The southern side of the Douro Valley gets far less attention than the north, which makes it perfect for an off-the-beaten-track walking holiday. I had the privilege of experiencing this 1-week, self-guided hiking vacation in the Douro wine region while working on the written descriptions and route instructions that theRead More →
Portugal has many spectacular hiking trails to offer, with a range of difficulty levels and a huge variety in landscapes. I’ve had the pleasure of walking in every region of mainland Portugal as well as many of the islands of Madeira and the Azores. Here are some of my favouriteRead More →
If you’re trying to choose between the Coastal Portuguese Camino de Santiago and the more widely-known Central Camino Portugues, this article is for you. I’ve walked both of these routes north of Porto, starting with part of the Coastal route. Both have their plus points and I can’t say thatRead More →
Since hiking both of the two main Portuguese Camino de Santiago pilgrim routes between Porto and Santiago de Compostela, I have advised hundreds of people on their Camino itineraries. Use my insider tips and expert information to help you decide whether walking the Camino Portugês is the right walking holidayRead More →
Imagine a cluster of rust-coloured stone cottages nestled in the hills, seemingly untouched by modern life. Surrounded by forests, mountain streams and river beaches, the schist villages of Central Portugal are idyllic and special. As you walk from village to village on this self-guided or guided walking holiday, you’ll experienceRead More →
If the idea of spending a week walking from village to village in the mountains of northern Portugal appeals to you, this could be the tour for you. In the Peneda-Gerês National Park, you’ll get a variety of landscapes and terrains and stunning views as well as the chance toRead More →
The Central Portuguese Camino de Santiago is the most established route and the second most popular Camino route after the French Way. But is it the right one for you? Hopefully, this article will help you make that decision. As well as giving you information about the Central Portuguese CaminoRead More →
Knowing how hilly the Douro wine region is, I was a little apprehensive about doing a week-long walking holiday in the Douro Valley. Nevertheless, the promise of spectacular views and the experience of hiking from village to village were enticing enough to push myself beyond my normal comfort zone. (Don’t letRead More →
The unspoilt Alentejo coast offers incredible views and dramatic scenery. From small sandy coves to wide golden beaches and cliff-backed shores, the coastline is ever-changing and immensely photo-worthy. As you make your way from village to village, you’ll encounter wildflowers, sand dunes, rare storks and a host of other wildlife.Read More →