Portugal is something of an undiscovered gem for hikers, offering beautiful, diverse landscapes and vast amounts of space. Thanks to its variety of micro-climates, it is possible to find pleasant walking conditions in all seasons, and the multitude of trails boast fantastic scenery and are rich in natural, historical and cultural interest. This guide describes 40 graded walks, ranging from gentle family strolls to strenuous mountain hikes (including Portugal's highest peak) and multi-day routes. The walks are spread throughout Portugal, with a focus on the country's many natural and national parks, including Peneda-Geres, Serra da Estrela and Costa Vicentina. Clear route description is illustrated with 1:50,000 mapping and a route summary table makes it easy to choose the right walk. As well as practical travel advice, there is information on Portugal's geology, history, plants, wildlife and agriculture and on numerous local points of interest. From the rugged mountains of the north to the UNESCO-listed Rio Douro river valley, from traditional schist villages to the unique geology of the Algarve coast, the walks have been carefully selected to showcase some of the best Portugal has to offer. They take in granite peaks, wildflower meadows, woodland, waterfalls, castles, churches and archeological remains. With routes suitable for most ambitions and abilities, what further inspiration do you need to discover the myriad delights of this wonderful, yet frequently overlooked, destination?
Overview map ?Map key ?Preface ?Introduction ?About Portugal ?Geology ?History ?Wildlife ?Plants and flowers ?Agriculture ?Weather ?When to go ?Getting there ?Traveling around ?Where to stay ?Food and drink ?Equipment ?Waymarking ?Maps ?Water ?Emergencies and safety ?Using this guide ?Northern Portugal ?Peneda-Geres National Park ?Walk 1 Caminho dos Mortos, Real ?Walk 2 Trilho Castrejo, Castro Laboreiro ?Walk 3 Peneda circuit ?Walk 4 Pertinho do Ceu, Gavieira ?Walk 5 Bicos and Pedrada ?Walk 6 Pitoes das Junias and Capela de Sao Joao da Fraga ?Walk 7 Minas dos Carris, Portela de Homem ?Walk 8 Geres circuit ?Walk 9 aguia do Sarilhao and Via Nova, Campo do Geres Walk 10 Trilho dos Currais, Vila do Geres ?Montesinho Nature Park ?Walk 11 Trilho da Calcada, Moimenta ?Walk 12 Montesinho summits ?Around Alvao Nature Park ?Walk 13 Senhora da Graca, Mondim de Basto ?Walk 14 Marao summit ?Douro International Nature Park ?Walk 15 Azeite, Bruco ?Walk 16 Ribeira do Mosteiro ?Central Portugal and Lisbon ?Schist villages ?Walk 17 Schist villages of Lousa ?Walk 18 Caminho do Xisto das Aldeias de Gois and Lousa summit ?Walk 19 Trilho do Vale do Ceira, Cabreira ?Serra da Estrela Nature Park ?Walk 20 Sol and Rota das Faias, Manteigas ?Walk 21 Rota do Carvao, Manteigas ?Walk 22 Javali and Poco do Inferno, Manteigas ?Walk 23 Rota do Glaciar, Torre-Manteigas ?Walk 24 Poios Brancos, Manteigas ?Around Lisbon ?Walk 25 Castelejo, Alvados ?Walk 26 Chaos ?Walk 27 Peninha ?Walk 28 Cabo Espichel, Arrabida ?Tejo and Sao Mamede Nature Parks ?Walk 29 Rota dos Abutres, Salvaterra do Extremo ?Walk 30 GR29 Rota dos Veados ?Walk 31 Marvao ?Monsaraz and evora ?Walk 32 evora aqueduct and Ecopista ?Walk 33 Monsaraz ?Southern Portugal ?The Algarve, Costa Vicentina and Guadiana ?Walk 34 Odeceixe beach circuit ?Walk 35 Cabo de Sao Vicente ?Walk 36 Rota das Cascatas, Monchique ?Walk 37 Trilho da Foia, Monchique ?Walk 38 Pulo do Lobo, Guadiana ?Walk 39 GR23 ?Walk 40 Serra do Caldeirao, Parizes ?Appendix A Route summary table ?Appendix B Contacts ?Appendix C Language
