City: Central Portugal
Top Things to do in Central Portugal
Top Hotels in Central Portugal
Countries
10 Scenic Walking Areas in Central Portugal That You Shouldn't Miss
1. Penhas Douradas
2. Parque do Tejo
3. Waterfront Promenade Belem
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By Mairwen1
One of the best things about a day trip to Belem is that all the main sights are within easy walking distance of each other and most are linked by this beautiful waterside promenade. Having visited the Jeronimos monastery and church, we walked straight across to the Discoveries Monument, where the promenade starts. It was from this very point that the 15th century explorer, Vasco da Gama set sail for India, returning with news of a new sea trading route and treasures that would ultimately help turn Portugal into a global empire and establish it as a 15th century super-power. We walked from here, alongside the Tagus River, to the Belem Tower. Along the way there is a marina, a couple of restaurants, an unusual lighthouse and the Coutinho monument (a replica of the bi-plane that crossed the South Atlantic almost 100 years ago). Walking back, you look towards the 25 April Bridge and the Discoveries Monument looms large, most of the way. Mostly though it is just a beautiful stretch to walk along and the wide, flat path makes it suitable for small children and pushchairs
4. Cabo da Roca
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,019 reviews
Reviewed By jgoodnow
Cabo da Roca is the westernmost point in Europe and is well worth the trip from wherever you are on the Iberian peninsula. Windy, craggy, magnificent views of of the crashing surf; we could have spent hours here. Sadly, we were on an otherwise fabulous bus tour and only had 40 minutes. Bring lunch and take your time!
5. Castelo Novo Historical Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 183 reviews
Reviewed By ChrisandMick60 - Montaren-et-Saint-Mediers, France
The day we visited, it was cold, windy and showery but well worth the visit. The castle on top of the hill is the gem. There is parking just below the ruined castle, so it is only a short walk but quite steep. Once at the top the view of the surrounding area is superb even on a grey day. It's a pity that ALL of the notices etc about the history are only in Portuguese.
6. Quay Cascais
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By amqhamilton - Leeds, United Kingdom
Visited Boxing day 2019, weather really nice for the time of year, this is a beautiful part of Portugal,only 20 miles or so from Lisbon. Well worth a visit.
7. Aldeia do Talasnal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 331 reviews
Reviewed By 585PaulA - Faro, Portugal
Amazing site on the epic Xisto Aldeia circuit. Much to see and several trails connect to other sites.
8. Foz d'Egua
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 306 reviews
Reviewed By jae1012 - Lisbon, Portugal
Foz d'Egua is the mid-point of a gorgeous hike loop from Piódão. It's about an hour each way, and leave extra time to explore Foz d'Egua. There's a longer hike from Foz d'Egua that is about 5 hours total and maps are available near the pool.
9. Vila Sassetti
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 89 reviews
Reviewed By GoBlueTeacher - Ann Arbor, United States
We didn't visit the villa itself, but took the footpath that goes through the grounds up to the Pena Palace and loved every step! The footpath is incredibly well designed to get you up the hillside without too much effort and the grounds and landscaping are so beautiful that you're distracted from the climb and reach the top before you know it (less than an hour from the main part of town)! The path was very well marked and easy to follow, and has restrooms and a snack bar along the way! Definitely a wonderful way to avoid the insane car traffic and reach the palace (or Moorish Castle) in a much happier state of mind!
10. Circuito do Alqueidao
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Alqueidão Circuit offers a route through well preserved archaeological, natural landscape and military heritage. It is an outdoor visit circuit, nestled in the Olmeiro Hills, lies 5 km south of the Sobral de Monte Agraço village with foot paths (GR30 / PR1) connecting the Forts of Alqueidão, Machado, Novo and Simplício and the military road. It has directional and bilingual interpretative signage.
