PORTUGAL COASTAL HIKING

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Trip Highlights
Tour details
Itinerary
What's included
Itinerary Changes
Terrain
Condition Grading
Starting point and getting there
Food, Weather
Gear checklist
Currency & Banking
Passports, Visas

As a whole, Portugal feels both grounded and soulful. Its landscape is a blend of rolling hills, historic villages, and vibrant cities. The pace is unhurried, the people warm, and the culture deeply tied to tradition yet open to the world. Whether in a quiet countryside hamlet or on a bustling Lisbon street, Portugal exudes a quiet confidence, rooted in history, colored by saudade, and always welcoming. Portugal’s coastline stretches for over 800 kilometers along the Atlantic Ocean, offering dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, and charming seaside towns. From the wild, windswept shores of the west to the sun-drenched coves of the Algarve in the south, the coast reflects the country’s deep maritime roots and adventurous spirit. There's a timeless rhythm to life here—fishermen hauling in their catch, surfers chasing Atlantic swells, and locals savoring long meals by the sea. Over six unforgettable days, we explore some of Portugal’s most stunning and diverse natural landscapes, beginning in the forested hills and fairytale palaces of Sintra and ending at the windswept cliffs of the Algarve. We hike along ancient coastal paths and fisherman’s trails, wander through dune fields and mountain sanctuaries, and visit remote beaches, charming villages, and historic monasteries carved into stone. From the mysterious gardens of Quinta da Regaleira to the wild Atlantic views of Cabo da Roca and the bird-filled cliffs of Cabo Sardão, this journey offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and coastal beauty. Along the way, we enjoy local cuisine, meet artisans, and rest in charming seaside towns, from Cascais to Vila Nova de Milfontes to Sagres. Each day brings new terrain and new stories—whether it’s walking the Rota Vicentina, crossing the Mira River by ferry, or simply watching the sun dip below the ocean at the edge of Europe.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

  • Wander through the lush forests and romantic architecture of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Experience the rhythms of seaside life and connect with a way of living shaped by land and sea
  • Get away from it all while hiking ancient trails along one of Europe’s last wild coasts, through dunes, wildflowers, and cliffs where storks nest above the sea
  • Savor seafood fresh from the sea, a true taste of the ocean’s bounty

TOUR DETAILS

  • Days/Nights: 6 days / 5 nights
  • Single supplement: Cost based on request. Availability limited.
  • Condition grading: Easy active to moderate

ITINERARY

DAY 1

Into the enchanted hills of Sintra

Our journey begins in Lisbon, where the group gathers before setting out for the fairytale village of Sintra, tucked into the forested hills of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. A place of legends and poetry, Sintra has long enchanted artists, dreamers, and royalty alike. Our first stop is the Quinta da Regaleira, a mysterious 20th-century estate wrapped in romantic gardens, secret passageways, and arcane symbolism—where every path seems to whisper a forgotten story. From there, we ascend to the Peninha Sanctuary, perched high above the sea. With its windswept cliffs, crumbling hermitage, and panoramic views of the Atlantic, this serene outpost feels like a place suspended between earth and sky. Our hike begins here, winding down through pine forests and open heathland toward the vast shoreline of Guincho Beach. We cross the rolling sands of the Cresmina Dunes, shaped by time and tide, and pause at the local nature center for a late lunch. The landscapes here are a symphony of contrasts—rugged coastlines, hidden chapels, wild hills, and grand estates—where the natural and the manmade exist in quiet harmony. In the evening, we arrive in Cascais, a charming seaside town once beloved by kings, where a delicious dinner of regional flavors awaits.

