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Long-Distance HikingLong-Distance Hiking
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  • Discover the rugged Atlantic coast of Portugal on long-distance hiking trails such as the Fishermen's Trail
    Discover the rugged Atlantic coast of Portugal on long-distance hiking trails such as the Fishermen's Trail Photo: Fauren, Adobe Stock

Long distance hiking trails in Portugal

Outdooractive Portugal  Verified partner 
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LogoOutdooractive Portugal

With sunny weather all year round, Portugal is the ideal destination for an outdoor adventure holiday. And the options for exploring it are endless! Whether you're looking to discover the country's most popular sites or take a diversion off the beaten track, Portugal has a network of well-marked long-distance routes (Grande Rotas) to take you exactly where you want to go.Explore the best routes in Portugal, such as the GR22 - Grande Rota das Aldeias Históricas de Portugal or the GR50 - Grande Rota Peneda - Gerês!

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The most beautiful long-distance hikes in Portugal

Long-Distance Hiking · Portugal
GR22 - Historical Villages of Portugal - Long Distance Route
Toprecommended route Difficulty difficult Open
4
554.6 km
156:15 h
11,496 m
11,319 m
The oldest long distance route of Portugal and freshly certified as "Best of Europe" !
Responsible Trails
Parque Nacional Peneda-Gerês, Portugal
Long-Distance Hiking · Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês
GR50 - Great Peneda-Gerês Route
Toprecommended route Difficulty moderate
2
187.6 km
62:30 h
7,302 m
7,224 m
With about 200 km, spread over 19 stages, the GR 50 – Grande Rota Peneda-Gerecirc;s crosses the five municipalities that make up the National Park of Peneda-Gerecirc;s, from Ameijoeira, in Castro Laboreiro, in the extreme northwest, to Tourém, in the northeast. Each stage, longer or shorter, begins in villages and the difficulty level of each one is different.
Outdooractive Portugal
Conjunto Megalítico da Barreira - Sintra
Long-Distance Hiking · Sintra
GR11 - E9: Caminho do Atlântico (Azoia - Carvalhal)
Toprecommended route Difficulty moderate
1
28.8 km
8:25 h
398 m
627 m
A GR11 - Caminho Atlântico, é uma Grande Rota conhecida internacionalmente como E9. 
Outdooractive Portugal
Trilho dos Pescadores Rota Vicentina ® - Lagos
Long-Distance Hiking
Fishermen’s Trail
Toprecommended route Difficulty moderate Multi-stage route
1
224.3 km
63:55 h
2,660 m
2,687 m
It includes a total of 13 steps, a total of 226,5 km.
Rota Vicentina
Caminho Histórico Rota Vicentina ® - Santiago do Cacém
Long-Distance Hiking
Historical Way
Toprecommended route Difficulty easy Multi-stage route
211.8 km
57:05 h
2,676 m
2,848 m
It comprises a total of 13 sections and 263 km.
Rota Vicentina
The Wild Start - Covão d'Ametade > Manteigas - GRZ: Stage 1
Long-Distance Hiking · Portugal
The Wild Start - Covão d'Ametade > Manteigas - GRZ on Foot: Stage 1
Toprecommended route Difficulty moderate
10.2 km
2:40 h
15 m
735 m
The Multistage Route of Zêzere (GRZ) begins at the spectacular Zêzere Glacial Valley, a scenery of indescribable beauty.
Aldeias do Xisto
Covão d'Ametade - Serra da Estrela
Long-Distance Hiking · Portugal
GRZ- Multistage Route of Zêzere (Walking)
Toprecommended route closed
369.2 km
111:49 h
10,630 m
12,134 m
The GRZ- Multistage Route of Zêzere was designed to be done on foot, by bicycle or by canoe, with 13 Intermodal Stations along the route. It passes through 13 municipalities and connects the Estrela Mountain, the Aldeias do Xisto, Castelo de Bode and the river Tagus.
Aldeias do Xisto
Serra da Peneda
Long-Distance Hiking · Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês
GR1 - Crossing the Peneda and Soajo Mountains
Toprecommended route Difficulty difficult
75.2 km
24:55 h
2,950 m
2,950 m
The Traverse of the Peneda and Soajo Mountains, classified and signposted as a major route, runs through this entire mountainous complex, along paths and footpaths that have dynamised a mountain ecosystem of different contrasts: sometimes gentle and bucolic, other times imposing and harsh.
Outdooractive Portugal
Mining Territory - Cabeço do Pião > Barroca - GRZ: Stage 2
Long-Distance Hiking · Portugal
Mining Territory - Cabeço do Pião > Barroca - GRZ on Foot: Stage 2
Toprecommended route Difficulty easy
3.2 km
0:45 h
32 m
25 m
Flanked by the imposing mounds of the Panasqueira Mines, this 3.4 km route takes you towards the prehistorical rock engravings in the Aldeia do Xisto of Barroca. 
Aldeias do Xisto
GR15 - Grande Rota do Guadiana
Long-Distance Hiking · Algarve
GR15 - Grande Rota do Guadiana
62.6 km
16:40 h
894 m
889 m
The Grande Rota do Guadiana (GR15) is about 65 km long and covers the territory of the Lower Guadiana Algarve. It crosses three municipalities, Alcoutim, Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António and travels through sixteen locations that represent the typical characteristics of the mountains, the barrocal and the coast, having as its ex-libris the Guadiana, the great river of the south.
Outdooractive Portugal

