Discover rich and diverse landscapes walking in central Portugal
From the splendour of Lisbon and the Atlantic Ocean in the west to the rugged beauty of the mountains of the east, central Portugal is home to some of Portugal’s most striking architecture and momentous historical sites. We currently offer guided day walks and guided and self-guided walking holidays in rural central Portugal.
Guided Walking Holidays in Central Portugal
Heritage Trail: Lisbon, Sintra and the Alentejo
New! This guided walking tour is a fantastic introduction to Portugal’s history, culture and natural beauties. The first day’s walk is a half day guided walking tour through Lisbon’s historical city centre with free time in the afternoon to also explore the city on your own. On the next day we head to Sintra to appreciate the romantic woodland trails and picturesque streets and palaces of this world UNESCO site before lunch on the beach. On the 3rd walking day we will drive to the natural park of Arrabida for hiking trails through true Mediterranean environment mixing vineyards, cork tree forests and dramatic ocean views over steep limestone cliffs. After lunch there is time to enjoy the beach, a swim or a stroll along the shore and we will visit a local winery for wine tasting. The next day from a farm guesthouse near Evora we walk along a 16th century aqueduct, built in the 16th century,past small farms and beautiful tranquil scenery to Evora another UNESCO world heritage city. Here there is time to admire the impressive monuments, have a drink at a lovely square and visit the surreal Bone chapel. At the end of the day, there is a walk to a local winery for wine tasting. This is followed by an Alentejan cooking lesson! On the 5th walking day we set out for the gorgeous hilltop village of Monsaraz. As you walk along the quiet trails below the hilltop castle is always in view and finally we will conquer the castle and be rewarded by stunning views over the Alqueva lake. In the warmer months we can finish with a swim or a canoe trip in the Alqueva lake. The next day we walk along the lovely river Degebe to discover, at the end, the surreal castle of Valongo, built in the middle of nowhere. There are fantastic views all the way, to either the immediate surroundings or the endless Alentejo rolling hills, the walk finishes back at the pretty water mill of Alcaide.
The heritage trail guided walking tour will run on 11th to 18th April, 2nd to 9th May, 16th to 23rd May, 6th to 13th June, 17th to 24th October, 7th to 14th November and 12th to 19th December. It costs €959 per person with a minimum of 4 people on the tour or €1333 per person with a minimum of 2 people on the tour. Single room supplement €205. This includes accommodation, 2 picnic lunches and 2 dinners, wine tastings and pastries, transfers, and an experienced group leader.
Self Guided Walking Holidays in Central Portugal
Central Portugal Walk 1: The Arrabida Natural Park
Based in Setubal, 30 minutes south of Lisbon, this holiday includes walks in and around the Arrabida Natural Park. The reserve is renowned for its flora and fauna, particularly its rare birds and wild cats so don’t forget your binoculars! You’ll visit traditional villages and historical sites from all ages including the ruins of forts, windmills and Neolithic burial sites. There is also the chance to visit a working winery! This 4 night holiday costs between €294 and €352 depending on the season, this includes accommodation, breakfast, 3 picnics, taxi transfers from your hotel to the start of the walks and comprehensive walking notes. Single supplements apply.
Please or use the form below to contact us for a detailed itinerary of the Arrabida walking holiday
Central Portugal Walk 2: Serra de Sintra
The town of Sintra, 30 minutes from Lisbon, is famous for its lush woods, romantic gardens and fairytale-esque architecture. Our walk will take you to the old haunts of the Portuguese aristocracy- including the Pena and Monserrate palaces and the hill-top ruins of a Moorish castle, you’ll even be staying in the former summer palace of a Viscount! On the last day your walk will show you the rugged windswept coastline at the far west of Europe. Discover for yourself why the poet Lord Byron called Sintra a ‘glorious eden’. This 4 night holiday costs from €310 to €395 depending on the season including accommodation, breakfast, 3 picnic lunches, transfers to the start of the walks where necessary and comprehensive walking notes.
Please contact us for a detailed itinerary of the Sintra walking holiday
Central Portugal Walk 3: Serra de São Mamede
Tugged away on the eastern border, this natural park is yet another of Portugal’s well kept secrets. It is home to a wide variety of fauna and flora including griffon vultures, Bonellis eagles, wild boar and deer and wild flowers are abundant. From your base in the historic town of Castelo de Vide you’ll have the opportunity to soak up the beauty and tranquility of the landscape as you explore this and other medieval towns, some of Portugal’s best preserved castles, a working winery and much more. This 5 night holiday costs from € to € including accommodation, breakfast, 4 packed lunches and comprehensive walking notes.
Please contact us for a detailed itinerary of this central Portugal walking holiday
Guided Day Walks
Hiking in Sintra
Explore the wild and romantic beauty of the Sintra natural park on our guided hiking tour. Sintra was a favoured beauty spot for the ancient Romans, Arabs and generations of Portuguese royalty and aristocracy and is an UNESCO World Heritage Site rich with history, culture and natural beauty. It is a must see if you are visiting Lisbon and the local area and we can provide transport from the capital. The walking tour is €/adult, €/under 16s, special offer: 1st child goes free with 2 paying adults! Full details of the Sintra hiking tour.
Hiking in Arrabida
Explore the Arrabida natural park on a day trip from Lisbon. A fantastic location for hiking the park has quiet trails and diverse scenery. On the hill tops you will find a patchwork of old fields, vineyards and Mediterranean scrubland before the land plunges to the sea in a breathtaking cliff drop of over 300 meters! Along the way our experienced guide will highlight the main features of wildlife, landscape and history. This hiking tour can be combined with a sea kayaking tour. The tour is €/adult, €/under 16s, or €/adult and €/ child for hiking and kayaking, special offer: 1st child goes free with 2 paying adults!
Lisbon Ghost Tours
The Lisbon ghost tours take place after dark in the historical surroundings of central Lisbon. On your tour will be accompanied by a guide who will enthrall you with tales of spooky sightings and dramatic events. The stories are based on true, historical events or well documented legends and sightings so as well as having lots of fun you’ll learn about the culture and history of the city and the lives of its famous, infamous and ordinary people through the ages. Your guide is an actor so they will bring the stories to life! The ghost tours last about 1h30 and cost €pp on public tours.
