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!
The most beautiful long-distance hikes in 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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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