Did you know that the GR22 is Portugal's oldest Great Route and is certified as one of the "Best in Europe"?

The GR22 is the Great Route of the Historical Villages of Portugal. It stretches over 500 kilometres in a long-distance circular route linking Portugal's 12 Historic Villages.

A unique archive of Portugal's rural history, the GR22 takes you through some of Portugal's richest protected regions covering parts of the Serra da Estrela, Serra da Gardunha and Serra da Malcata. You can complete the route on foot or by bike, or split it into 12 shorter routes that take around a day to complete.

  • Open
    Portugal
    Long-Distance Hiking GR22 - Historical Villages of Portugal - Long Distance Route
    Photo: Responsible Trails

Discover the beauty of Portugal's 12 Historic Villages through the GR22 surroundings. As you explore these charming locations, such as the villages of Almeida, Castelo Mendo, Castelo Rodrigo, Linhares da Beira or Piódão, you'll be immersed in centuries of history and unique architecture. The GR22 takes you along picturesque roads, revealing imposing castles and narrow, characteristic alleyways.

Each village tells a unique story, through medieval walls, centuries-old churches and authentic traditions. Enjoy the atmosphere of yesteryear, discover local handicrafts and delicious gastronomy. As you follow the GR22, you'll experience the authenticity of these historical treasures, witnesses to Portugal's history.

Do you want to know which Historical Villages of Portugal you can visit on the GR22?

  • Historical Site · Centro de Portugal
    Almeida
  • Historical Site · Centro de Portugal
    Belmonte
  • Historical Site · Centro de Portugal
    Castelo Mendo
  • Historical Site · Centro de Portugal
    Castelo Novo
  • Historical Site · Centro de Portugal
    Castelo Rodrigo
  • Historical Site · Centro de Portugal
    Idanha-a-Velha
  • Historical Site · Centro de Portugal
    Linhares da Beira
  • Historical Site · Centro de Portugal
    Marialva
  • Historical Site · Centro de Portugal
    Monsanto
  • Historical Site · Aldeias do Xisto
    Piódão
  • Historical Site · Centro de Portugal
    Sortelha
  • Historical Site · Centro de Portugal
    Trancoso

In communion with nature, in Portugal's only National Park, on the GR50 - Grande Rota Peneda-Gerês.

If you're a nature and hiking enthusiast, the Peneda-Gerês Great Route, known as the GR50, is an irresistible invitation to explore the splendour of Portugal's only National Park. Along the 190 kilometres of this Great Route, you'll discover stunning landscapes, from picturesque valleys to clear rivers and imposing mountains.

This route offers a unique experience, where you can enjoy the serenity of nature, passing through traditional villages and absorbing the cultural richness of the region. With an impressive diversity of flora and fauna, the GR50 is an opportunity to escape routine and be in communion with the unspoilt beauty of the Peneda-Gerês National Park. If you're looking for an outdoor adventure full of discoveries, this route is tailor-made for you.

  • Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês
    Long-Distance Hiking GR50 - Great Peneda-Gerês Route
    Photo: Portugal A2Z

In peace, on the Travessia das Serras da Peneda e Soajo (GR1).

If you're looking for another adventure in the Peneda-Gerês National Park, the Travessia das Serras da Peneda e Soajo (GR1) is an option. Over 80 kilometres, you'll explore stunning landscapes, from deep valleys to imposing peaks.