Overnight in Cascais, Pestana Cidadela
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Hiking distance: 10.5 km / Hiking duration: 4 hr
Driving distance:
Lisboa to Regaleira Palace 30 km / 40 min
Regaleira to Peninha Sanctuary 15 km/ 30 min

DAY 2

Atlantic cliffs and a forest sanctuary

We begin the day at Praia Grande, where the Atlantic meets towering cliffs in a scene of raw, untamed beauty. From here, our coastal path stretches toward Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe—a place where the world seems to fall away into the sea. Along the trail, ocean breezes carry the scent of salt and wild herbs as we pass windswept bluffs and lonely fishing coves. Reaching Cabo da Roca, we pause to take in the vastness of the horizon and watch local fishermen practicing age-old traditions on the rocks below. In the afternoon, we step into a different kind of quiet at the Convento dos Capuchos. Tucked deep in the forest, this humble 16th-century monastery was carved into stone and shaded by ancient trees. Built by Franciscan monks, it remains a powerful tribute to simplicity, solitude, and spiritual connection with nature. Later, we return to Cascais, where cobbled streets, seaside views, and a gentle pace of life invite you to explore at your leisure. Tonight, dinner is on your own—perhaps a café by the sea, or a quiet table tucked away in the historic center.

Overnight in Cascais, Pestana Cidadela
Breakfast and lunch included
Hiking distance: 8 km / Hiking duration: 3,5 hr
Driving distance:
Hotel to Praia Grande 20 km / 35 min
End of the hike in Azoia to Capuchos 8,5km/15m
Capuchos to hotel in Cascais 13 km/ 30 min

DAY 3

Across the Tejo to the hills of Arrábida

The day begins with a gentle seaside stroll from Cascais to Estoril, where the morning light dances on the waves. Soon, we leave the coast behind and cross the wide, glistening Tejo River, venturing south into a quieter, more pastoral side of Portugal. Our first stop is Azeitão, a graceful town of tiled mansions and leafy streets. Here, we visit a traditional workshop and learn the art of azulejos—Portugal’s signature hand-painted tiles, each one a fragment of the country’s soul. After time to explore and enjoy lunch on your own, we head into the Arrábida Natural Park, where limestone hills rise above vineyards and olive groves. Our afternoon hike follows the Rota dos Moinhos, or Windmills Path, past ancient stone mills and the haunting remains of a Copper Age settlement. The views stretch far over the Tejo Estuary, the Palmela Castle, and rolling hills that seem to fold into the sky. By early evening, we arrive in Vila Nova de Milfontes, a whitewashed village nestled at the mouth of the Mira River. With its riverside charm, slow rhythms, and excellent seafood, it’s the perfect place to rest. Tonight, we gather for a cozy dinner in one of its most beloved local restaurants.

Overnight in Vila Nova de Milfontes, HS Milfontes Beach
Breakfast and dinner included
Hiking distance: 7,3 km / Hiking duration: 2 hr
Driving distance:
Estoril to Azeitão 57 km / 1 hr
Palmela to V.N. de Milfontes 149 km / 1 hr 40 min

DAY 4

Along the Rota Vicentina to Cabo Sardão

Today we enter one of the wildest and most soul-stirring stretches of the Portuguese coast. A short ferry carries us across the pristine Mira River, where our path reconnects with the Rota Vicentina, a centuries-old fisherman’s trail that clings to the edge of the Atlantic. As we hike south, the landscape shifts from gentle farmland to wild dunes and windswept bluffs. Hidden coves and sleepy fishing ports dot the shoreline, while the sound of waves and seabirds surrounds us. Towering cliffs lead us to Cabo Sardão, where white storks nest impossibly on the edge of the sea—the only place in the world where they do. After taking in the drama of this place, we return to Milfontes, where the quiet flow of the Mira and a warm, familiar hotel welcome us back.

Overnight in Vila Nova de Milfontes, HS Milfontes Beach
Breakfast included
Hiking distance: 10 km / Hiking duration: 4h
Optional hike: 8 km / Hiking duration: 3h
Driving distance:
Almograve to V.N. de Milfontes 17 km / 15 min

DAY 5

From Zambujeira to the edge of two worlds

This morning, we travel to Zambujeira do Mar, a picturesque village perched above the Atlantic. From here, we begin a breathtaking walk along one of the most geologically striking stretches of the coast. The path leads us over twisted rock formations, wildflower fields, and soft cliffs, with the ocean a constant companion. Our destination is Ponta em Branco, or White Summit—a windswept promontory offering a stunning view of Odeceixe Beach, where the Seixe River meets the sea and the Alentejo yields to the Algarve. We descend to the golden sands below and let the ocean air carry away the fatigue of the day. From here, we transfer to Sagres, a remote and storied town at the edge of Europe, where explorers once looked westward toward the unknown.

