1. Levada do Caldeirão Verde
- Where: Madeira, Portugal
- Starting point: Queimadas, Santana
- End point: Caldeirão Verde waterfall
- Time needed: 5 hours
- Distance and Type: 13 kilometers point to point
- Difficulty: Moderate,
- When to Hike: Spring or fall, when the weather is mild, and the vegetation is lush.
- Where to stay: There are several hotels and guesthouses in Santana and nearby areas.
Levada do Caldeirão Verde is a stunning trail that winds through lush forests and steep cliffs, following the course of a levada that was built in the 18th century. The highlight of the trail is the Caldeirão Verde waterfall, which drops into a deep emerald pool surrounded by towering cliffs. Along the way, hikers will encounter several other waterfalls, tunnels, and bridges, as well as stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trail is well-marked and relatively easy to follow, although some sections can be slippery or steep. Hikers should bring sturdy shoes, a rain jacket, and plenty of water and snacks.
Crossfit gym: CrossFit FNC, located in Funchal (about 30 minutes away by car). Here is the link to their instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crossfitfnc
2. Serra da Estrela
- Where: Central Portugal
- Starting point: Covão do Boi parking lot ( located near the village of Manteigas)
- End point: Summit of the Torre, which is the highest point in mainland Portugal.
- Time needed: 2-3 hours.
- Distance and Type: 6 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate
- When to hike: The best time to hike this trail is from late spring to early fall (May-October), when the weather is milder, and the trail is less likely to be covered in snow.
- Where to stay: There are several hotels and guesthouses in Manteigas and the surrounding area, as well as a camping site near the starting point of the trail.
This trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, as well as the opportunity to climb the highest point in mainland Portugal. The trail is well-marked and relatively easy to follow, but hikers should be prepared for steep sections and rocky terrain. The summit of the Torre offers panoramic views of the surrounding area and is a popular spot for photos.
3. Sintra-Cascais Natural Park
- Where: Lisbon region, Portugal
- Starting point: Praia da Adraga beach parking lot
- End point: Praia das Maçãs beach
- Time needed: 4-5 hours.
- Distance and Type: 12 kilometers point to point
- Difficulty: Moderate
- When to hike: The best time to hike this trail is from late spring to early fall (May-October), when the weather is milder and the trail is less likely to be covered in fog.
- Where to stay: There are several hotels and guesthouses in the nearby towns of Sintra and Cascais, as well as a camping site near the starting point of the trail.
This trail offers stunning views of the rugged coastline of the Atlantic Ocean, as well as the opportunity to explore the beautiful Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. The trail is well-marked and relatively easy to follow, but hikers should be prepared for some steep climbs and descents, as well as some rocky terrain. Along the way, hikers will pass by several small beaches and coves, as well as some historical landmarks, such as the Cabo da Roca lighthouse. Overall, this hike is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the Lisbon region of Portugal.
4. Peneda-Gerês National Park
- Where: Northern region, Portugal
- Starting point: Village of Soajo
- End point: Village of Lindoso
- Time needed: 6-7 hours.
- Distance and Type: 16 kilometers point to point
- Difficulty: Moderate
- When to hike: The best time to hike this trail is from late spring to early fall (May-October), when the weather is milder, and the trail is less likely to be covered in snow.
- Where to stay: There are several hotels and guesthouses in the nearby towns of Soajo and Lindoso, as well as a camping site near the starting point of the trail.
This trail offers stunning views of the rugged mountains and valleys of Peneda-Gerês National Park, as well as the opportunity to explore the historic villages of Soajo and Lindoso. The trail is well-marked and relatively easy to follow, but hikers should be prepared for some steep climbs and descents, as well as some rocky terrain. Along the way, hikers will pass by several small rivers and waterfalls, as well as some historical landmarks, such as the Lindoso Castle. Overall, this hike is a great way to experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Peneda-Gerês National Park.
5. Ponta de São Lourenço
- Where: Island of Madeira, Portugal
- Trail Head: Baía d’Abra parking lot.
- Time needed: 3-4 hours.
- Distance and Type: 8 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate
- When to hike: The best time to hike this trail is from late spring to early fall (May-October), when the weather is milder, and the trail is less likely to be covered in fog.
- Where to stay: There are several hotels and guesthouses in the nearby town of Caniçal, as well as in the capital city of Funchal.
This trail offers stunning views of the rugged coastline and cliffs of Madeira, as well as the opportunity to explore the unique flora and fauna of the island. The trail is well-marked and relatively easy to follow, but hikers should be prepared for some steep climbs and descents, as well as some rocky and uneven terrain. Along the way, hikers will pass by several small beaches and coves, as well as some historical landmarks, such as the Forte de São Lourenço. Overall, this hike is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the island of Madeira.
