Portugal

Where can I walk in Portugal?

There are many opportunities for walking in Portugal and each reveals a different side to the area you decide to walk in. There are beautiful coastal trails along the cliff-tops of the Algarve at its western end. On the Atlantic coast, there is the Rota Vicentina which showcases a wild and less touristy side of the Portuguese Coast. There is also great walking around the two major cities, exploring Sintra and its coastline which is close to Lisbon and the Douro Valley wine region which is close to Porto. There are also a couple of amazing island getaways to explore on foot, following the Levadas (irrigation channels) on Madeira or hiking in the volcanic, sub-tropical wonderland of the Azores. Running up the center of the country is the Camino Portugués, a pilgrimage trail that finishes in Santiago de Compostela in Spain and exposes you to a very rural side of Portugal. 

What part of Portugal should I visit?

This totally depends on what you are looking for. The Algarve in the south is best for beaches and relaxing but can be really busy in the summer months. The Alentejo has some great places to visit, like Evora as well as some dramatic coast which you can walk along on the Rota Vicentina. The Douro Valley is close to Porto and is one of the world's premier wine-producing regions, the home of Port. Sintra, close to Lisbon, has a wealth of architectural wonder, an amazing place to explore, but also has a stunning coastline surrounding it, with some beautiful little beach towns. 

How many days do you need to visit Portugal?

You can explore different parts of Portugal in different lengths of time. You can see Lisbon & Sintra in a long weekend, but really the longer you stay, the more you will get out of it. Many of our walking and cycling holidays in Portugal are based around being active for a week. Combining this with a week of relaxing would make for an ideal two-week break and allow you to really get under the skin of Portugal, explore some off the beaten track locations, meet the people and enjoy the food and wine.  

Is food expensive in Portugal?

The cost of food in Portugal is fairly average compared to other European destinations. When eating out, an evening meal would average around €25 and lunch around €7-12. There is a high volume of wine produced in Portugal, meaning it is easy to get very reasonably priced wine to accompany your meal. 

What food is Portugal known for?

Portugal is known for several different types of food, though mainly its dishes are simple, rustic and packed with flavor. With such a large coastline, it is no surprise that seafood is popular in Portugal. While often served very plain, the quality of the fish and vegetables are extremely high and the flavors simple but outstanding. Pork, particularly Porco Negro (black pork) is very popular in Portugal, and you can find this and many other high-quality types of meat in Churrascarias (bbq restaurants) which are prevalent in the country. Pastries and sweet deserts are also a staple of Portuguese life, with the famous Pastel de Nata (custard tart) being just one example of a whole host of delicious treats to go with their strong, fruity Portuguese coffee. 

Is Portugal warm all year round?

Portugal is not warm all year round. In the south, there is a higher chance of sunshine in the winter, but there is often a cold wind coming in off the Atlantic which brings the temperature down. However, there is a lot longer season for warm weather in Portugal, so you can take a walking or cycling holiday in the Algarve in November and have perfect conditions.  

What is the most beautiful part of Portugal?

Portugal is a very beautiful country and there are many parts which are well worth seeing. The wild coast of the Algarve and Alentejo is incredibly beautiful and far from the crowds. The coasts in the center and northern parts of the country are also beautiful which you can discover Sintra and its coastline or Cycling Portugal's Atlantic Coast. There is also much beauty to be found in the green hearts of the islands of Madeira and Azores.