Portugal Coastal Hiking Tour

Our trip begins in Lisbon, Portugal with a 9am group rendezvous.  A short drive brings us to the dramatic Peninha Sanctuary. According to local legend, the 17th-century chapel was built after the Virgin Mary appeared to a hermit. We begin our hike here or in the village of Biscaia, heading downhill on trails to Guincho beach and then onwards to Cresmina Dunes Nature Center for lunch. The views, not the exertion, will render us breathless! Our next stop is Cascais to check into our hotel and freshen up before dinner. Lunch and dinner included.

Hiking: 6 miles; terrain: some rocky sections. Driving: 1h15 min

At Praia Grande Beach we hike on trails hidden among the coastal flora to Cabo da Roca, the western-most point of continental Europe. From the windswept landscape of this historic Cape we marvel at views of the wild Atlantic and local fisherman perched on the cliffs ready to hook their day’s catch. After lunching on local specialties in Azoia we head to the quiet and green of Capuchos Convent nestled in the forest. Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a wide diversity of landscapes including mountains, forests, lakes, sand dunes, and a rugged coastline with high cliffs interspersed between lovely beaches. Transferring to the seaside village of Cascais, we’ll check in to our hotel in the 15th c. citadel overlooking the bay, the lighthouse and the old town. Breakfast and lunch included. Dinner on your own.

Hiking: 5 miles; Terrain: some steep, rocky sections on ascents and descents; City walk: 1 mile; Driving: 1h25 min

We stretch our legs with a boardwalk stroll from Cascais to Estoril before transferring south of Lisbon over the Tejo River. We visit a tile workshop to discover the five-centuries-old tradition of Azujelo painted ceramic tile work; these decorative tiles are found everywhere from churches and palaces to ordinary homes and railway stations. There is free time for lunch in town before beginning our hike along a portion of the Rota Moinhos (“Windmills Path”) in the Arrábida Natural Park. The trail, named for the traditional windmills along the path, offers panoramic views of the region’s mountain ranges, Palmela Castle and the Tejo River estuary. Tonight we stay in the whitewashed village of Vila Nova de Milfontes, at the Mira River estuary and dine at a favorite restaurant. Breakfast and dinner included.

Hiking: 2.4 miles; Terrain: mostly rolling with an initial steep ascent; Driving: 3.5 hours

The next two days takes us along splendid sections of Portugal’s Rota Vicentina. This coastal trail is used by fishermen to reach prime fishing spots; it is also used by hikers eager to experience Southern Europe’s wildest stretch of coast.

We begin with a short crossing of the Mira River in a traditional Moliceiro boat. We hike from Praia das Furnas to Almograve, a quiet coastal village blessed with two distinctive beaches. The northern Almograve beach is spread over gentle sand dunes, while the southern beach has dramatic black shale rocks jutting from the steep cliffs. We enjoy a picnic lunch that includes famous local cheeses. This afternoon, trip members can choose to transfer to our lodgings or opt to continue hiking. The optional hike brings us to Cabo Sardão, where storks nest on the cliffs above the Atlantic. Overnight for the second night in Vila Nova de Milifontes. Breakfast included. Lunch and dinner on your own.

Hiking: 6 miles; Terrain: mostly flat trails with some steeper up-and-down sections; Optional hike: 5 miles; Terrain: sandy trails

We continue our hike on coastal trails with sea breezes and sweeping views of the rugged coast. The jumbled geology of the sedimentary rock along this stretch of shoreline is evidence of the force of nature here. We are rewarded with an exceptional view of Odeceixe beach from Ponta em Branco (White summit). Hiking down to Odeceixe beach on the Seixe river delta, we take time to stroll the soft sands before heading to Sagres, on the southern Algarve coast where Henry the Navigator, a famed figure during the Age of Discoveries, walked along the cliffs in the 15th century and built a church and his home. Guests choosing to opt out part of today’s hike will enjoy the countryside views of Alentejo, with free time to explore the fishing village where we stop for lunch before transferring to Sagres. ​Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Hiking: 8.5 miles; Terrain: sections of hard packed dirt trail and sandy trails; Driving: 1.5 hours

Today you can rest in the hotel or take an optional hike beginning at our hotel in Sagres, on the southern Algarve coast where Henry the Navigator, a famed figure during the Age of Discoveries, walked along the cliffs in the 15th century and built a church and his home. We make our way along the nearly deserted unspoiled coastline via trails high on the cliffs to Zavial Beach on a sheltered sandy bay. This is an ideal place to enjoy the views while we have our farewell lunch. Breakfast and lunch included.

Hiking: 5.6 miles; Terrain: hard-packed dirt trails and sandy beach sections.

From the rugged Algarve coast we return to Lisbon to say our goodbyes.

Our journey along Portugal’s wild Atlantic Coast comes to an end. Continue exploring the famed Algarve coast on your own, or transfer back to Lisbon with the guides for arrival at around 7pm. We provide a drop-off at the Lisbon airport and Lisboa Plaza hotel.

Driving: 3 hours

Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule above, the itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions.