Walking Holidays in Portugal

Frequently Asked Questions about Portugal walking holidays

• Which part of Portugal is best for a walking holiday?

  Walking holidays in Portugal have so much to offer, and it ultimately depends on your personal preferences. If you want to enjoy the ocean and spectacular cliffs, then Rota Vicentina along the west coast of the country is a popular destination as is the Algarve and its stunning coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. The island of Madeira and its natural beauty or the Douro wine region are other great areas in Portugal that are perfect for a walking holiday.

• How long is the flight to Portugal from the UK?

  The average non-stop flight from the UK to Portugal takes between 2 hours 30 minutes and 3 hours.

• What should you take on holiday to Portugal?

  For any of our walking holidays in Portugal, we recommend you take the following essential items:

  • Passport/travel documents
  • Hiking boots/Comfortable shoes
  • Shorts/skirts/trousers
  • T-shirts
  • Light jumpers/fleeces
  • A waterproof coat (just in case)
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat
  • Water bottle

• Is Portugal expensive?

  Portugal is still relatively cheap when it comes to food and drink, and a couple can enjoy a meal in a simple, local restaurant for around €50 or less. Public transportation is very affordable and whilst prices vary from city to city, they are mostly around €1.50.

• What's the best time of year for walking in Portugal?

  Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) offer the most pleasant walking conditions in mainland Portugal, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. The Algarve enjoys a mild climate year-round, making it ideal for winter walking when other European destinations are cold. Madeira, with its subtropical climate, is a great walking destination in any season, though it can be wet in winter. The Azores are best visited between May and October when weather conditions are more stable.

• What are the Levadas of Madeira?

  Levadas are Madeira's unique irrigation channels that distribute water from the rainy north to the drier south of the island. Built between the 16th and 20th centuries, these ingenious systems have maintenance paths alongside them that now form an extensive network of relatively level walking trails. Walking the levadas takes you through otherwise inaccessible parts of the island, from lush laurisilva forests to dramatic mountain scenery, offering some of Europe's most distinctive walking experiences.

• How difficult are the walks in Portugal?

  Portugal offers walking for all abilities. The Algarve and Madeira's levada walks generally provide moderate terrain suitable for most walkers, while the mountains of the Peneda-Gerês National Park present more challenging routes. Our Portugal walking holidays are graded from 1-8, with detailed descriptions of distances, terrain, and ascent to help you choose the right level. Many of our Portuguese holidays offer "flexi-walking" options, allowing you to choose between longer and shorter routes on many days.

• Can I combine walking with cultural experiences in Portugal?

  Absolutely! Our Portugal walking tours are designed to immerse you in local culture. You might sample Port in the Douro Valley, enjoy fado music in Lisbon, discover ancient standing stones in the Alentejo, or learn about Madeira's unique winemaking traditions. Many itineraries include visits to historic towns and cultural sites, and there's usually free time to explore local markets, museums, and restaurants. Our Discover Collection holidays particularly focus on blending walking with cultural experiences.