Overnight in Sagres, Memmobaleeira or similar
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Hiking distance: 13.7 km / Hiking duration: 6h
Driving distance:
V.N. Milfontes to Zambujeira do Mar 29 km / 30min
Odeceixe Beach to Sagres 57 km/ 1 hr

DAY 6

Sagres to Zavial Beach

This morning you can choose to take it slow, enjoy a relaxed start to the day at the hotel before transferring to lunch in the coastal village of Zavial around 12:15, or join your guide for one final hike along the southern Algarve coast. If you choose to hike, our trail begins right from the hotel in Sagres and follows the dramatic shale cliffs eastward. In spring, the path comes alive with wildflowers, while the views stretch across untouched bays, hidden coves, and a coastline that feels worlds away from the busy resorts farther east. Along the way, you’ll pass small farms and fishing outposts where locals continue to live in harmony with the land and sea, producing the fresh ingredients that define the region’s rich and flavorful cuisine. Sagres remains one of the last bastions of wild beauty in the Algarve—a place where history, culture, and nature still thrive together. We finish our walk at the golden sands of Zavial beach, where we’ll gather for a seaside lunch before continuing on with our journey back to Lisbon.

Breakfast and lunch included
Hiking distance 9.6 km / Hiking duration 3hv Driving distance:
Sagres to Plaza hotel in Lisbon or at the airport of Lisbon 320km / 3 hrs

WHATS INCLUDED

Price includes:
All accommodations as listed (or similar) based on double occupancy
Hotel taxes and service charges
All transportation during the trip with a private van
All fuel, taxes, and tolls as per itinerary
Entrance fees to historic sites, museum and parks
Services of a English speaking hiking guides
All activities as mentioned in the program
Transport and handling of reasonably sized baggage
Wine with dinners
Optional transfer to Lisbon at end of the trip
Gratuities for all accommodations and group meals

Included meals:
Breakfast, lunches and dinners as indicated in the itinerary. Water and snacks during the hikes

Not Included:
Domestic and/or international air fare Medical expenses
Travel or emergency evacuation insurance
Gratuities for leader/guide or driver
Alcoholic beverages and meals other than outlined in itinerary
Visas if needed
Other items of a personal nature
Anything not mentioned in above program

ITINERARY CHANGES

We are constantly updating our unique itineraries based on new information and experiences available. The walks, accommodations, and visits listed may be adjusted. The itineraries presented are subject to modification and change by Tripin Adventures. We reserve the right, without penalty, to make changes in the published itinerary whenever, in our judgment, conditions warrant, or if we deem it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of participants, anything not mentioned in above program.

TERRAIN

This trip level is, Moderate to Strenuous. The itinerary includes walking tours in cities and villages, and five days with moderate hikes of 3-7 hours, including one summit hike with elevation gains and losses of up to 1000m.
Although the paths are quite well-kept the terrain often tends to be very stony and rocky, during the gorge-walking. You will mostly be walking on footpaths, mountain trails and on some tarmac roads and be prepared for few steeper passages.

CONDITION GRADING

Easy active
Trips designated “Easy Active” are perfect for first-timers, or travelers looking for a mild physical challenge. A typical day will consist of 1-3.5 hours of activity.

Moderate
Trips designated “Moderate” are more active and require a bit more endurance. Hikes and treks include occasional steep ascents. Trip members should be experienced hikers in good physical condition, capable of walking 3-5 hour.

STARTING POINT AND GETTING THERE

Starting point is: Hotel Lisboa Plaza, Lisbon

Getting There & Away: Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport is a modern and efficient gateway located just 7 km from the city center. As Portugal’s busiest airport, it connects Western Europe with destinations across the globe, including Africa, the Americas, and beyond—making it a key hub for both international travelers and regional connections.

Getting away at the end of the trip: Lisbon is well connected by road and rail, making your return to the capital smooth and convenient. From there, you can catch international flights or continue your journey through Portugal—heading north to Porto, or east to the Douro Valley.

