From
From IntroductoryTo Challenging
Hugging the western coast of the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal is an incredible destination packed with treasures for the history buff, the culture junkie and the outdoor adventurer alike.
From its perfect weather and spectacular coastline lined with golden beaches, dramatic cliffs and world-class surf breaks; to its lively cities and historic towns filled with cobblestoned streets and medieval architecture—it’s easy to see how Portugal lures travellers back again and again.
Head to Portugal’s southwest coast to walk among the national parks, pristine beaches, steep cliffs and rolling dunes of the magnificent Algarve region on an itinerary tailored to let you experience one of Europe’s most famous coastlines without the crowds.
Hike sections of the famous Camino Portugues (Portuguese Road) from Lisbon to Santiago; and discover the rugged landscapes of Madeira Island by walking along its network of levadas, trails that follow historic irrigation channels through the scenic heart of this spectacular island.
Walk through fertile valleys filled with vineyards, citrus trees and olive groves, indulging in local wines and visiting picturesque villages where age-old traditions persist; and explore the cobblestoned backstreets and medieval castles, cathedrals and monasteries of what was once one of the world’s most powerful merchant empires.
Take a look at our unique range of self-guided walking holidays and start planning your Portuguese adventure!
11Days
Introductory to Moderate
14Days
Moderate
16Days
8Days
12Days
Trips only include what you need like accommodation, meals, bikes on cycle trips, luggage transfers, maps and route directions on self guided trips and an experienced local guide for group trips, as well as the peace of mind that comes with complete backup and support.
On self guided trips you can expect to receive up-to-date and well researched route notes and maps, seamless luggage transfers and competitive pricing on all essential services. Many self guided trips also have daily departure dates, allowing you to enjoy the convenience and flexibility a self guided trip offers.
Cycling or walking, 2 star or 4 star, small groups or self guided, land or sea - we can help you explore Europe exactly the way you want.
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.
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.
Simple yet rich in local character, the B&Bs chosen are clean, comfortable and run by hosts that help add to your experience.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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Head to Portugal’s southwest coast to walk among the national parks, pristine beaches, steep cliffs and rolling dunes of the magnificent Algarve region
Hike sections of the famous Camino Portugues (Portuguese Road) from Lisbon to Santiago
Discover the rugged terrain, sweeping landscapes and aqueduct hiking trails of Madeira Island
Walk through fertile valleys filled with vineyards, citrus trees and olive groves, indulging in local wines and visiting picturesque villages where age-old traditions remain
Explore the cobbled backstreets and medieval castles, cathedrals and monasteries of what was once one of the world’s most powerful merchant empires
Portugal has a temperate maritime climate with warm summers and wet winters. July to August are the busiest months, with temperatures rising to the mid 30s (high 90s Fahrenheit) during the middle of the day.
Spring and autumn are good times to walk or cycle. September and October are best for seeing the harvest in progress, although the exact times slightly vary each year. The most colourful time of year is October to early November when the vines turn orange, red and purple.
Spring can be a quiet time to visit, after the vine pruning, where nature is coming back to life after often surprisingly cold winters.
The beautiful Portuguese Island of Madeira lies well out in the Atlantic where the Gulf Stream affords it a mild and equable year round climate.
Portugal is on GMT
Portuguese (official), Mirandese (official, but used locally)
English is not widely spoken although most people you encounter in the tourism industry will speak a little (or a lot) of English. We recommend you take a Portuguese phrase book.
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.
+351
Electricity in Portugal is 230 Volts, at 50 hertz. The most common pin type is C. (2 round prong).
**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.
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.