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Travel advice for Portugal
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Portugal
Book your individual trip, stress-free with local travel experts
written by Rough Guides Editors
updated 18.09.2018
Walking in Portugal just got more interesting. Follow Neil McQuillian as he explores the Rota Vicentina. One of Portugal's top long distance trails. The information in this article is taken from The Rough Guide to Portugal, your travel guide for Portugal.
I rolled my ankle and tumbled over. Our guide, José Granja, came to check I was OK. “You know, you need to taste the floor,” he said. Then we set off again.
But José wasn't finished. “I fell off my bike once. My head hit the ground hard. As I lay there. I saw an ant.” He held a finger up close to his face. As if inspecting it. “I thought. Might as well make the most of this. Because I'll never fall off my bike on purpose.”
7 days / from3062 USD
Iberian Blend - Porto and Galicia
Neighbour countries - Portugal and Spain, different and similar at the same time, will surprise you with hospitality and loveliness. This itinerary includes the route of the Northwest part of Iberian Peninsula and offers you to meet beautiful Porto and stunning Vigo in Galicia/Spain.
view tour ⤍7 days / from3019 USD
The Real Algarvian Experience
Experience and discover the real Algarve – taste local produce, drinks and traditional dishes, visit heritage sites and participate in culinary activities. If you are passionate about the people’s culture and gastronomy and want to learn more, this itinerary is for you.
view tour ⤍11 days / from1728 USD
A self drive to Portugal's North and Center
Starting in fascinating Lisbon, this trip allows you to discover Portugal both on your own as well as with guided tours. Driving further up north you'll explore Coimbra and Porto before heading to the Douro Valley and Alentejo.
view tour ⤍8 days / from1139 USD
Porto and the North of Portugal: off the beaten track
From Porto, you'll discover the most fascinating parts of Northern Portugal: go on a hike through unique biodiversity around the Paiva river, take a jeep tour through the slopes of the Serra da Arada and taste the wonderful wines of the Douro valley.
view tour ⤍12 days / from1690 USD
The best of Portugal: Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve
Portugal offers many highlights but when you're short on time, this trip is ideal to cover all the highlights: the capital city of Lisbon, historic Porto, lush Douro Valley and the stunning beaches of the Algarve are all part of this trip.
view tour ⤍7 days / from2662 USD
Azores Wild Nature
Get ready to discover what the largest island of the Azores, São Miguel, has to offer in this short adventure-packed 6-day trip. You will get to swim with wild dolphins, abseil or jump down waterfalls, ride a mountain bike through the Sete Cidades and relax in a natural spa. Adventure awaits!
view tour ⤍9 days / from2916 USD
Madeira and São Miguel - guided island adventures
Visit two of Portugal's autonomous regions: Madeira, the island of eternal spring as they call it, as well as São Miguel, nicknamed the green island. Guided excursions will take you to the highlights of both islands and there's plenty of time to discover on your own or simply relax.
view tour ⤍11 days / from1771 USD
Lisbon and the South of Portugal: exploration and relaxation
Take your rental car and discover Lisbon, Sintra & Cascais before heading to Alentejo. This fascinating region features many historic gems to discover, as well as a unique cuisine to taste. Finish your trip with some beach days in Tavira on Portugal's Algarve coast.
view tour ⤍9 days / from4282 USD
The Wines of Portugal
This unforgettable trip will take you to Portugal's finest wine-producing regions, including the Douro Valley. Sample the finest local labels, and explore the exciting and stunningly beautiful cities of Lisbon and Porto, complemented by guided tours of their historical old towns.
view tour ⤍11 days / from3559 USD
Discovering the coast of Portugal
Explore the beautiful cities along the coast of Portugal. Start your journey discovering historic sites and wineries in Porto, from there you will head South to Lisbon. Along the way, you will get a chance to visit charming coastal towns, dramatic cliffs and national parks.
