As the world opens up again and overseas travel becomes easier, now is the time to get planning the walking trip to warmer climes you’ve been dreaming about. Somewhere you can hike all year round, for the most part on paths gloriously devoid of other people, Portugal ticks all the boxes.
One of Europe’s lesser-known hiking destinations, we’ve happily wandered through its cork forests and along the coastal cliffs of Arrábida throughout the winter months. We’ve taken to the Rota Vicentina in Alentejo and the Algarve in November, and even walked in Peneda-Gerês National Park, in the far north of the country, in T-shirts in February. Although admittedly, we were ascending mountains at the time.
With walks spanning testing mountain routes, riverside trails and spectacular coastal paths, Portugal offers something for every walking whim and level of experience. And because it isn’t predominantly known as a hiking destination, you’re unlikely to encounter crowds. Throw into the mix its year-round, temperate climate; rich history, culture and gastronomy, plus an abundance of locally-owned accommodation, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find better this close to home.
As nights draw in, and the prospect of longer daylight hours, warm sunshine and clear skies sounds tempting, it’s not too late to book a getaway for this year or an early spring escape.
When to go… and where
Out in the Atlantic, six degrees nearer the equator than Lisbon, Madeira is famed for its sub-tropical maritime climate. It’s an island made for winter getaways, where ocean currents bestow warm days and perpetual floral splendour. But it may come as a surprise to learn that much of mainland Portugal also enjoys warm autumns and temperate winters.
Living in the Setúbal area, autumn and winter were our favourite times to lace up the hiking boots, when days are the right side of hot, and October rains bring fresh lustre to summer-scorched landscapes. Further south in the Algarve, November and December see clear skies basking the countryside in a gentle warmth that ripens the berries of the medronho trees, setting the hillsides of Monchique alight with their crimson hue. December also brings the heady scent of oranges drifting from orchards, while February sees its almond groves erupt into clouds of delicate, white blossom.
A spring break provides the best displays of Portugal’s myriad wild flowers and orchids. Mid-April to early May are the best times to catch the show of colour in the central and southern regions, while further north, late May and early June still see meadows and riverbanks bursting into flower. Exploring it all on foot couldn’t be easier with a self-guided tour. Endorsed for the last two consecutive years as the only Which? Recommended Provider for Self-Guided Tours, Inntravel offer a 7-night walking holiday to Portugal's ‘floating garden’ on their ‘Madeira - Waterways & Flowers’ tour. Departure dates run through to the end of November, with prices starting from £840 per person (not including flights). For a mainland getaway, there’s the 7-night, single-centre walking holiday to ‘Algarve's Coast & Hills’, costing from £675 per person. Departure dates run year-round (except July and August)
3 Tours to inspire
There’s a walking holiday in Portugal to suit every ability and ambition: from wilderness hiking to foodie rambles.
Relish a challenge?
For Portugal at its wildest and most rugged underfoot, head north in spring, early summer or autumn to peneda-gerês, portugal's only national park. Here jagged mountains, high plateaus and yawning valleys conceal holy sanctuaries, quaint granite villages and mountain lakes. It’s also one of the last refuges of the iberian wolf. For experienced walkers, the recommended itinerary is inntravel's 7-night tour ‘High Paths of Northern Portugal’ (from £875pp, excluding flights)
Savour every step (and sip)
For gentler walking, tucked beneath the border with Galicia, the Minho is considered by many Portuguese to be the prettiest part of the mainland. Some of Portugal's oldest and most picturesque towns nestle alongside vineyards producing the region's eminently quaffable vinho verde, while the Lima river languidly threads its way through its eponymous valley. You can combine easy riverside strolling with stays in the region's historic manor houses on the 7-night ‘Manor Houses of the Minho’ walking holiday (from £835pp, excluding flights)
For culture and cuisine
You can munch your way along moderate trails alongside an exuberance of cultural riches in the little-known Arrábida Natural Park. While windmill-peppered ridges and remote headlands provide drama, the region's famous choco frito (fried cuttlefish), Azeitão cheese and award-winning wines will bring a smile to the faces of hiking gastronomes. Check out the 7-night ‘From Cape to Castle’ holiday for the best of this alluring peninsula (from £730pp, excluding flights)
Plan your trip walking specialist Inntravel offers an excellent choice of self-guided walking holidays in Portugal, both short breaks and longer holidays. Walkers can expect hand-picked accommodation in delightful hotels and guesthouses, meticulous route notes and walking maps, GPS navigation, and luggage transfers between hotels. Air and rail travel can also be arranged. For further information visit inntravel. co.uk, emailholidays@inntravel.co.uk or call 01653 617777. Head to visitportugal.com to learn more about the destinations we’ve mentioned.