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Things to do in Portugal, Portugal: The Best Hiking Trails
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1. Vereda Zimbreiros
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
2. Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 271 reviews
Reviewed By linziannm
My partner and I decided to make the most of the cloudy weather forecast by following the Seven Hanging Valley trail and were pleasantly surprised by the views and the change in weather. The winds along the coast disguise the suns rays so it’s important to have sun cream, plenty of water and take mini breaks/ snacks. In total it took 4 hours one way (including plenty of stops for photos along the way). We took the main roads back which only took us an hour and a half. Something to bear in mind when setting off on this trail is stopping for food, by the time we got to Praia da Marinha around 14:00 most restaurants were closed and due to reopen at 18:00/18:30. Additional: Carvalho Beach was a quiet secluded spot whereas Benagil Beach was relatively busy offering boat tours around the caves along the coast (starting from 10:00).
3. Rota Vicentina
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 221 reviews
Rota Vicentina is a network of walking and cycling trails in SW Portugal. Comprising the Historical Way, the Fishermen's Trail, and 24 Circular Routes, totals 750 km to walk, between the city of Santiago do Cacem and Lagos. The Cycling Trails are over than 1000km, distributed by 38 routes with different dificulty levels. Don't forget to experience some of the programs and activities also available in the regions, from surf lessons, to massages, or to meet the fisherman's family. A little bit of everything is possible!
Reviewed By KathleenR_28 - Port Dover, Canada
I cannot say enough wonderful things about the Rota Vicentina. From start (I started in Lagos) to finish (from Porto Covo, I went to Cercal, then Odemira), I went from one outstanding place to another magnificent place. This trail must be one of the most beautiful trails in the world ... rich in amazingness and abundant in nature. Beauty never ends ... from the golden cliffs and fine sandy beaches, to the wildlife and wildflowers that abound, to the wild ocean surfs, the trees, the farm animals .... wow, wow, wow. I must say that there were sections that I had to navigate really carefully, as the path was precarious especially on the hills and cliffs. Some trails were overgrown but I think Portugal wants to keep as many areas as untouched as possible. Countless times along the trail, my spirits were uplifted, I shed many tears silently, for the overwhelming feeling of gratitude to the Creator of this all. Even heading inland, through the cork forests and hills of the Alentejo region, it was the same magnificent experience. I stopped so many times just because I had to enjoy the moment and the beauty around me. I loved each little hamlet and town that I went through. I wished that I had stayed longer in each town to just enjoy its local culture and food. It took me 14 days to finish hiking on this trail and everyday was, indeed, a blessing.
4. Levada Caldeirao do Inferno
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 61 reviews
Reviewed By CaptChaos179 - Winchester, United Kingdom
We planned to do this as an extension of the Caldeira Verde. They final waterfall although not as full and flowing as Verde has it owns charm and their are many delights along the way. It is around 2.5 hours extra on top of the Verde taking photos and a brief lunch stop. The Levada walk has been greatly improved over last year or so, it is there fore not as dangerous as some would have you believe. It does have quite a hard climb half way along (when you get to the railway tracks it is over) One of our group got vertigo on the next bit - the usual drop to the side but still the safety wires but the Levada briefly widens significantly here perhaps making them feel more exposed. If anyone does not want to continue they can admire the views and wait for you to return on the way back. There are many tunnels (but not lower than Verde but wetter and more uneven. The second of the bridges by the two waterfalls in crag between the has dodgy metal planks so you may want to straddle the beams as the planks move a lot, make sounds but didn't give way. You hear these feeder waterfalls from the beginning of a long tunnel building the expectation. The final climb to Inferno is a little rocky but pleasant and you reach your destination. All you have to do is return by the same route. The views and experi noes are even better than the Verde and thinking about men hanging from ropes from the top of the mountain to hack out the Levadas by hand will have you in awe and respect. A bucket list walk
5. Rota da Agua
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By SaudadesPuraVida - São Miguel, Portugal
We have been fortunate enough to complete most of the official trails here on the island and Janela do Inferno, is one of our favourites!! An absolutely beautiful moderate trail, with exceptional views and interesting forest landscape. Enjoy this trail, but be sure to bring a flashlight!!
6. Madeira Explorers
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 511 reviews
Reviewed By anndannd
I did a "WIND LAGOON - LEVADA DO ALECRIM" walk and it was really fantastic! We were lucky enough to have an excellent bus driver Tony and a great guide Miguel. Miguel provided us with lots of interesting information and cared for our safety and a nice, relaxed atmosphere. The walk itself passed through varied terrain and was a bit demanding at times, but the beautiful views were absolutely worth some effort. I highly recommend!
7. 25 Fontes and Cascada da Risco
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 982 reviews
Reviewed By melissaads - South Africa, null
One of the most beautiful and memorable hiking trails I've done. The vegetation among us is green and the actual 25 waterfalls are with the walk.
8. Vinho Verde Route
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
9. Levada Ribeira de Janela
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 145 reviews
Reviewed By PatriciusZ
This one is really easy, but still very nice, good for older people or families with kids but also for easy hikers. Nothing especialy dungerous here, there are some cliffs, waterfalls and the views are very nice.
10. Pico Ruivo do Paul da Serra
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 92 reviews
Reviewed By the_Devilyn - Surrey, United Kingdom
Don't miss out on climbing the Pico Ruivo (make sure you either have transport arranged or do a there-and-back-again walk), it's a fantastic viewpoint all over the island. You're above the clouds, it's sunny and the views are breathtaking. Hiking gear and UV protection is essential.