view tour ⤍7 days / from5989 USD
Porto's Hidden Gems
An exciting itinerary that is filled with amazing landscapes, culture, heritage and gastronomy. Stay in the most exclusive hotels and enjoy the best Portugal has to offer - unique wine tours, a private cooking class, a luxurious river cruise to Douro Valley, and much more.
view tour ⤍15 days / from5913 USD
Camino de Santiago & Portugal Deluxe
Hike the 'Way of Saint James', more precisely - the Portuguese Route, a World Heritage Site. After 5 days of beautiful hikes, it's time to say goodbye to Spain and hop on a plane to Portugal. Lisbon and Porto await before exploring the wineries of Douro Valley. A truly exceptional trip.
view tour ⤍6 days / from1577 USD
Essential Portugal: Lisbon to Porto
This exciting short break will take you to the exciting and stunningly beautiful Portuguese cities of Lisbon and Porto, with guided tours of their historical old towns, and on to the pearls of north Braga and Gamares. You will also have the opportunity to soak up the romantic atmosphere at Amarante.
view tour ⤍9 days / from2148 USD
Cultural Portugal
Beginning in Lisbon and ending in Porto, this trip will take you to the delightful wine region of Douro, the mountain range of Serra do Bussaco and the romantic town of Sintra. Relish the prospect of driving around Portugal's stunning coastline and unique cultural sites.
view tour ⤍9 days / from3154 USD
The cities of Portugal
Explore the two big Portuguese cities, Porto and Lisbon. Though you won't only be exploring the cities, this trip will take you to see the beautiful Duoro valley by bike, the Minho region (the birthplace of Portugal), learn more about winemaking, relax on the beach of Nazaré and much more!
view tour ⤍6 days / from2678 USD
Azores Adventure
Discover the traditions and natural beauty that the island of São Miguel can offer you – exciting activities such as swimming with dolphins in their natural habitat in the Atlantic Ocean, hiking in the picturesque hills and valleys, the thrills of Canyoning and much more.
view tour ⤍12 days / from5389 USD
Portugal – Cuisine and Culture from Porto to Lisbon
From Porto to Lisbon, this culinary trip offers exceptional Portuguese cultural experiences. Taste port in a prestigious winery, savour exquisite codfish and picnic in the world's oldest wine region. Hilltop palaces, medieval old towns and glamorous beach resorts complete an unforgettable trip.
view tour ⤍14 days / from7030 USD
Highlights of Portugal - Cities & Beaches
You will start this journey in Porto, the Invicta City, to then discover the landscapes of Douro Valley. Next, there is Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, a city filled with history and stories. Lastly, you will arrive to the Algarve, a place where you will connect with the sea, traditions and nature.
view tour ⤍10 days / from1836 USD
Fascinating Azores - Terceira and São Miguel
Two of the magic Azores islands await in this itinerary: drive your own rental cars across Terceira and São Miguel and join one of the many adventurous outdoor activities the islands have to offer: go whale watching or canyoning or simply enjoy the landscapes on leisurely strolls.
view tour ⤍9 days / from3159 USD
Coastal Portugal
Travel south from the beautiful cities of Porto and Lisbon, down Portugal's stunning coast, as far as the charming resort town of Albufeira. On this trip, you will also visit the historic coastal towns of Estoril, Sintra, Lagos and Sagres.
view tour ⤍7 days / from2524 USD
Discovering Portugal's Douro Valley
This unforgettable trip will take you to the beautiful city of Porto and the verdant Douro Valley. Relish the prospect of travelling to the Douro wine-making region to sample some local labels, trekking through old villages and enjoying indulgent moments in charming cafés.
view tour ⤍That roll in the dust began my experience of the Rota Vicentina.
This hiking system is a south west alternative to Parque Nacional Da Peneda-Gerês,
It comprises two branches: the Fishermen’s Path and Historical Way. Together they cover 340km, straddling the Algarve and Alentejo.
The name Rota Vicentina comes from the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina. One of many protected natural parks in Portugal.
We tried the inland Historical Way first. From San Luis to Odemira is easy walking. Lots of views and little climbing.
