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How to pack for your hiking holidays? What should you take with you to prepare for different kinds of weather conditions, terrains, cultures? Here are some tips from our guides on how to prepare your next hiking experience.
Last week the sun shone practically every day. This week it’s raining, and we’re all glad for that — the land needs it. But when it comes to hiking in the great outdoors, unpredictable weather doesn’t help us pack, now does it?! So I always come prepared for any event. I mean, hopefully it will be sunny when vacation comes — and Portugal is a great place to visit for that matter, with an average 26 sunny days per month, between April and end of October — but we always need to pack for those 4 unwanted days, when they come. So what do I usually do?
Layering. Layering is the best way to stay warm and keep cool. Though it may not rain, sometimes the sun can be shy. To keep me protected from the elements and feeling cool on a hot day, I always carry light rain gear to start the day and use a breathable synthetic t-shirt. I also avoid cotton fabrics while exercising — the absorbent qualities prevent wicking and insulate poorly when wet.
My regular, comfortable walking boots are the foundation of an enjoyable walking holiday. My feet and legs will have to take the strain and the right boots will reduce the chance of sore feet, so that I can enjoy a blister-free trip. I recommend choosing walking boots with good ankle support, to cope with slippery or uneven paths and, if possible, bring another pair of lower cut boots, or trail shoes (a cross between trainers and boots) especially if your feet get hot in summer. Lightweight and waterproof materials are encouraged. I also try to bring several pairs of hiking socks, which normally have a more cushioned sole for extra comfort.
Comfort is essential. The more comfortable I feel, the longer and further I want to go! Then it all depends on which kind of hikes and trails I go about, doesn’t it? It’s completely different to pack for a two-week Himalayan base camp trekking than for one-week hike in the Douro valley, sometimes with a wine tasting and boat ride in the mix, like the one we just did recently.
To ensure one’s comfort on the hike, it is important to wear the appropriate clothing. On these lighter, yet daily walks, I always try to wear quick dry, lightweight walking t-shirts, pants and shorts, which will help wick moisture away from my skin and prevent from becoming chilled or overheated. When possible, I bring a mid-weight fleece, ideal for layering with the t-shirt, and can be rolled up small to go in the rucksack when not in use.
In short:
- layering (lightweight and waterproof materials)
- light rain gear
- breathable synthetic t-shirt
- mid-weight fleece
- pants and shorts
- comfortable walking boots (with good ankle support, mid or lower cut)
Are you looking to join a group on a walking tour next Spring? See from our available dates below and join a group on your next hiking holidays in Portugal.
If you always wanted to know the secluded locations and the less beaten trails of Portugal, share the spirit of discovery with other like-minded explorers, take a look at our guided group tours between April and June 2019. These tours offer the advantage of being guaranteed departures and requiring no minimum number of guests to join.
A bit all over the backroads and medieval villages of this beautiful country, there are several experiences for those who want to explore Portugal on foot, on a guided group tour and make new
friendships along the way:
Join this one-week hiking holidays in the Alentejo region, in the interior rural areas of southern Portugal, walking by the best trails in the area. In this tour, you'll hike by vineyards, natural parks,
endless plains, discovering the best flavors and culture Portugal has to offer. Based in Marvão, Monsaraz and Évora, you'll hike by identified trails and climb to the top of medieval fortresses
overlooking Spain, visit UNESCO world heritage sites and traditions, get to know the production methods of the best vineyards of Monsaraz, sleep in former convents and castles and enjoy several
hikes in these peaceful rolling hills, discovering Alentejo.
Join this one week walking tour in Lisbon and its surroundings, fit for walkers, hikers or trail runners who want to discover both Lisbon’s seven hills and urban parks and complement their visit to
Portugal’s capital by exploring the natural parks of Sintra and Arrábida, as well as the romantic architecture, vineyards, secluded beaches and oceanside trails that characterize these areas. Lisbon is the starting point of this adventure, where you'll join urban hikes to discover this romantic city by foot. You'll also get to hike the most scenic trails of the surrounding region, in the mystical Sintra Sierra, visiting the Pena Palace, Mourish castle, and romantic gardens of this UNESCO world heritage region and the untouched Arrábida, with its stunning oceanic views, secluded beaches and amazing vineyards.
Join this Douro walking tour, fit for walkers, hikers or trail runners who want to discover the world’s first demarcated wine region and the portuguese historical villages of the Nort of Portugal. Walk by the Douro's riverside, enjoying its trademark UNESCO world heritage “socalcos” or terraced vineyards and experience the secular traditions of this region. Hike the most scenic trails of the region, visit the wine cellars, taste some of the best port and Douro wines and discover traces of the early history of Portugal, from up to 30000 years old in the historical villages to the north of the country. Challenge yourself up to top of the most beautiful viewpoints, descend towards the Côa Valley to visit its Paleolithic engravings, visit the medieval castles and enjoy the rugged nature of the Douro International park and its trails.
This is a one-week long walking holiday walking by the best trails of the Portuguese Camino de Santiago. Starting from Porto, we'll walk towards Santiago de Compostela, experiencing the trails,
villages, landscapes, gastronomy and culture of both the Central path of the Camino and the Coastal path, discovering the best of the Minho region and Galiza, in Spain. Walking the camino is an epic journey, that started in the 9th Century with the discovery, in Galiza, of the remains of St. James. In 1325, the Portuguese queen Isabel made a pilgrimage to Santiago following a route very similar to the one that today is marked with yellow arrows, crossing the then recently built Barcelos bridge;
Join this one-week hiking holidays in the Alentejo region, in the interior rural areas of southern Portugal, walking by the best trails in the area. In this tour, you'll hike by vineyards, natural parks,
endless plains, discovering the best flavors and culture Portugal has to offer. Based in Marvão, Monsaraz and Évora, you'll hike by identified trails and climb to the top of medieval fortresses overlooking Spain, visit UNESCO world heritage sites and traditions, get to know the production methods of the best vineyards of Monsaraz, sleep in former convents and castles and enjoy several hikes in these peaceful rolling hills, discovering Alentejo.
Join this one week walking tour in Lisbon and its surroundings, fit for walkers, hikers or trail runners who want to discover both Lisbon’s seven hills and urban parks and complement their visit to
Portugal’s capital by exploring the natural parks of Sintra and Arrábida, as well as the romantic architecture, vineyards, secluded beaches and oceanside trails that characterize these areas. Lisbon is the starting point of this adventure, where you'll join urban hikes to discover this romantic city by foot. You'll also get to hike the most scenic trails of the surrounding region, in the mystical Sintra Sierra, visiting the Pena Palace, Mourish castle, and romantic gardens of this UNESCO world heritage region and the untouched Arrábida, with its stunning oceanic views, secluded beaches and amazing vineyards.
Contact us at hikewithus @ livelovehike.pt for more information if you wish to participate in these tours!
As beautiful as they are, there's a lot more to Lisbon and Porto besides what we can find inside the city limits - especially if you want to explore the nature around these special cities. Read more about our favourite short hiking escapes on a blog post from Daniel, on his favourite half-day hiking spots you can start from Porto or Lisbon.
There’s a whole lot more to Lisbon and Porto besides what we can find inside the city limits. Going on a city break, both have plenty to offer and discover — but it comes a time during my trips, when I feel that what I need is a break from the city — ever got that feeling?!I mean, I love Porto. I was born here and lived in this city most of my life. I belong here… but also to the world, and there’s a great deal of it right next door from where I am.
Just one and a half hours away from Porto — or Lisbon, for that matter — there’s a hideaway, where one can mingle with nature for a change. Enough with cars, engines, horns and the feeling of always being late for something. Enough of that for a day. When was the last time you indulged yourself into these forgotten small pleasures, hiking your way into uncharted land?
WALKING THROUGH THE VINEYARDS IN PINHÃO, THE HEART OF THE DOURO VALLEY
The unique landscape of this region, a UNESCO world heritage site and the first wine region to be legally demarcated in the world, never fails to amaze those who come to visit — even the most accustomed to this area give in to the beauty of the cut out socalcos(terraced vineyards) throughout the hills on both sides of the river, and to the immersive silence that surrounds, and eventually conquers us all.
Some of the trails I'm most fond of around Pinhão are the Saint Cristóvão and the Quinta Nova trails. The first departs from the quaint village of Provesende, on the top of the hill and then down through one of the most beautiful trails in the region. On our way down we can see the Douro curves drawing the landscape in the distance, as Pinhão becomes closer by the step. The Quinta Nova trail, on the west side of Pinhão, departs from the wine estate which lends its name to the trail, takes us around its perimeter and amidst its vineyards - fully dedicated to the production of high-quality wines. This 6 km trail is adequate for all ages and fitness levels, having a total of 364 mts accumulated climb. It is also possible to shorten this hike, taking a shortcut inside Quinta Nova. The S. Cristóvão trail, on the other hand, is a one-way trail that can be done all the way down - from Provesende to Pinhão - or all the way up, if we go from Pinhão and wish to be challenged on a 525 mts accumulated climb through a 5,5 km trail.
