The Details
Like any modern-day, 21st century European city, the Portuguese capital Lisbon is a lively and dynamic metropolis, perfect for urban tourists: lovers of great local cuisine, landmark architecture, contemporary art and a vibrant and varied cultural scene.
If a more rural setting is your thing, the peace and quiet of the Portuguese countryside is close at hand. Northwest of Lisbon, you’ll find a barley-tamed Atlantic Coast of dramatic sea cliffs, and charming, whitewashed fishing villages. Your self-guided walking holiday begins here, nestled within the wild sand dunes which surround the Hotel Areias do Seixo. You’ll walk the Alcabrichel River trail from Vimeiro to Santa Cruz, before heading south on the coastal trail from Magoito, via the striking clifftop village of Azenhas do Mar, to Praia Grande.
Your next stop is the hilltop palace town of Sintra. Edging closer to the city and its suburban outpost of Estoril, you’ll explore the Parque Natural de Sintra on foot: a protected, diverse landscape which combines native forests and ancient vineyards, with medieval castles and fairytale hilltop palaces. Your journey ends in the beachfront town of Cascais: just a stone’s throw from the capital, this former playground of Portugal’s royal dynasties is a relaxing world away from the bustling streets of Lisbon.
This is our premium self-guided Sintra and Casais Walking Holiday: after day on the trails, your evenings are spent in comfortable luxury, and an in-house restaurant is on-hand to provide you with the best, seasonal, regional Portuguese cuisine. For the more budget conscious, we can help you to plan a personalised four-star walking holiday which explores the same beautiful trails.
