Why book a walking holiday in Portugal in 2026
When it comes to travel, Portugal is often known for its beautiful beaches, charming towns, and world-class cuisine. But beyond the obvious attractions, it’s also one of Europe’s best destinations for a walking holiday. And it’s no surprise when you consider the stunning weather you get, perfect landscapes, and that it’s fairly easy to get to from most countries.
When going on a walking holiday in Portugal, you can enjoy coastal strolls, mountain treks, or cultural routes steeped in history. Whether you’re after a gentle ramble or a more challenging adventure, the country offers something for every type of walker.
Below, we have put together our guide on why you should book a walking holiday in Portugal in 2026.
Beautiful scenery
We’ve already touched on this, and for good reason – Portugal is full of breathtaking places to explore on foot. Almost every turn reveals stunning landscapes, from rugged cliffs and golden beaches to rolling hills and verdant vineyards. Whether you’re hiking along the coast or trekking through the mountains, the scenery alone makes every step memorable. If there is one thing you should bring with you on your hike (along with your safety precautions), it is a camera – you’ll have countless opportunities to take photos, especially on the Fisherman´s Trail.
Good weather year-round
You can never trust the weather, but on the whole, Portugal tends to enjoy a mild climate for much of the year, with spring and autumn being especially ideal for walking holidays. Warm days, cool evenings, and plenty of sunshine mean you can cover miles comfortably without the extremes of heat or cold. Even in winter, southern Portugal remains pleasantly walkable compared to much of Europe. The best thing to do is look up the average temperature of Portugal for the months you are likely to go, for a good estimate. Try to avoid the months when the weather is too hot or too cold, as hiking in extreme temperatures isn’t nice.
A safe place to hike
You could argue this is the most important and could be number one – Portugal is known to be a very safe place to go on walking holidays. Safety should be a priority of yours, whether that’s the safety of the routes themselves or the areas you will be hiking. Portugal has invested heavily in its walking routes, making them safe, accessible, and well signposted. You can generally expect good phone reception along most routes, easy access to accommodations, and reliable local support, giving you peace of mind throughout your adventure.
We think you’ll have a great time going on a walking holiday in Portugal. It offers so much and you will fall in love with the country. Will you be booking a walking holiday to Portugal next year, and if so, where will you be going? What do you love most about Portugal? Is there anything missing in our guide that you think we should be adding? Let us know in the comment box below. We look forward to hearing from you.