After the hike, I usually have lunch in one of the many charming restaurants in Pinhão, all serving
delicious dishes from Portuguese cuisine - one of the best-kept secrets of Portugal, for me! After lunch,
Pinhão offers a small yet precious stroll alongside the riverbank, where the Douro makes an elbow turn.
There is also a great diversity of wine estates, within a 10-minute walk, where one can go for a wine
tasting experience or even lunch – such as Quinta de La Rosa. I also enjoy taking some time to admire the tile panels on the small train station of Pinhão, sometimes while I wait there for the train that's gonna take me back to Porto. The train runs just alongside the Douro, on a privileged scenery for the first half an hour: I can never really get enough of this view, no matter how many times I take this trip!
After that, in Régua (its full name is Peso da Régua) where we have the Douro Museum, where all the history of the region is explained in a comprehensive and exciting way. It is, undoubtfully, a must-go experience to better understand how the vineyards evolved and what makes this region, the first demarcated wine region in the world, so unique!
No wonder this is one of the most requested tours by our customers — click here for more information on our daily hiking tours in Douro valley.
HIKING BY SINTRA OR ARRÁBIDA SIERRA
If you come to Lisbon, on the other hand… Sintra and Arrábida are the places to go! There’s a magic there, that only nature could give to a setting. And that, you can’t have in the city. Actually, they are both so unique that we couldn’t choose one to show our clients, so we left that ungrateful task for you!
When you hike your way into the woods and town of Sintra, you’ll know that you’ve arrived to a magical land: unsuspiciously, just beyond literally the next tree, there can be an imponent old manor, a glimpse of the Pena Palace (circa 1860, being built over and around the remains of a XVI century monastery), the Moorish castle (built between the VIII and IX centuries) or “just” another secluded romantic garden of this UNESCO world heritage region. The variety of beautiful historic buildings and attractions, combine to form a fantastic hiking destination. No wonder Sintra is considered the best day trip from Lisbon, a visit you must include in your holiday plans.
The trails we hike, are of different lengths and difficulty, and take us along the “must-see” places of Sintra. We either go for “Quintas trail”, a short trail that takes us by the most emblematic Quintas – the traditional estates and manor/farm houses of the historical centre, a trail that ends yet at the Sintra National Palace. Or we go for a circular route of 4,5 km along the Moorish Castle and Pena Palace (both of which can be visited on the inside). Richard Strauss, revered this Palace and wrote about it, as follows:
Pena Palace (Palácio da Pena)
“Today is the happiest day of my life. I know Italy, Sicily, Greece and Egypt, and I have never, ever seen anything to match the Pena. It is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. This is the true garden of Klingsor - and there, high up above, is the Castle of the Holy Grail”.
Just “around the corner”, why not paying a visit to the Atlantic Ocean, following the trails up until Cabo da Roca - the westernmost point of continental Portugal, as well as of continental Europe. Sintra is complete and astonishing destination for a one-day escape from the city. You might just want to stay there longer.
But what if your compass is pointing to another direction? Then you should definitely go to the untouched Arrábida sierra – where we’ll take you along the paths with stunning oceanic views, near some secluded beaches and among over 1,400 plant species in this protected Natural Park. Among so many exceptional beaches, it’s going to be hard choosing just one to visit: Albarquel, Figueirinha, Galápos and Galapinhos, to name just a few. Beautiful belvederes, privileged viewpoints over the Arrábida sierra and even a chapel hidden in the silence of a cave, bathed by the ocean, will make your hike unforgettable and give you the peace that only being completely immersed into nature can give.
On our way back, on the border of the Arrábida Natural Park we stop at Azeitão, a lovely town best-
known for its cheese, the famous Azeitão pies and some wine production estates.
But sometimes we only have time for a quick getaway, that’s why we offer both a half-day and a full-day program for the Sintra and Arrábida natural parks
- written by Daniel, Live Love Hike guide
Start planning your guided walking tours in Portugal for 2019 - take a look at our group hiking tours, and join us next year!
