Families with children may also enjoy this spot for its flat walkways. Since there are no stairs on the trail, it's fantastic for people pushing strollers and encourages little ones to toddle forward. Per a second Google Maps reviewer, "Take advantage of the boardwalk to see something different with your family on a Saturday or Sunday morning ... [The area has been] protected for several years. One of the best places to stop by close to Porto." To get to the Passadiços de Esmoriz, just hop on the train from Aveiro or Porto. Alternatively, you can drive about 35 minutes from either destination.

For an adrenaline-filled adventure in the Portuguese mountains, head to the Passadiços do Paiva near the village of Arouca. Here, you will find approximately 5 miles of boardwalk steps and walking trails that work their way across cliffs, over rocks, and through jutted mountain passes. Although I have yet to embark on this particular adventure, my closest family members tell me that the beauty of the place is incomparable. In apparent agreement, one Tripadvisor reviewer wrote, "Beautiful rivers and valleys with loads of nature ... Really fantastic walk and would [recommend] to anyone who is semi experienced with hiking/walking."

If that level of excitement isn't enough for you, definitely consider crossing the terrifying Arouca 516 suspension bridge at the end of your walk. Once the largest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world, it has been surpassed by projects in the Czech Republic and Nepal. This, however, does not prevent the crossing from instilling a healthy amount of fear into your heart. Reflecting on her Arouca 516 experience in a piece for The Guardian, one writer recalled, "The narrow walkway has a slightly tilted, protective fence on either side so there is no chance of being blown off. Still, the sight through the grill-holes of the Paiva's crashing waters far below brought a moment of queasiness to my stomach." Indeed, crossing the Arouca 516 is bound to get your heart going!

When it comes to all things Rome, Italy is the most famous destination for ancient historical ruins. However, what most people don't know is that thousands of years ago, Portugal was home to some of Rome's most extensive gold mines. Indeed, in Valongo's Serras do Porto nature preserve, you can hike past a myriad of abandoned tunnels and mining shafts. Just follow one of my top picks — the Trilho dos Romanos loop — over 2.6 miles of historical Roman roads and underground galleries. Be sure to stop at the Vale da Tranquilidade viewpoint, where a metallic Roman figure presides over an impressive landscape of rolling green hills.

Other hikers have also had wonderful experiences at this scenic spot. Reviewing on Google, one local marveled, "Fantastic place for trail lovers. The park has various options for routes, each of which is marked by plaques and signage. Bring your water and your snack." As this same person went on to note, however, you can extend your mountainside adventure. By completing the first part of the Trilho dos Romanos and then following the signs for the Corredor Ecológico, it's possible to trek up to 7.4 miles. The best part is that these walks are just a 20-minute train ride from the center of Porto, making them super accessible. If you're visiting Invictus City without a car and have a penchant for history, these are likely the best hikes in Portugal for you.

Have you ever wondered what it's like to walk inside a volcano? After completing the Trilha do Algar do Carvão trail, you'll have your answer. The Trilha do Algar do Carvão is hands-down one of the best places to hike in Portugal if you're looking for a unique geological experience. Located on Ilha Terceira island in Portugal's Azores archipelago, this 4.7-mile loop winds from the Algar do Carvão volcano — which you can descend via steep steps made of volcanic rock — to the Furnas do Enxufre, a steaming fumarole field.

When I completed this hike several years ago, I felt like I'd been transported back to the days of the dinosaurs. The moss crawling on the volcano's inner walls and the heat rising from the fumarole fields have a distinctly Jurassic feel that made the adventure all the more exciting. Even the hike between the two geological sites was otherworldly, thanks to the emerald green landscapes that unfolded around me. 

Notably, you don't have to hike the full 4.7 miles to explore the major points of this hike. For a shorter walk, start by descending into the volcano. Then drive to the Furnas do Enxofre, where you can complete the blazing .35-mile loop. One hiker who chose this option later took to Google Maps to share, "[A] 30 min easy walking trail, free entrance ... Active volcanism, walking through a field of [fumaroles] with sulphurous vapors. Simply amazing."

This is one of the lesser-known trails around Porto, but it's the very definition of a hidden gem. The Trilho das Termas — or the 2.5-mile hot springs trail — is a well-manicured path that begins in the unusual town of Caldas de São Jorge. Compared to its neighboring villages, Caldas São Jorge stands out because of the mineral hot springs that run beneath its streets. Rumored to be good for one's health, these springs attract visitors who seek aquatic treatments. Although the complex that doles out these treatments is private, the perfectly groomed public park across the street is not. Filled with pools of spring water, vibrant flowers, and zigzagging boardwalks, this park marks the glorious start of the Trilho das Termas.

When I first embarked on this trail, I didn't expect much. Despite living in Porto for years, I'd never heard of Caldas de São Jorge and figured the path was just your average riverside trail. Boy, was I wrong. While the boardwalk trail followed the river Uíma, it surprised me every 200 yards or so with a new development. Be it a picturesque farm complete with brown ponies and purple peonies, an old watermill that had been renovated into a charming inn, or a waterfall with a little red bridge running over it. At times, I wondered if this place was too perfect to be real. To know for sure, explore it for yourself.

I have never had the pleasure of tackling the Vereada do Areeiro, but this treacherous mountain path comes recommended to me by countless outdoors enthusiasts. Perched in the mountains of the stunning Atlantic island of Madeira, the Vereada do Areeiro is not exactly close to Porto or Lisbon. Nonetheless, it is considered one of the best hikes in Portugal, thanks to its narrow walkways and sublime views. As one previous hiker gushed on Google Maps, "Pico do Areeiro is honestly one of the highlights of Madeira. The views are amazing—mountains surround you and, if lucky, even above the clouds. It's hard not just to stop and take it all in."

