Portugal's varied landscapes provide unrivalled opportunities for memorable walking holidays. The lush north is a mosaic of vineyards, rugged mountains, and quiet coastal paths, offering an authentic glimpse into rural life. Hike through the Douro Valley’s terraced hillsides, explore high granite peaks in Peneda-Gerês, or follow forested ridgelines with sweeping Atlantic views. This region blends dramatic scenery with centuries-old wine traditions, making every step a mix of natural beauty and culture.

The central and southern regions are less green but no less captivating, with olive groves, vineyards, and citrus trees shaping the countryside. In spring, the almond blossoms transform the landscape into a delicate pink-and-white canvas, while autumn brings the bustle of grape harvests.

Right in the middle of the Atlantic, the island of Madeira is a haven of natural beauty. The exotic colours of its flowers stand out against the deep blue sea and emerald green vegetation. This is an archipelago where two-thirds of the land is protected and home to the world’s largest Laurisilva forest. Its year-round mild climate makes it perfect for both high mountain hikes and peaceful Levada trails.

Popular walking routes in Portugal also include the Rota Vicentina along the Atlantic Coast and the Portuguese Camino, which winds from Lisbon or the Algarve north into Spain and onward to Santiago de Compostela.

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Find your Portugal trip

Portugal highlights

 

Why travel with us

Great Value & Quality Trips in Portugal

Our active holidays in Portugal are well priced offering great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. When you book, your trip will be fully organised by a dedicated member of our in-house team, so you will always know who you are dealing with. We take the stress out of organising your trip.

Personal Experience of Portugal

Our team have been walking and cycling for over 4 decades. We are passionate about Portugal, active holidays and delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of the UK & Europe and bring a multi-disciplined, multicultural and whole-hearted love of all things travel.

Local Knowledge of Portugal

We place great emphasis on researching, planning and crafting innovative itineraries in Portugal to ensure you get the very best experience out of your trip. We believe relationships are important and have been working with many of our hoteliers and local suppliers for years. This means that they know exactly what our travellers expect.

Responsible travel

 

Reducing waste

Our Waste Management Policy encourages our travellers to take their own reusable water bottles, coffee cups and reusable stuff sacks to avoid single use plastics. In the mountains of the Pyrenees and Mont Blanc our local partners reduce the amount of packaging taken on tour and ensure all waste is carried out from refuges that do not have road access to help dispose of it properly.

Supporting local

In the regions that we travel tourism is the main source of income for many local people. We support them by only working with local family run hotels and suppliers so your money supports the community that hosts you.

Paddock to Plate

The paddock to plate across Europe is one we encourage by choosing to work with accommodations that source produce from local farms. This provides you with fresher meals and ensures your money directly assists local economies.

Accommodation

Guesthouses

Similar to bed & breakfasts, these family-owned accommodations are clean and comfortable. Rooms with en suites generally have a shower but no bath due to space. There may be a separate room with a bath tub.

Hotels

Often family run, these charming hotels range from 2 to 4 stars and provide access to local living thanks to your hosts. The hospitality is generous and their local knowledge is invaluable. Where possible, we choose locations that add to your experience.

Bed & breakfasts (B&Bs)

Simple yet rich in local character, the B&Bs chosen are clean, comfortable and run by hosts that help add to your experience.

Trip reviews

Videos

Discover Madeira with Walkers' Britain & Europe

Essential information

Currency

Euro

You will find cash points / ATM machines (“caixa eletrônico”) at airports and in larger towns and villages. There are different networks. Using a cash point from your own network (e.g. Cirrus) will help avoid extra charges for withdrawals.

The most common credit cards are: Visa and MasterCard. American Express and Diners Club cards are sometimes accepted.

IMPORTANT: Credit cards are not always accepted in small shops and restaurants, so always ask in advance if you can pay by credit card. Travellers? cheques are generally accepted at banks, but the charge for changing them can be quite high. Personal cheques are not accepted.

International Dialing Code

+351

Electricity
Type C plug

Electricity in Portugal is 230 Volts, at 50 hertz. The most common pin type is C. (2 round prong).

Visas

**IMPORTANT NOTE**

The introduction of the ETIAS has been delayed indefinitely. No action is required from travellers at this point.

The European Union will inform about the specific date for the start of ETIAS several months prior to its launch.

see https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en

Until then, visas not required for citizens of Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand for up to 90 days in a period of 180 days for all Schengen countries (see https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen-borders-and-visa/visa-policy_en . Please ensure your passport is stamped on arrival in the Schengen area. For all other nationalities and for longer stays in countries covered by the Schengen Agreement (Australian New Zealand, Canadian and US passport holders), please contact the relevant embassy. Stays of longer than 90 days in the Schengen area require a long stay visa for the country you are spending most time in. However long stay visas are unlikely to be issued unless there is a valid reason (eg. studying in country). Unfortunately we cannot assist in obtaining visas for long stays due to individual country visa requirements.

Safety

Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.

Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.

We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.

We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.

Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.