This Traverse offers a unique combination of challenges and natural beauty, passing through ancient villages such as Sistelo and Soajo, revealing the authenticity of rural life. With challenging ascents and stunning panoramas, the GR1 promises an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts. Get ready to uncover the mountains in the serenity of these landscapes.

  • Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês
    Long-Distance Hiking GR1 - Crossing the Peneda and Soajo Mountains
    Photo: Harpagornis, CC BY-SA, Wikimedia Commons

From the source to the mouth of the River Côa, on the GR45 - Great Route of the Côa Valley.

If you're looking for an adventure in the interior of Portugal, the Grande Rota do Vale do Côa (GR45) is the ideal choice. Spanning some 200 kilometres, this long-distance linear route takes you through the wonders of the Côa Valley. Discover lush green valleys, the waterways of the Côa River and traditional villages.

From the river's source to its mouth, there are challenging trails and a rich cultural heritage. The GR45 is an experience for nature lovers and hikers, where every step in the Côa Valley is a discovery on an unforgettable journey.

  • Portugal
    Long-Distance Hiking Grande Rota do Vale do Côa (GR45)
    Photo: Jpedromac, CC BY-SA, Wikimedia Commons

Nature adventure on the GR33 - Great Zêzere Route.

Covering approximately 370 kilometres, the GRZ - Grande Rota do Zêzere (GR33) takes you on a journey through the charms of the River Zêzere, between the landscapes of the Serra da Estrela, Schist Villages, Castelo de Bode and the River Tagus. Enjoy challenging paths through the 13 municipalities that unite in this Great Route. Get ready for a journey that connects you with the essence of the Centre of Portugal, where each step reveals a new chapter in the Zêzere Great Route.

  • closed
    Portugal
    Long-Distance Hiking GRZ- Multistage Route of Zêzere (Walking)
    Photo: Aldeias do Xisto, Aldeias do Xisto

Alentejo Coast and Vicentine Coast: the Fishermen's Trail and the Historical Way.

Along the west coast, we set off to discover the Alentejo coastline and the Costa Vicentina. The ocean accompanies us between the jagged cliffs and at times we are presented with fields of wild flowers that seem to have no end. There can be no better proposal for a walk.

With a total of around 400 kilometres along one of the most beautiful and well-preserved coastal areas in Europe, there are two routes that surprise us with their diversity of landscapes: the Fishermen's Trail and the Historical Way.

Recommended route Fishermen’s Trail
Recommended route Historical Way

Via Algarviana: the Algarve from one end to the other.

The Via Algarviana Great Route (GR13) starts in Alcoutim, on the banks of the River Guadiana, and ends with the Atlantic Ocean in sight at Cape St Vincent.

Along the way, it crosses the interior of the Algarve over some 300 kilometres, divided into 14 stages, which take you to discover a rich and diverse landscape in the middle of nature. The GR13 crosses the three Algarve mountain ranges (Caldeirão, Monchique and Espinhaço de Cão), the barrocal, the beira-serra and part of the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park.

  • Collection Via Algarviana on foot
    Photo: Jules Verne Times Two, CC BY-SA, http://julesvernex2.com

Go upriver, near the border, on the Great Guadiana Route (GR15).

The Great Guadiana Route (GR15) is around 65 kilometres long and covers the territory of the Lower Guadiana region of the Algarve. It crosses three municipalities, Alcoutim, Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António, and travels through sixteen towns that represent the typical character of the mountains, the barrocal and the coast, with the Guadiana, the great river of the south that borders Spain, as its ex-libris.

  • Algarve
    Long-Distance Hiking GR15 - Grande Rota do Guadiana
    Photo: Guadianatrails, Guadianatrails
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Reviews

  19
GR50 - Great Peneda-Gerês Route by Adelino
May 18, 2024 · Community
1 comment
Madeira querung by Nils
May 06, 2024 · Community
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Route done on January 17, 2020
Comment
GR11 - E9: Caminho do Atlântico (Azoia - Carvalhal) by Paulo
March 15, 2024 · Community
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Route done on July 30, 2023
1 comment
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Find long-distance hikes in neighboring regions

Spain

Discover other long-distance hikes within Portugal

Alentejo Algarve Centro de Portugal Lisboa Madeira Porto e Norte de Portugal

Similar activities in Portugal

hikes pilgrim walks nature trails city walks

Localization

Parts of this content were machine translated using Portuguese as the source language

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