Porto is a beautiful city in Portugal, known for its rich culture, history, and delicious cuisine. However, there's much more to Porto than meets the eye. Beyond the city limits lie a plethora of natural wonders and stunning landscapes that are just waiting to be explored. And what better way to explore them than by going on a hike? In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at some of the best hiking spots in Porto that you simply must add to your itinerary.
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Peneda-Gerês National Park
First on our list is the breathtaking Peneda-Gerês National Park. This natural wonderland is located in the northern part of Portugal, around 100 kilometers from Porto. It's a beautiful park that offers various hiking trails for different levels of hikers. You can opt for an easy hike or a challenging one, depending on your preference. The park is home to numerous waterfalls, rivers, and lagoons that add to its beauty. You can also spot some wildlife, such as wild horses, deer, and wolves, during your hike. The park is open all year round, but it's advisable to visit during the spring or autumn season when the weather is pleasant.
Douro Valley
Another must-visit hiking spot in Porto is the stunning Douro Valley. Located around 100 kilometers from Porto, this valley is known for its breathtaking views and scenic trails. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a beginner, the Douro Valley offers something for everyone. You can opt for a short hike or a long one, depending on your fitness level. The valley is known for its vineyards, and you can also take a break during your hike to sample some delicious wine. The best time to visit the Douro Valley is during the autumn season when the leaves change their color, and the valley looks absolutely stunning.
Serra da Freita
If you're up for a challenge, then the Serra da Freita mountain range should be on your list. Located in the southern part of Porto, around 50 kilometers from the city, this mountain range offers some of the most challenging hiking trails in the region. The views from the top are simply spectacular, and you can spot some unique rock formations, such as the Frecha da Mizarela waterfall, during your hike. It's advisable to have some experience before attempting the more challenging trails, but the effort is definitely worth it. The best time to visit Serra da Freita is during the spring or autumn season when the weather is mild.
Passadiços do Paiva
For a more leisurely hike, head to the wooden walkway known as Passadiços do Paiva. Located in the Arouca Geopark, around 50 kilometers from Porto, this walkway is built along the Paiva River and offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding landscape. The walkway is around 8 kilometers long and takes around 2-3 hours to complete. You can also opt for a longer hike that includes the walkway and some of the nearby trails. The best time to visit Passadiços do Paiva is during the spring or autumn season when the weather is mild.
Alvão Natural Park
Last but not least, we have the Alvão Natural Park, located in the northeast of Portugal, around 100 kilometers from Porto. This park is a true nature lover's paradise, with various hiking trails that take you through forests, rivers, and waterfalls. You can also spot some wildlife, such as otters, wild boars, and golden eagles, during your hike. The park is open all year round, but it's advisable to visit during the spring or autumn season when the weather is pleasant.
As you can see, there's much more to Porto than meets the eye. From the Peneda-Gerês National Park to the Douro Valley, Serra da Freita, Passadiços do Paiva, and Alvão Natural Park, there's a wealth of natural beauty just waiting to be explored. So, if you're planning a trip to Porto, make sure to add these hiking spots to your itinerary. We’ve reached the end of the article about best hiking spots in Porto. In the meantime, you can read other articles on our website. Remember to follow us @thewalkingparrot to be continuously updated on the new releases. We will be back soon with a new article!