From Cities to Natural Parks, Portugal has a wide variety of landscapes for unforgettable walks. Discover the best 5 walks now!

Walking through amazing sites…

Do you like to walk? Walking is the best way to get to know a destination. Walking among the locals, appreciating beautiful and inspiring landscapes. Besides, you breathe fresh air, and you stretch your legs.

Every city has that street or avenue you must walkthrough, we will give you our top 5 walks in Portuguese destinations. Do not be lazy and walk with us!

1 - Porto: From Ribeira to Foz

If you know a little bit about Porto, we know you will not be surprised by our choice for the best walk in this City. We start from the typical Ribeira, where you can have a nice breakfast with a breath-taking scenario of the Douro River, and the charming city on the other side of the riverbank, Vila Nova de Gaia. 

After your lovely breakfast, you may continue your walk towards the Foz, where the Douro meets the Atlantic. With the Douro River you will pass through the magnificent St. Francis Church (which is worth a visit), the Alfândega (Customs) building, the Port Wine Museum, that you could visit later - don’t be tempted! - between others. Along the way you will find grocery stores, to buy water, and little craft shops if you want to buy some souvenirs. 

Now we continue our journey! Continuing ahead, you will pass the Tram Museum which you can visit, and then you will pass under the Arrabida Bridge, one of the 6 famous bridges over the Douro River, reaching this point you may rest a little on a near green grass garden. Closer to Douro´s river mouth, after passing a palm tree garden, you will have finally arrived at Foz beach, where you can have a nice meal or just have a refreshing drink while you enjoy looking at the sea.

View over River Douro and Porto

Speaking of Porto, we could also suggest another great walking experience. Enjoy a different look of this city with our 1 Day Porto Walking Tour!

2 – Sintra: Pena Palace and Gardens

Our second chosen city is Sintra. Wouldn't you agree? Here we must walk towards Sintra´s most famous icon: The Pena Palace and its Gardens. Through natural walking trails, you take your path up and down these hills just to realize this is as if you have entered an enchanted world.

This enchanted world begins with a magic forest where you can see different flowers and tree species of all shapes and sizes, from all over the world. You’ll pass through fascinating lakes, little waterfalls, and bridges, you may sit on the benches along the way to relax. Take your time to appreciate all this natural beauty while listening to the sound of the birds singing.

At the top, you will find Pena Palace an authentic princess-like castle with extremely colorful and unique architecture. You pass through the castle´s Arabic-inspired archways and ahead you have a long visit on the way. Once you get inside, you´ll feel like royalty, while you admire the painted walls and all the different colored tiles across the palace. Pay attention to the meticulous decoration of each room. You´ll feel like you´re in a dream full of history!

A trap in Sintra garden near the famous Pena palace

The Pena Palace garden is one of the most beautiful gardens in the region, come get to know it on our  1-day Sintra, Cascais & Estoril Tour!

3 – Arouca: Caminho de Montemuro (Montemuro Path)

It’s almost impossible to visit the Arouca region and not enjoy a walk in its geopark. Our suggestion is the Montemuro Path starting in Sra. do Monte Sanctuary through a forest path. Follow the yellow and red marks ahead and you’ll have an unforgettable panoramic view over Bustelo. It’s just like a painting. Near the valley of the Bustelo river, you’ll be able to see the shale roofs surrounded by the green terraces. 

Continuing our nature walk we will pass near two Eolic Parks and S. Pedro do Campo chapel to reach Marco Geodésico da Pedra Posta, the highest location of Arouca and one of the highest locations on this side of Montemuro Mountain with 1222 meters.

Going down the hill you will notice that at first, the path is well delimited but further on it'll be necessary to go through shepherds routes, either way, both paths are well signposted. After crossing the Bustelo river we are in the village. It is time to rest in a shade, drink a refreshing beverage, and eat local snacks. To finish our walk you’ll pass by Bustelo chapel, beautifully revested in shale, and then we head to Sra. Do Monte Sanctuary again.

Hiking in serra de Montemuro

4 – Gêres: The National Park

Now let’s explore the National Park of Gerês. Prepare yourself! We are about to walk through a mountainous region in the Northwest of Portugal, so don’t forget to bring proper shoes. This was the first protected area created in Portugal and the only one classified as National Park, the point is to value human activities and natural resources.

In our walkthrough National Park of Gerês, you will be able to appreciate the different kinds of vegetation, trees, and flowers. If you’re lucky you might even see some of the animals that make this environment their homes…and respect them, after all, you’re in their home.

You will also come across some watercourses, fields, and pasture lands. Pay attention because the land is quite rugged and has lots of rock formations. However, don’t miss the opportunity to pass through Laboreiro and Lindoso Castles that alongside megalithic monuments and Roman occupation testimonies built the History of the park. If you want to get more adventurous, cross the line and peek at the radical activities you can do here or, on the other hand, spend some relaxed time on the terms and spa. It’s up to you, you get to choose!

Nature in Passadiços do Sistelo, Gerês

5 – Montesinho Park

Last but not least, our top 5 ends with Montesinho Park. One of the biggest natural parks of a total of 12 in the country. Located in Trás-os-Montes Region, where you can climb to Coroa or Montesinho Mountains and witness absolute breath-taking views.

Going through village surroundings we will admire Neolithic caves, old kilns, and the mill. In the village, you can visit a little house/museum that has exposed some artifacts found in the cave. To visit this cave ask for Mrs. Judite, everyone in the region knows her. This place is considered by the locals as a living source of histories and experiences. 

Continuing our walk you may see some deers and possibly a wolf. It is beautiful when you’re not used to seeing these kinds of animals. Already in Vinhais near the border with Spain, after crossing the new bridge, we will continue along the river until the medieval bridge wherein the Summer you can enjoy a nice and refreshing bath.

So if you want to explore Nature and defy the laws of gravity you may visit Montesinho. Even if you just want to relax, Montesinho has everything.

Beautiful mountain landscape in the Natural Park of Montesinho

We have completed our top 5 best walks in 5 different Portuguese locations. We hope that now you’re ready to pack your stuff and come discover these walks for yourself. We will be waiting to know if they matched your expectations. Are you ready?