FOOD

Portuguese cuisine is rooted in tradition and shaped by the sea and land, offering simple yet deeply flavorful dishes. Along the coast, fresh grilled fish and seafood, often served with boiled potatoes and olive oil, while octopus, clams, and prawns are common in seaside towns. Meals typically include fresh bread, local cheeses, olives, and generous use of herbs, garlic, and spices. Portugal is also known for its delicious pastries, especially pastéis de nata (custard tarts), and its excellent wines—from crisp Vinho Verde to bold reds from the Douro Valley. Meals are unhurried, generous, and a celebration of regional ingredients and culinary heritage.

WEATHER

Portugal enjoys a predominantly Mediterranean climate, making it ideal for outdoor travel and hiking throughout much of the year. Spring (March to May) offers mild, sunny days between 15–24°C (59–75°F), with blooming wildflowers and lush landscapes. Summer (June to September) brings hot, dry weather, with temperatures reaching 24–32°C (75–90°F), though coastal breezes help keep places like Lisbon, Cascais, and Sagres comfortable. Fall (October) remains warm and golden, with temperatures from 18–27°C (64–81°F) and mostly dry days—though late in the month, light rain becomes more common, especially near Lisbon.

GEAR CHECKLIST

Portugal in spring and fall has a temperate climate. Base your clothing on the “layering system”, if it is hot you can “peel off” layers quickly, if it is cooler and windy you can quickly “dress up”. Even on hot days, evenings on the coast of Portugal can be cool and breezy, so make sure to have a sweater ot windbreaker type jacket The lighter you travel, the easier you travel. Use your best judgement and pack as lightly as possible. You will appreciate light luggage towards the end of your trip Please consider taking along the following items on your trip.

OFFICIAL PAPERS

  • Valid passport
  • Airline tickets

LUGGAGE

  • Duffel bag or rolling luggage
  • Daypack to carry camera, water bottle and snacks etc.
  • Luggage locks and tags

OUTERWEAR

  • Midweight polar fleece sweater or soft cell jacket
  • Rain jacket and rain pants, or poncho

CLOTHING

  • Hiking shorts
  • Casual clothing made of light-weight fabrics
  • T-shirts
  • Long-sleeve shirt
  • Hiking pants, loose and easy to move in
  • Underwear
  • Swimsuit

CLOTHING ACCESSORIES

  • Sun hat or baseball cap

FOOTWEAR

  • Supportive hiking shoes or trail runners
  • Beach sandals
  • Short gaiters
  • Casual, comfortable shoes for evening

ACCESSORIES

  • Sunscreen and lip protection
  • Sunglasses and retainer strap
  • Beach towel
  • Head torch

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

  • Security pouch or money belt
  • Trekking poles or walking staff
  • Camera, memory and batteries
  • Reading and writing materials
  • Watch with alarm or travel alarm
  • Travel pillow
  • Motion sickness remedies
  • Personal first-aid kit
  • Insect repellent (lowrisk)
  • Electric adapter plug/converter

This is not a fixed list, but more of a guideline, so feel free to add and remove items as you see fit.

CURRENCY & BANKING

Portugal’s currency is the Euro (€). You can exchange money at airports, major train stations, and banks. ATMs accept U.S. cards but may charge fees. Many small restaurants don’t take credit cards, so carry enough cash for extra meals, transfers, and tips—around €400 is recommended. Notify your bank before traveling to avoid card holds and ask about fees. Use a money belt or fanny pack, keep copies of important documents, and leave valuables in the hotel safe. Portugal is safe, but pickpocketing can happen in busy areas like Lisbon and Porto, so stay alert and keep your passport and wallet with you during the tour.

PASSPORTS

You must have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the conclusion of your trip. Please make sure that you have blank pages in your passport for your visa (if required), entry and exit stamps (one for each). Please make a copy to take with you in the event yours is lost or stolen and keep it separate from your actual passport.

VISAS

Currently a Greek Tourist Visa is not required for citizens of Canada, United States, Britain and Australia. If you hold another passport, please check online http://visacentral.com/visas.php

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