Our 2019 hiking tour calendar is now available! You can now join a group for a guided walking tour in Portugal and discover Portugal on foot with other fellow travellers!
These are guaranteed departures, in which you do not need a minimum number of participants ( unlike our guided tours, which require a minimum of four guests) in which you share your experience with other travellers. We have designed several Portugal hiking tours, for hikers of different skills, and in several regions in Portugal such as the Douro valley and historical villages of northern Portugal, the Southwest Coast's natural parks, Alentejo wine country, or the portuguese Camino de Santiago.
New tours and destinations have been added to our 2019 catalogue, as we are always on the lookout for the best hiking experiences in Portugal. But for now, we wanted to share our calendar for our Open Date hiking tours for next year, that you can join and meet other passionate hikers - These are excellent opportunities to join a bigger group and make new friends along the way, and do not require a minimum group of participants to occur.
Book your spot on a 2019 open date tour until 31/12/2018, to benefit from a 10% discount on the price per guest ( does not accumulate with other discounts of promotions).
Nearby Porto, in Northern Portugal, the UNESCO world heritage site of the Douro valley offers some of the best trails for Hiking in Portugal...
Alongside the river Douro, in the northern region of Portugal and east of Oporto, magnificent hills cut out by man-made terraces compose a distinctive landscape which yields unique conditions for the production of wines, amongst which the prestigious Port wine.
The Douro river and the village of Pinhão (to the right of the bridge)
Ever since the Roman occupation over 2000 years ago, man has produced wine in this region. Later settlements continued this cultivation, but it was only in the late 17th century that wine production in the Douro valley started gaining dimension and importance, after the British embargo on French wine boosted the demand of Port wine. Following came the expansion of production and eventually of the region itself, much of it remote and inaccessible until then. At that time, the transportation of goods and passengers to the mercantile city of Oporto was made by boats — such as the Rabelo — through rapids and narrow gorges of the fast-running Douro.
Wine estate in the vicinities of Pinhão, with Hotel, Restaurant and wine tastings
Nowadays, we get to the little village of Pinhão in less than 2-hour by car (or 2 hours 20 minutes if we’d come by train — which is a delightful trip by the way!) and head straight to the hotel to check-in and relax for the rest of the day. We start hiking the Douro valley (or Alto Douro) tomorrow and everyone’s excited. No wonder, we have just arrived to the heart of the first wine region to be legally demarcated in the world, and an UNESCO world heritage site:
- The components of the Alto Douro landscape are representative of the full range of activities association with winemaking — terraces, quintas (wine-producing farm complexes), villages, chapels, and roads.
- The cultural landscape of the Alto Douro is an outstanding example of a traditional European wine-producing region, reflecting the evolution of this human activity over time.
(source: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1046)
On the following day at 9 am, we’re all set for our Hiking tour in Douro. Still chilly and not a cloud in sight — looks promising! Starting off the charming little train station in Pinhão and heading towards one of the wine estates, we go up the hill and into the vineyards. It’s October now, and the average maximum temperature in this region is 22ºC (or 72ºF). Besides this time of the year, the best months for trekking in the Douro valley include April to June, and September.
“Next time you should try coming in September, when the grape harvesting season begins!
It’s a lovely morning, and as we continue our hike an immersive silence embraces the unaccustomed “city ears”… The sun keeps getting higher in the sky and we’re about to reach the small village of Casal de Loivos. We’re half of the way now and just got to the highest point of our walk, so we stop for some rest and a quick snack. Other hikers cross our path for the first time — we have been on our own since Pinhão, as if we were in our own vineyards!
The group admires the different forms of organizing the vineyards. The oldest are planted on traditional terraces sustained by dry stone walls. Modern terraces are more inexpensive and quick to build but present more disadvantages. So, in recent years, the technique of vinha ao alto has been perfected so that terracing can be replaced by vertical rows of vines running perpendicularly up the hillside.
Quinta do Bomfim old stone terraces
“Let’s go!” — someone proclaims enthusiastically. Everyone stands up almost automatically, eager to continue. “It’s all downhill now guys!” — I proudly announce.
No one is actually tired, but it feels good to go down for a change. Despite the snack, the hike has been building quite an appetite on everyone, so a friendly discussion about lunch arises: I, personally, prefer the roasted octopus (Polvo à Lagareiro), but both the grilled seabass and the roasted lamb with turnip greens collects many fans. Yet a dessert conquers everyone, a cake made with Port wine: the delicious bolo borrachão!
