1. Madeira - While not on the Portuguese mainland, Madeira is undeniably Portuguese. A walkers paradise with a deep green heart that can be explored on foot via a series of Levadas (irrigation channels) that crisscross the island. Unique culture, unique wine and great local seafood. What is not to love about walking in Madeira! We have two self guided ways to explore this glorious island, either visiting the Sunny South West or delving into that green heart on our Flower Island trip.
2. The Algarve - Everyone knows the Algarve, it is a summer hotspot with endless white beaches, turquoise seas, cold cocktails and fresh seafood. It totally is all of these things, but when you walk in the Algarve you get to see a different side. There are no crowds, just some of the greatest clifftop walking in Europe, punctuated by vibrant little towns, filled with restaurants and bars. The Algarve Coastal Trails are where you will experience an Algarve that you didn't know and that you will never forget.
3. Douro Valley - We have a couple of trips that combine visiting the vibrant cities of Portugal along with some world-class hiking. The Douro valley, mostly famous for its production of Port wine also has some outstanding walking trails, winding through terraced vineyards while the glittering Douro River snakes through the landscape below. (They also grow some of Portugal's best wines here, but don't talk about it much). Combine this trip with a visit to the great northern city of Porto, with its UNESCO world heritage centre and the worlds best example of positive gentrification, Porto has a great mix of attractions, classic architecture, bar and restaurant culture and people watching.
4. The Azores - Another island paradise, with a heavy focus on nature and wildlife, the Azores sit isolated in the middle of the Atlantic ocean, making them an ideal stopover for migrating birds and sealife. So incredibly green, the rainforest hiking trails that run throughout the islands are bursting with life, punctuated by the bright blue hydrangeas that cover the island. You can island hop between the different islands, discovering their own unique culture or Drive and Hike through San Miguel, the main island to hike up volcanoes and through lush green forest.
5. Sintra - Sintra is a glorious combination of odd, but beautiful, buildings all grouped together just an hour away from Lisbon. The area surrounding it comprises of a stunning National Park, the most westerly point in Europe and dramatic coastline, punctuated with little fishing villages and with hiking trails linking it all together. Sintra itself has brightly coloured palaces, dramatic hilltop castles and vast gothic gardens rooted in secret societies. Walking from Sintra to Cascais is a trip bursting with highlights, or you can just enjoy the best of it on a Lisbon & Sintra short break.