That being said, it's important to note that the Vereada do Areeiro involves 4.3 miles of trekking at a serious altitude. This makes it a moderately difficult hike and an excellent option for those with long-distance walking experience. On Tripadvisor, a second hiker warned, "At 58 years old, I found some of the steeper, more demanding segments—including sections with ladders—particularly strenuous, but manageable with persistence and preparation." With its challenges established, the same individual later wrote, "Walking above the clouds was truly a dream realized. The dramatic rock formations and the vibrant hues of the surrounding foliage made for an unforgettable visual experience." In other words, so long as you embark on this trail with some preparation, you will likely find it enjoyable.

While some travelers dream of tackling Europe's most dangerous and difficult hikes, others just want to connect with the serenity of nature. If you identify more with this second category of adventurer, you may enjoy the Passadiços de Alvor boardwalk in Alvor, Portugal. Known as the longest boardwalk in the Algarve region, the Passadiços de Alvor spans an impressive 3.72 miles across a protected part of the beach. I explored this region a few years ago and was impressed by the hundreds of little crabs that crawled over the sand. Add in the sound of the waves and the sight of blossoming heather, and you can understand why so many people find tranquility in this spot.

Writing on Google Maps, one frequent hiker confessed that the stunning beauty of Passadiços de Alvor keeps enticing her to return. "This is one of our favorites. We do it on a regular basis. It is different each time, depending on the season, the weather, the tide, and the time of day. There are always many different birds to see, too, as it is a tidal estuary," they shared. Another visitor applauded the location for its child-friendly trails. As this walker put it on Google Maps, "Such a stunning area! A perfect spot for a relaxing walk with beautiful views. We went with our little granddaughter in her stroller—it was a smooth, easy walk the whole way."

Beyond its sunny weather and balmy beaches, Portugal is a major adventure destination. Far from the world of umbrellas and sea breezes, the Serra da Estrela mountain range boasts rocky cliffs, chilly temperatures, and fantastic waterfalls. To get a feel for this stunning region, try hiking to the Poço do Inferno Falls. I have, unfortunately, yet to take on this trail, but it comes highly recommended to me by Portuguese friends. This 3-mile out-and-back winds through rural lands and snakes alongside rugged riverbeds. Of the trail, one biker wrote on Google Maps, "Fantastic narrow, twisty roads leading up through the pine forest, perfect for adventure bike riding."

The waterfall itself is also a sight to behold. It spans an impressive 32 feet, leaving visitors in awe. Describing this area on Google Maps, a local Portuguese hiker shared, "Very beautiful place with crystal clear waters and very green vegetation. Mandatory visit point on Serra da Estrela." You can admire the beauty of this trail any time of year, even though not everyone enjoys visiting Portugal in the shoulder season. The waterfall freezes in winter, creating a unique sort of winter wonderland feel. During the hot summer months, though, visitors warn that the waters don't flow as freely, so be prepared to enjoy the hike for its own sake. 

There are hikers, and then there are intrepid hikers. If you're more interested in tackling a multi-day trekking session than enjoying a 3-mile loop, the Ecovia de Vez might be the route for you. This 21-mile adventure begins in the Northern Portuguese town of Valdevez before taking hikers to explore the local mountainous scenery on a combination of dirt trails, cobblestone roads, and boardwalks. The organizers in Valdevez suggest taking three days to complete the route, but you can go at whatever pace you wish.

Although I have not embarked on this adventure, it comes highly recommended for its beauty. As one local hiker wrote on Tripadvisor, "The ecovia do Vez is stunning. The tranquility of the outing beside the river, with various waterfalls on the trail, sparkling streams and natural life all around you. Every [mile] is worth it."

As gorgeous as this pathway may be, it's hard to forget that walking for hours beneath the sun can get uncomfortable. And, during the summer months, a little bit of heat may be unavoidable. With this in mind, locals suggest bringing your swimsuit along for the hike. Writing on Google Maps, a second hiker shared, "I did 20 km on this Ecovia. Amazing beauty. The landscape changes constantly. Near Sistelo, there are many lagoons on the river, where it is very pleasant to bathe and swim."

Compiling this list of the best hikes in Portugal was a true pleasure. As a former resident of the country and a huge fan of its natural wonders, I loved highlighting some of my favorite spots. I chose these places based on their uniqueness. From the limestone cliffs of Carvoeiro and the hot springs trail of São Jorge de Caldas to the volcano on Terceira Island, my goal was to celebrate Portugal's spectacular geographic diversity. With this in mind, I made sure to select trails in the northern and southern parts of the country, in addition to Madeira and the Azores islands.

More than just considering Portugal's ever-changing landscapes, I also wanted to include options of varying levels of difficulty. While the Ecovia de Vez stretches over 21 miles of mountainous terrain, several of the options, like the Passadiços de Esmoriz, are much shorter and flatter. Trails that could be modified to appeal to people of different hiking levels also enticed me. Thus, I included options like the Trilho dos Romanos and the Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos, which can be enjoyed in shorter or longer formats.

Additionally, it's worth noting that I speak fluent Portuguese, having majored in the subject in college. Thus, I was able to translate several visitor reviews myself. I enjoyed sharing these local recommendations with readers of different backgrounds, and I hope that they add a unique perspective to this piece.