3 tours to inspire
There’s a walking holiday in Portugal to suit every ability and ambition: from wilderness hiking to foodie rambles.
RELISH A CHALLENGE?
For Portugal at its wildest and mostrugged underfoot, head north in spring, early summer or autumn to Peneda-Gerês, Portugal’s only national park. Here jagged mountains, high plateaus and yawning valleys conceal holy sanctuaries, quaint granite villages and mountain lakes. It’s also one of the last refuges of the Iberian wolf. For experienced walkers, the recommended itinerary is Inntravel’s 7-night tour ‘High Paths of Northern Portugal’ (from £875pp, excluding flights).
SAVOUR EVERY STEP (AND SIP)
For gentler walking, tucked beneath the border with Galicia, the Minho is considered by many Portuguese to be the prettiest part of the mainland. Some of Portugal’s oldest and most picturesque towns nestle alongside vineyards producing the region’s eminently quaffable vinho verde, while the Lima river languidly threads its way through its eponymous valley. You can combine easy riverside strolling with stays in the region’s historic manor houses on the 7-night ‘Manor Houses of the Minho’ walking holiday (from £835pp, excluding flights).
FOR CULTURE AND CUISINE
You can munch your way along moderate trails alongside an exuberance of cultural riches in the little-known Arrábida Natural Park. While windmill-peppered ridges and remote headlands provide drama, the region’s famous choco frito (fried cuttlefish), Azeitão cheese and award-winning wines will bring a smile to the faces of hiking gastronomes. Check out the 7-night ‘From Cape to Castle’ holiday for the best of this alluring peninsula (from £730pp, excluding flights).