The country's gentle. We passed sheep and goats. Their tinny bells chiming in unison. And the odd cactus was as mean as the terrain got.
Our one human encounter was an old farmer chasing his cows.
‘Ai! Ai!’ he shouted. Then followed with fluent curses. José chatted to him from the path. Later explaining it was important to engage. He's keen for locals to take pride in the trails. And also for young people to train as guides.
Much of this path existed before the Rota Vicentina team began maintaining and marking it. Yet we saw few signs of settlement.
José said the Portuguese left this “outback” in the 1970s. Often to go to university. Then the area became popular with Dutch and Germans who built houses on hilltops. By contrast, local farmers build at the sheltered foot of hills.
The aromas here were as potent as the views.
It seemed like we were walking through a pine forest. But José said the main note was esteva. Known as rockrose it's the trail's emblematic plant. And its five purple dots are likened locally to Christ's wounds. The sticky leaves smell with a hint of citrus. One of us compared it oleander. Another said citronella. It reminded me of Vietnamese cooking.
José also broke off what he called, ‘white rosemary’. It smelled exactly like undiluted lime cordial.
Prefer to leave planning and booking to experts? Have a look at some sample itineraries. Both Complete Portugal or Portugal Itineraries offer inspiration. All Tailor Made Trips can be modified together with your local expert, then booked for a stress-free holiday. Click 'Modify this itinerary' to contact a local Portugal expert.
After 11km we stopped at Ribeira da Capelinha (‘little chapel stream’). Our packed lunch was simple. A folded fried egg, lettuce and Alentejo bread. But with the smell of eucalyptus, the sound of the stream and the dappled light, it was enough.
My Historical Way highlight was our swim at Pego das Pias.
Semi-circular sections have been hewn from this swimming hole’s sides by rolling rocks. According to José, these pegos (small lakes) are associated with magical female spirits. They're known as mouras encantadas. And are said to guard Portugal’s watery places. Pego da Laima nearby, is said to have a golden arrow hidden in its depths.
We tried perceves (goose barnacles) on our final evening. They weren’t amazing. Chewy little morsels we teased out of shells. But I was in awe of them thanks to Nicolau da Costa. Our guide on Fishermen’s Path day two, he explained fishermen like him risk their lives to gather these shellfish. Often going from rock to rock on body boards. Possibly why perceves cost so much per kilo.
Near Pontal da Carrapateira, Nicolau pointed out a terrace on the cliff face. “When sea bream come to breed here. Fishermen sleep on the cliff."
Don't want to sleep on a cliff? Try Hostel do Mar in Carrapateira, close to Bordeira Beach.
On day three we travelled from Almograve to Zambujeira. Lured by the promise of nesting storks. On the clifftop at Cabo Sardão we saw them feed their young on precarious eyries.
“This coast is too special to be unknown” said Marta Cabral of Casas Brancas. And she was right.
A minute’s walk inland the scent of surrounding scrub hits hard. Dense, green clumps bind the sandy landscape. In amongst them are lilac. Yellow flowers and invasive Hottentot Fig. Known as chorão it looks like sliced watermelon. The sand's almost red in sections.
At one point we descended a long flight of stone steps to Carraca beach. And I wondered why few tourists make it to this region. Marta thought she knew why: “The beaches are accessible. But it’s windy. The sea's cold. The roads are dusty. And there are no bars. It’s a place with strong character. So if you love it, you get addicted”. I was there already.
For a completely different but no less authentic experience, try an adventure in Saxony – step into the best hiking in Germany.
Ready for a trip to Portugal? Read more about the best time to go to Portugal, the best places to visit and best things to do in Portugal. For inspiration use the Portugal Itineraries from The Rough Guide to Portugal and created by our local travel agents in Portugal. A bit more hands on, check out the map of Portugal and learn about getting there, getting around the country and where to stay in Portugal once you are there. And don't forget to buy travel insurance before you go.
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Top image: Rota Vicentina, Fishermen's trail, Portugal © Cat_s/Shutterstock
written by Rough Guides Editors
updated 18.09.2018
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From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Portugal