Hiking · PORTUGAL
This is the shortlist you would send a walking friend: 15 guided day hikes in Portugal worth the money, each with its price, its length and the one thing to know before you commit.
Review of Madeira’s Pico do Arieiro sunrise hike, with hotel transfers, trail advice, costs, weather tips, closures, and who should book.
“The pick up was on time, comfortable and our driver Pedro was super friendly! His navigations were clear”
Review of Madeira’s Ponta de São Lourenço hike from Funchal, with cliff views, swimming, transport details, guide tips, and honest value advice.
“it's our second tour with Rubi. She is great! We’ve done about 7 or 8 tours in Madeira, and almost all of them felt a bit rushed — not enough time to truly enjoy the scenery, take photos, or just pause and soak it all in. This tour was completely different. Everything was well-paced and comfortable, with enough time for breaks, taking in the views, and resting — especially important in the heat. We’re very grateful to our guide, Rubi, for that! Also, a tip: bring your swimsuits — you might need them!”
Escape Porto for a guided mountain hike, homemade picnic, river views, and friendly dog Shy in Serras do Porto Park.
“We had a great hike with Ricardo and Shai Just the perfect amount of strenuous with shady areas to cool us down We had a wonderful lunch with the most delicious hummus made by Ricardo It was nice getting away from the busy city of Porto”
Review of Madeira’s sunrise hike from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo, with small groups, hotel pickup, guides, weather plans, and practical tips.
“Unfortunately, I fell sick at the last noment and coudl not do this hike, however, i had the best experience with the tour group. They are very kind and professional. Given we were too late in our communication, we could not cancel the booking. Later, we were offered to join another group on another sunrise hike in the island without any extra charge. It was also very very cool and Nico n David took xare of organising the tour timely so we didn't miss our flight. I highly recommend this tour company their tours for exploring the island.”
Review of the Seven Hanging Valleys hike from Albufeira, Olhão, or Faro, with cliffs, Benagil views, local food, and practical tips.
“It was an amazing trip. The views were spectacular , the information provided by our guide was excellent. Loved learning about sinkholes, erosion and also about various plants in the area. The little snacks provided by our guide wife was a nice touch. I'd do that tour again, without hesitating.”
Review of Madeira’s 25 Fontes hike, with waterfalls, levadas, Laurisilva forest, transport tips, costs, difficulty, and guide details.
“We had a great experience with Magno! He provided a through tour and is very knowledgable (particularly about fruit and trees). He was very patient with all members of the tour! We would highly recommend him to anyone.”
Review of Madeira’s 10 km Lakes Levada hike from Funchal, with waterfalls, mountain swimming, forest views, guides, value, and practical tips.
“I did this trip with 2 kids, 8 and 11 years old. it was ok for them, they loved it. the views were amazing, the walk on the levada was mostly flat. we felt safe and it wasn't crowded. We highly recommand our guide, thank you Sarah!”
Review of Madeira’s self-guided 25 Fontes and Risco levada hike, with early pickup, trail advice, costs, route details, and practical tips.
“I chose to be picked-up at 6 A.M. and this is worth strong recommendation. Our driver, Pedro was very helpful. Instructed whole group about the hike. Starting as early is an absolute banger. You start when it is still dark, there are no people beside your small group, and while the sun is coming up, you follow this beautiful trail reaching the final point as the first ones during the day. You can go to two other PRs, what makes the tour even better. I highly recommend the tour, unbelivable experience.”
Review of Madeira’s self-guided Caldeirão Verde hike, with levadas, tunnels, waterfalls, transport details, costs, and practical tips.
“Very good experience. Our driver was on time, provided clear directions about the hike, and was helpful sharing information about Madeira.”
Hike the Algarve’s Seven Hanging Valleys with a guide, visiting Benagil, Carvalho Beach, and Praia da Marinha for $47.
Review of Madeira’s Caldeirão Verde hike through Queimadas Park, with tunnel tips, transport advice, difficulty, value, and booking guidance.
“An enjoyable walk but it took 2 half hrs to arrive at the walk/starting point and not enough emphasis on equipment (Torch) which is vital when walking though the dark low tunnels. Disappointed when we thought we had returned to the starting point (8 miles) but then had too walk a further mile and a quarter to catch the buse which had orginally dropped as at the starting point earlier in the day. Then to be taken to a village which we didn't know about when all we wished to do is go back to our hotel and shower/rest. This was an unnessary addition too a very long day. Not…”
Explore Madeira’s Fanal Forest on a guided hike among ancient trees, misty views, volcanic scenery, and quiet north coast lookouts.
“Ik kan allen maar enthousiast zijn. Over de gids: hij deed het super rustig, iedereen kon zijn tijd nemen met het nemen van foto's. Hij waarschuwde iedere keer weer als het sliplerig kon zijn. Hij vertelde veel tijdens de rit ernaar toe. Stopte op deze fantastische stop waar je onder de rots doorloopt. Vooral de rust en de tijd die je kreeg om te lopen en te kijken met de informatie die hij gaf waren TOP. Het was mijn beste laatste dag in Madeira!”
Review of Madeira’s PR9 Caldeirão Verde hike, with transfer details, route advice, costs, timing, crowds, and tips for a smooth day.
“The forest and scenery is beautiful! Personally I preferred the 25 Fontes and Risco waterfalls but the Caldeirão Verde waterfall is still pretty (just felt more crowded). If you are a bit anxious about heights just be mindful the last little stretch might make you a bit nervous (worth pushing through though). When it gets busy the paths are tight so letting people past is tricky. Luis was awesome at giving us insights to from the hike.”
Review of Madeira’s PR1 Pico do Arieiro hike transfer, including the adapted route, timing, pickup details, difficulty, price, and who should book.
“Really enjoyed the self guided aspect, you have 5 hours to complete the trail which is plenty of time to take lots of tests and photos. Can also wait at the cafe at the end if you arrive early. Hike itself is beautiful though extremely busy, often having to queue up behind one another. Lots of steps but doable with moderate fitness. Great communication with the company. Highly recommend”
Review of the Seven Hanging Valleys hike in Algarve, with Marinha, Benagil, coastal views, guide tips, price, route, and practical advice.
“Everything was perfect! Alex is the best guide ever! thanks fir everything!!!”
By the kind of day you want, or the country you are standing in.
