Hiking in Portugal
The most westerly country on mainland Europe, Portugal is renowned for its spectacular Atlantic coastline, with steep cliffs and stunning beaches. The Rota Vicentina follows the Atlantic Ocean for 110 km along the wildest, most unspoilt coastline in southern Europe. The pleasant sea breezes also help to keep temperatures in check, making Portugal’s west coast an ideal walking destination.
Of course, Portugal also boasts a wealth of inland treasures just waiting to be discovered. The Parque Natural de Sintra-Cascais, for example, is a green oasis of forested mountains and fairy tale castles less than an hour from Lisbon.
The best time for hiking is spring (April and May) or autumn (end of September and October), since summer could become stifling, especially in Alentejo and the Algarve.