6. Passadiços do Paiva
- Where: Arouca, Portugal
- Starting Point: Espiunca village, Arouca, Portugal
- End Point: Areinho village, Arouca, Portugal
- Time Needed: 2.5-3 hours.
- Distance and Type: 8 kilometers point to point
- Difficulty: Moderate
- When to Hike: Best to hike during the day, year-round (weather permitting).
- Where to Stay: There are several accommodations available in the surrounding area such as hotels, hostels, and campsites.
The Passadiços do Paiva is a stunning 8 km hike along the Paiva River, featuring wooden walkways and bridges that offer breathtaking views of the river and the surrounding nature. The trail winds through rugged landscapes, waterfalls, and steep cliffs, and offers visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty of Portugal’s countryside. Along the trail, hikers can observe the local flora and fauna, including otters, eagles, and wolves. This is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature and outdoor adventure.
7. Cabo da Roca
- Where: Cabo da Roca, Sintra, Portugal
- Starting Point: Cabo da Roca lighthouse
- End Point: Cabo da Roca lighthouse
- Time Needed: 1.5-2 hours.
- Distance and Type: 6 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
- When to Hike: Best to hike during the day, year-round (weather permitting).
- Where to Stay: There are several accommodations available in the surrounding area such as hotels, guesthouses, and campsites.
Cabo da Roca is the westernmost point of mainland Europe, and this 6 km hike offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged coastline of Portugal. The trail starts and ends at the Cabo da Roca lighthouse and takes hikers through a mix of rocky and sandy terrain. Along the way, hikers can observe the local flora and fauna, including seagulls, cormorants, and wildflowers. The trail is well-marked and offers several viewpoints where hikers can stop to take in the stunning scenery. This is a great hike for anyone who wants to experience the beauty of Portugal’s coastline.
8. Arrábida Natural Park
- Where: Arrábida Natural Park, Setúbal, Portugal
- Trail Head: Portinho da Arrábida beach
- Time Needed: 3-4 hours.
- Distance and Type: 10 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
- When to Hike: Best to hike during the day, year-round (weather permitting)
- Where to Stay: There are several accommodations available in the surrounding area such as hotels, guesthouses, and campsites.
Arrábida Natural Park is a stunning coastal park located near Setúbal, Portugal. This 10 km hike offers breathtaking views of the park’s rugged coastline, beaches, and forests. The trail starts and ends at Portinho da Arrábida beach and takes hikers through a mix of rocky and sandy terrain. Along the way, hikers can observe the local flora and fauna, including dolphins, falcons, and wildflowers. The trail is well-marked and offers several viewpoints where hikers can stop to take in the stunning scenery. This is a great hike for anyone who wants to experience the beauty of Portugal’s coastline and forests.
9. Castro Laboreiro
- Where: Castro Laboreiro, Melgaço, Portugal
- Trail Head: Castro Laboreiro village
- Time Needed: 3-4 hours.
- Distance and Type: 10 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
- When to Hike: Best to hike during the day, year-round (weather permitting).
- Where to Stay: There are several accommodations available in the surrounding area such as hotels, guesthouses, and campsites.
Castro Laboreiro is a historic village located in the mountainous region of Melgaço, Portugal. This 10 km hike takes hikers through the village and into the surrounding countryside, offering stunning views of the mountains, forests, and rivers. The trail is well-marked and takes hikers through a mix of rocky and dirt terrain, with some steep sections. Along the way, hikers can observe the local flora and fauna, including wild boars, deer, and eagles. The trail also passes by several historic landmarks, including a medieval castle and a Roman bridge. This is a great hike for anyone who wants to experience the beauty and history of Portugal’s countryside.
10. Fisgas de Ermelo
- Where: Fisgas de Ermelo, Mondim de Basto, Portugal
- Trail Head: Fisgas de Ermelo viewpoint parking lot
- Time Needed: 2-3 hours.
- Distance and Type: 6 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
- When to Hike: Best to hike during the day, year-round (weather permitting)
- Where to Stay: There are several accommodations available in the surrounding area such as hotels, guesthouses, and campsites.
Fisgas de Ermelo is a stunning waterfall located in the Mondim de Basto region of Portugal. This 6 km hike takes hikers from the parking lot to the viewpoint overlooking the waterfall, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and countryside. The trail is well-marked and takes hikers through a mix of rocky and dirt terrain, with some steep sections. Along the way, hikers can observe the local flora and fauna, including oak trees and wildflowers. The trail ends at the viewpoint overlooking the waterfall, where hikers can rest and take in the stunning scenery. This is a great hike for anyone who wants to experience the beauty of Portugal’s natural landscapes.
