Are you a lover of excursions, do you have an adventurous spirit and love being in contact with nature? We have some suggestions for dream routes that can give you unique experiences, all year round. Discover, path by path, the natural (and cultural) heritage of the country. You can do it alone, with friends or family, but have fun.
1. Vereda do Areeiro (Madeira)
The Vereda do Areeiro trail connects two of the highest points on the island of Madeira: Pico do Areeiro (1817 metres) and Pico Ruivo (1861 metres). It was considered one of the five shortest and most beautiful trails in Europe by British Instagrammer Peter Elia, who has been walking trails around the world for over 20 years.
The route, with breathtaking landscapes, includes tunnels dug into the volcanic rock and some steep climbs and descents. And those who travel it have the pleasure of literally walking above the clouds.
This mountain trail starts next to the Pico Areeiro guesthouse and ends at the Casa de Abrigo do Pico Ruivo. One of the first points of interest is the Ninho da Manta viewpoint (named after a bird of prey that nests there). From this place it is possible to see the other elements that make up the landscape, such as the Fajã da Nogueira valley, São Roque do Faial and the Central Sierra.
Vereda do Areeiro also passes through Pico das Torres, the second highest point on the island (1853 metres).
When you reach Pico Ruivo, you can turn back and follow the trail in the opposite direction or, instead, follow the route that leads to Achada do Teixeira, where you can take a taxi back to Pico do Areeiro.
> Starting point: Pico do Areeiro viewpoint
> Arrival point: Pico Ruivo
> Distance: 7 km
> Difficulty: average
> Duration: 3h30
2. Paiva walkways (Arouca)
Integrated into the Arouca Geopark, this pedestrian route is one of the best known in our country. It is a path formed by a wooden structure that connects the village of Espiunca to the river beach of Areinho, for a length of eight kilometers. It winds along the left bank of the Paiva river, with ups and downs, and offers a unique panorama to anyone who ventures along it.
Halfway along the Passadiços do Paiva trail, you can take a shower and recover your energy for the rest of the route on the Vau River beach. If you don’t have vertigo you can cross the suspension bridge and visit the right bank of the river.
You can start the route in Espiunca or Areinho. But if you don’t have much physical stamina, it’s best to start with Areinho. And why? Because if you start from Espunca you will have to climb almost 500 steps at the end of the route.
To walk the Passadiços do Paiva trail you need to purchase a ticket. Find out how much tickets cost here.
> Starting point: Espunca or Areinho
> Arrival point: Espunca or Areinho
> Distance: 8.70 km
> Difficulty: high
> Duration: 2h30
3. Fisgas de Ermelo (Mondim de Basto)
The Fisgas de Ermelo trail is located in the Serra do Alvão. Those who follow it can admire one of the largest waterfalls in Europe: Fisgas de Ermelo. Upstream and downstream of the waterfall there are natural lagoons with crystal clear waters, called «piocas», which, on hot days, invite you to take a refreshing dip.
During the route it is also possible to witness the changing landscapes along the banks of the Olo river and pass through several mountain villages.
This beautiful trail, which begins and ends in the village of Ermelo, attracts thousands of visitors every year and brings together the best of the Douro, Minho and Trás-os-Montes regions. The best times of the year to hike this circular route are spring and autumn.
> Starting point: Ermelo
> Arrival point: Ermelo
> Distance: 12.4km
> Difficulty: high
> Duration: 4h30
4. Walk of the Monks (Sintra)
Inserted in the beautiful Serra de Sintra, in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, a World Heritage Site, this route takes visitors to see the Tholos do Monge, a prehistoric mass grave facing north and exploiting a natural depression in the granite.
The route begins next to the Convent of Santa Cruz dos Capuchos, founded in the 16th century by Franciscan friars. The Caminho do Monge trail climbs through mountain vegetation and passes places like Memória dos Soldados. This spot marks the site where 25 soldiers died while fighting the Great Fire of 1966.
At the highest point of the route, 491 meters above sea level, there is, in addition to the tomb, a geodesic pyramid. On clear days you can see Cabo Espichel, in Sesimbra. Then go down and return to the starting point. Tholos do Monge is, without a doubt, one of the most fascinating places that Sintra has to offer its visitors.
> Starting point: Capuchin Convent
> Arrival point: Capuchin Convent
> Distance: 4.5km
> Difficulty: Bass
> Duration: 1h45
5. Entre Montes (Faial – Azores)
Located in the town of Horta on the island of Faial, the Entre Montes trail runs between two volcanoes, Monte da Guia, which is underwater, and Monte Queimado, which is terrestrial. Opened in 2016, it is the first signposted trail running route in the Azores. The journey time is about an hour and a half and does not present particular difficulties, as it is an adaptation of an existing pedestrian path.
It is a circular route, which begins and ends next to the Porto Pim beach car park. The route passes through some panoramic points, such as that of Lira, where on one side of the shore you can see the bay and on the other the fort of São Sebastião. Along the route you can also see some maritime protection fortifications from the 16th and 17th centuries.
Due to the existence of these fortresses, the place was called Porto Pim (Flemish toponym meaning Porto Seguro). In this port there are two points of interest: an aquarium with the most common species of the Azores and the Dabney house.
> Starting point: Porto Pim beach
> Arrival point: Porto Pim beach
> Distance: 3.4km
> Difficulty: Bass
> Duration: 1h30
6. Drave Village (Arouca)
The main objective of those who walk this path is to discover the abandoned «Magic Village» of Drave. Located in a cave between the São Macário and Freita mountains, it is one of the most beautiful and serene villages in Europe.
To get to Drave Village you have to climb the mountain and then descend to the valley floor, for a total of four kilometers. But it’s worth it. The reward is a village with many centuries of history, in an (almost) untouchable and pure state, surrounded by high stone walls. Houses built of shale stand out in the landscape. On warm days, the thatched river, which runs through the village, is a tempting invitation to swim.
But the route has more to offer. Right at the beginning there is a point of interest: the village of Regoufe, where old tungsten mines from the Second World War are located.
> Starting point: Regoufe
> Arrival point: Drav
> Distance: 4km
> Difficulty: Bass
> Duration: 3h00
7. City of Chalcedónia (Gerês)
One of the main points of interest on this route is the Chalcedónia rock, famous for the crack that runs through it and leads to its summit. The greatest difficulty of the Path to the City of Chalcedónia is precisely crossing this crack.
It is advisable to do this with the help of a guide, as the gap is narrow and only allows one person to pass at a time. Crossing it is not recommended for those who suffer from claustrophobia. Once you reach the top of the rock, the view of the Serra do Gerês makes the effort worthwhile.
Next to the Calcedónio cliff it is possible to visit what remains of a fortified town from the Iron Age, subsequently occupied by the Romans. Hence the name “City of Chalcedon”.
> Starting point: Place of Calvary (Covide)
> Arrival point: Place of Calvary (Covide)
> Distance: 7 km
> Difficulty: medium-high
> Duration: 4h30
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