We had the chance to visit the city while enjoying romantic monuments and escape from the city to the natural park. Sintra is surrounded by land and sea, a marvellous choice for our walking holidays. From Sintra hill, you can see the westernmost point of Europe, which makes some of the hikes quite epic. The hiking routes in Portugal were carefully planned to experience incredible sightseeing points, great local food and excellent hotels for a good night of rest and recovery.
Portugal Coastal & Sintra Walking Tour: Ericeira Cliffs, Surf Coast & World Heritage Palaces
Highlights
This walking tour brings you to the heart of Portugal’s Atlantic coast, just a short distance from Lisbon, where dramatic sea cliffs, golden beaches, and vibrant coastal villages set the scene. From Ericeira’s World Surfing Reserve, you follow spectacular cliffside trails past iconic surf breaks, hidden coves, and wide-open ocean views, experiencing the raw beauty of the country’s western shoreline.
As the journey continues south, the landscape softens into sandy beaches, striking cliffside villages like Azenhas do Mar, and the expansive shoreline of Praia Grande. Leaving the coast behind, you walk inland toward the lush hills of Sintra, where forested trails, vineyards, and historic estates lead you to fairy-tale palaces, mystical gardens, and UNESCO World Heritage landmarks. Along the way, relaxed strolls through historic centers balance the adventure, creating a seamless blend of nature, culture, and coastal charm.
Gallery
Day to day
Day 1: Transfer to Ericeira
Pick up at Lisbon Airport or hotel. Your journey begins with a private transfer from Lisbon to Ericeira, a charming fishing village famed for its vibrant local culture and Atlantic views. Wander through Ericeira’s historic center with its quaint cobblestone streets and whitewashed houses. We'll brief you on the upcoming days of your tour and this first evening allows you to relax and enjoy the atmosphere of Portugal’s only World Surfing Reserve.
Hotel – You and the Sea or Immerso (upgrade in the the premium option)
Day 2: Cliffside hike from Coxos to Ericeira (10 km)
Today’s hike introduces you to one of the most spectacular stretches of Portugal’s coastline. After a short transfer to Coxos, begin hiking south along dramatic sea cliffs, passing through Ribeira d’Ilhas—one of the most iconic surf spots in the world and the heart of the Ericeira World Surfing Reserve. The trail offers sweeping Atlantic views, rugged coastal landscapes, and insight into the powerful natural forces that shape this legendary surf coast. The hike finishes back in Ericeira, where you can celebrate the day with ocean views and a relaxed evening.
Hotel – You and the Sea or Immerso (upgrade in the the premium option)
Day 3: Cliffside hike from Ericeira to Magoito (18km)
Today’s hike continues south from Ericeira along rugged coastal paths and dramatic Atlantic cliffs. Pass through wide-open landscapes and secluded stretches of shoreline as you approach São Julião Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the region. Continue onward to Magoito Beach, known for its wild beauty and sweeping sands framed by steep cliffs. At the end of the hike, a private transfer brings you back to Ericeira for a relaxed evening by the sea.
Hotel – You and the Sea or Immerso (upgrade in the the premium option)
Day 4: Hike from Magoito to Azenhas do Mar and Praia Grande (18km)
After a morning transfer to Magoito, today’s hike follows one of the most scenic stretches of Portugal’s coastline. Walk along clifftop trails with expansive ocean views, passing hidden coves and dramatic rock formations. Arrive at Azenhas do Mar, a striking cliffside village with whitewashed houses cascading toward the sea. Continue on toward Praia Grande, a vast beach backed by rolling dunes and surf breaks, where your hike concludes.
Hotel – Arribas Sintra Hotel (upgrade to superior room in Premium option)
Day 5: Hike from Praia Grande to Sintra – World heritage sites (18km)
Begin today’s hike in Praia Grande, making your way inland towards Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with historical landmarks and lush landscapes. Hike by past grand estates like Palácio de Seteais and mystical sites like Quinta da Regaleira, before arriving at the iconic Sintra Palace in the town’s historic center.
Hotel – Sintra Boutique Hotel or Palácio de Seteais (included in the Premium option)
Day 6: Exploring Sintra’s mountain trails and Palaces (09 to 13km)
Today you have the option of a rest day to explore Sintra’s historical center, Quinta da Regaleira and other local hotspots or go on a memorable hike around the Sintra Natural Park. Those who hike will explore Palácio da Pena, known for its colorful Romanticist architecture, and the Castelo dos Mouros, a medieval castle perched on the hills. Continue through lush forests to the Convento dos Capuchos, a 16th-century convent nestled in the mountains.