The trail leads us around the hilltop and, as we start our descent through the vineyards, there’s the river again! The scenery never ceases to amaze, and everyone is just glad to be there. We continue along the dirt paths, occasionally picking a grape or two that were left behind after the harvest in September, and Pinhão becomes closer by the step.
The sun is now hot, as we arrive to the restaurant by the river, just in time for lunch. The healthy debates resumes between laughs and smiles. In the following days we’ll have the opportunity to savor many of the delicious treats of the Portuguese cuisine, as well as going on a river cruise and doing a wine tasting, among many other secrets that the Douro valley unveils as it welcomes the hiker.
Next time, we are hiking by the Douro along different trails, while we explore this magnificent and unique region of Portugal - towards east, to the historical villages of Portugal.
Join us on our Walking tour by the Douro Wine Country!
- Post written by Daniel Cunha, trip leader
Ask someone who's ever visited Portugal, and they are sure to tell you the country has a particular notion of space and time, unlike you've ever seen in Europe. That's why we believe walking is the best way to travel around the country - step by step, soaking in this special atmosphere. Here are our three best selling Walking Tours in Portugal
#1 - WALKING TOUR BY LISBON, SINTRA AND ARRÁBIDA NATURAL PARKS
Duration: 7 days
Location: Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais, Arrábida and Sintra natural parks
Closest airport: Lisbon
Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
Terrain: Hilly
This is a tour fit for hikers and trail runners who want to get more out of their visit to Lisbon. A one week hiking tour in Lisbon and it's surroundings, that will have you discovering both Lisbon’s seven hills and urban parks and the natural parks of Sintra and Arrábida, as well as the romantic architecture, vineyards, secluded beaches and oceanside trails that characterize these areas. Lisbon is the starting point of this adventure, where discover this romantic city by foot; You'll also get to hike the most scenic trails of the surrounding region, in the mystical Sintra Sierra, visiting the Pena Palace, Mourish castle, and romantic gardens of this UNESCO world heritage region and the untouched Arrábida, with it's stunning oceanic views, secluded beaches and amazing vineyards.
#2 WALKING TOUR IN ALENTEJO - HERITAGE AND WINE COUNTRY
Duration: 7 days
Location: Marvão and Portalegre Sierra, Monsaraz and Alqueva, Évora and Arraiolos
Closest airport: Lisbon
Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
Terrain: Rolling Hills
If you want to discover Portugal's countryside and wine region on foot, join this one week hiking holidays in the Alentejo region. You'll be hiking by vineyards, natural parks, endless plains, fortified villages, olive and coark oak fields, megalithical monuments, discovering some of the most authentic people, gastronomy and culture of our country. Based in Marvão, Monsaraz and Évora, you'll hike by identified trails and climb to the top of medieval fortresses overlooking Spain, visit UNESCO world heritage sites and traditions, get to know the production methods of the best vineyards of Monsaraz, sleep in former convents and castles and enjoy several hikes in these peaceful rolling hills, discovering Alentejo.
#3 WALKING TOUR BY THE DOURO WINE COUNTRY AND HISTORICAL VILLAGES
Duration: 7 days
Location: Peso da Régua, Pinhão, Provesende, Longroiva, Marialva, Vila Nova de Foz Côa
Closest airport: Porto
Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
Terrain: Hilly
Visit the world's first demarcated wine region, where Port wine is produced in spectacular terraced vineyards, that have named the Douro valley into a UNESCO world heritage site. In this Douro walking tour, you'll Walk alongside the Douro's riverside, enjoying its trademark UNESCO world heritage “socalcos” or terraced vineyards, experience the secular traditions of this region, its wines, gastronomy and culture, hiking from vineyard to vineyard, in some of the most spectacular trails in the region, and challenging yourself to get to the most beautiful viewpoints. Our hike will lead us to the Douro International Park, to discover traces of the early history of Portugal, where we'll discover engravings of up to 30000 years old, and hike from medieval castle to another, by the historical villages of Marialva, Longroiva and Trancoso.
There are, of course, other areas to explore in Portugal, like the beautiful southwest coast, Gerês National Park, the Minho region and many others. These three are our most sought after tours and ones that we know our guests love. Contact us for more information on walking tours in Portugal at hikewithus @livelovehike.pt
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Monday to Friday 09AM to 06PM Telephone: 00351 217 590 365 Email: hikewithus @ livelovehike.pt