Hotel – Sintra Boutique Hotel or Palácio de Seteais (included in the Premium option)
Day 7: Transfer to Lisbon – end of tour
Breakfast at the hotel. At the scheduled time transfer to Lisbon airport
Map
This tour features a varied mix of dramatic cliffside coastal trails, quiet back roads and forest paths in the Sintra mountain range, and relaxed urban walks through Ericeira and Sintra’s historic centers. Coastal sections follow natural dirt paths and rocky tracks with sweeping Atlantic views, while inland hikes wind through shaded trails, vineyards, and historic estates with gentle to moderate elevation changes. Urban walks balance the journey with easy-paced exploration on cobblestone streets and seaside promenades, creating an experience that is scenic, diverse, and well paced for active walkers.
Tour options
Tour options
Tour prices
Group dates
Your group, your dates.



AT YOUR SERVICE
Our team is composed of Portuguese tour leaders and walking enthusiasts, in love with our country and proud to present the best landscapes, gastronomy, history, culture and experiences to anyone who chooses to hike in Portugal.
We are seasoned travelers and love the proximity and timeless feeling of exploring new turns, mountains, beaches and viewpoints on foot. Our passion is to share these feelings with you, so that you fall in love with Portugal as much as we are too.
Our team is composed of dedicated guides, making sure our guests’ walking holidays run smoothly and exceed their expectations.
After a great day outdoors, it's time to relax
We work with the best hotels and SPA's, to guarantee you full-access to great relaxing experiences and a good night's sleep after your hiking is done.
/ Access to the best SPAs;
/ Free time for sightseeing;
/ Experience adapted to your own pace and holiday style;
We strive to provide our guests with time to relax and immerse into the atmosphere, providing a balance between great activities and well deserved “me time” on your walking holidays Portugal!
WALKING HOLIDAYS FOR EVERY TYPE OF HIKER
While planning your holidays, our staff will contact you to ask for further details to better design a tour more suited to you. However, all our tours are built to adapt to groups with different hiking experience, having shorter and longer options. For "expert" hikers, we provide additional challenges. Or you are welsome to take a day off; we invite all our guests on our guided tours to simply hop into our vans if they want to enjoy a recovery day.
HIKER TYPES:
1 BEGINNER
/ I walk/hike on a regular basis, for fitness. I prefer rolling terrain but enjoy reaching my goals and enjoy an active lifestyle. I like to overcome some challenges, but mostly enjoy the landscapes and atmosphere, going out on hikes up to 2 or three hours.
You will get to hike at your own pace, in moderate distances and hop on our van if you so desire or challenge yourself when you feel comfortable! You’ll get to walk in a group with like-minded people and accompanied by our guides, discovering the best of Portugal
2 INTERMEDIATE
/ Hiking is a great part of my life, and I walk regularly. I am comfortable with hikes of 3 to 4 hours, or even more at a relatively strong pace. I like to be challenged and to surpass obstacles, so that I can explore more and discover the most beautiful places.
You will get to explore different riding experiences, from tougher climbs to walking along in great company. You’ll have time to enjoy the great landscapes, but also enjoy the descents and push yourself climbing those tough hills. You’ll enjoy the variety of terrain, and pushing a little harder to get off the beaten path.
3 EXPERT
/ I am an explorer by nature and understand I have to push myself to get to the top of the summit. I love to climb, hike and tackle big climbs to long, technical descents, especially the ones that allow me to push my limits and make long lasting memories. I love to spend the full day hiking.
You’ll get to hike the best Portuguese trails and push yourself as hard as you can, as at the end of the day, you know you’ll be able to rest and relax. Lead the pack and take on the special extra-challenges we have in store for you – try to keep up with our guides as you go for the extra mile just before your well deserved rest and massage at the hotel!
Walking holidays Portugal for all.
/ From 5 to 8 guests, 5% discount for guests;
/ From 9 to 12 guests, 7.5% discount for guests;
/ From 12 hikers to 20 guests, 10% discount for guests;









