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Portugal
PORTUGAL NORTH BOUND: LISBON HILLS TO GERÊS WILD MOUNTAINS
Tiled facades tumbling down hills, port aging in cellars along the Douro, granite peaks sheltering secret waterfalls. Northern Portugal.
≈ 10
Days
792
Km
9
Stops
Depart from Lisbon toward Cascais and its sea air, then reach Porto and its cellars. Cross Arouca and its suspension bridge, then follow the Douro valley at Pinhão amid vineyards. End in Gerês, granite landscapes and natural pools, for a Portugal moving from city to open air.
- Lisbon: tiled hills tram nostalgia
- Porto: riverside cellars bridge views
- Pinhão: Douro terraces wine heart
- Gerês: granite wilderness swimming pools
Your day-by-day itinerary
1
Day
4 photos
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Jour 1: Begin your Portuguese adventure at the magnificent Praça do Comércio, Lisbon's grandest square opening dramatically onto the Tagus River. This monumental waterfront plaza, rebuilt after the devastating 1755 earthquake, served as the ceremonial gateway to Portugal's capital. The elegant arcaded buildings and triumphal arch create one of Europe's most impressive urban spaces.
2
Jour 1: Stroll along Rua Augusta, Lisbon's vibrant pedestrian thoroughfare connecting the waterfront to the heart of the Baixa district. Climb to the top of the Arco da Rua Augusta for sweeping views over the geometric streets of downtown and the glittering Tagus beyond. This lively street buzzes with outdoor cafés and traditional shops beneath elegant 18th-century façades.
3
Jour 1: Ascend in the Elevador de Santa Justa, an extraordinary neo-Gothic iron lift designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel in 1902. This remarkable piece of urban engineering whisks passengers 45 meters up through an ornate wrought-iron tower to the Carmo neighborhood. The viewing platform reveals a stunning panorama across Lisbon's terracotta rooftops.
4
Jour 1: Explore the hauntingly beautiful ruins of the Convento do Carmo, a Gothic monastery left roofless since the catastrophic earthquake of 1755. The skeletal arches reaching toward the open sky create one of Lisbon's most atmospheric sites. Today the ruins house an archaeological museum with artifacts spanning from prehistoric times to the medieval period.
+7 Places visited
Activities
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Jour 1: Wander through the elegant Chiado district, Lisbon's traditional quarter of intellectuals, artists, and literary cafés where Fernando Pessoa once held court. This sophisticated neighborhood bridges the lower city with the bohemian heights of Bairro Alto, offering excellent shopping and charming squares. The area's cultural significance and refined atmosphere make it perfect for afternoon exploration.
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Jour 2: Ride the legendary Tram 28, a vintage yellow streetcar rattling through Lisbon's most picturesque neighborhoods on its winding route. This living piece of transport history climbs impossibly steep streets, squeezes through narrow passages, and passes major landmarks. The journey aboard these century-old wooden trams provides an authentic way to experience the city's dramatic topography.
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Jour 2: Watch sunset from the Miradouro de Santa Luzia, a romantic terrace overlooking the Alfama rooftops and the sparkling Tagus. Bougainvillea-draped pergolas, decorative azulejo panels, and palm trees frame views stretching to distant hills. This beloved viewpoint captures Lisbon's melancholic beauty as the city glows in evening light.
+3 Optional activities
Next stop
Distance:
32 km
Travel time:
38min
2
Day
6 photos
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Journey to Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape where romantic palaces rise from forested hillsides. Portuguese royalty chose this misty mountain retreat for summer residences, leaving an extraordinary concentration of architectural treasures. The town's fairytale atmosphere has captivated visitors from Lord Byron to modern travelers.
2
Explore the Palácio Nacional de Sintra, the medieval royal palace dominating the town center with distinctive conical kitchen chimneys visible for miles. This summer residence preserves remarkable interiors including rooms covered in decorative azulejo tiles and elaborate Mudéjar ceilings. The palace represents the longest continuously inhabited royal residence in Portugal.
3
Ascend to the Palácio da Pena, a flamboyant 19th-century palace crowning the highest peak in an explosion of color and architectural fantasy. This romantic masterpiece combines Gothic towers, Manueline decoration, Moorish elements, and Renaissance domes in a riot of yellows, reds, and blues. The surrounding park of exotic trees extends the magical atmosphere across the mountainside.
4
Stand at Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe, where dramatic cliffs plunge into the Atlantic beneath a historic lighthouse. This windswept headland marks where the European landmass meets the ocean. The raw power of crashing waves, soaring cliffs, and endless horizon creates a profound sense of standing at the edge of the world.
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Conclude the day in Cascais, an elegant beach resort attracting aristocrats since Portuguese royalty made it their summer playground. The charming old town features cobbled pedestrian streets, whitewashed buildings, and a picturesque fishing harbor still in use. Sandy beaches and relaxed coastal atmosphere provide the perfect transition before heading north.
Next stop
Distance:
340 km
Travel time:
3h30
3
Day
10 photos
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Arrive in Porto, Portugal's vibrant northern capital where the historic center cascades down hillsides to the Douro River. The UNESCO World Heritage Ribeira district reveals layers of history in its medieval streets, baroque churches, and iconic azulejo-covered buildings. This atmospheric city serves as the gateway to the magnificent wine country and wild landscapes of the north.
2
Cross the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, the double-deck iron arch spanning the Douro that has become Porto's most recognizable landmark. The upper level offers pedestrians spectacular views over the historic center and the port wine cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia opposite. This engineering marvel connects the old city with centuries of winemaking tradition.
3
Stroll from the Dom Luís I Bridge along the Douro River to the Felgueiras Lighthouse at Foz, where the river meets the Atlantic Ocean. This scenic waterfront walk passes through historic neighborhoods, riverside promenades, and traditional fishing communities. The lighthouse marks the dramatic meeting point of river and sea with spectacular coastal views.
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Experience the surf culture at Matosinhos beach just outside Porto, an excellent destination for surfers with gentle waves and sandy bottom. Local surf schools offer lessons for all levels on this accessible beach break. The consistent Atlantic swells make it one of northern Portugal's most popular spots for riding waves.
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Paddle along the Douro River on a kayaking or stand-up paddleboard excursion through the heart of Porto. Gliding beneath the city's six bridges provides unique perspectives on terraced hillsides and historic architecture. This tranquil urban paddling experience offers a different rhythm to exploring this atmospheric city.
Next stop
Distance:
65 km
Travel time:
1h
4
Day
4 photos
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Explore the Arouca UNESCO Global Geopark, a protected landscape renowned for extraordinary geological heritage including the famous Giant Trilobites of Canelas. This territory surrounded by the Freita, Montemuro, and Arada mountain ranges represents millions of years of Earth's history preserved in remarkable rock formations. The geopark offers adventure activities amid dramatic natural scenery.
2
Walk the Passadiços do Paiva, a spectacular 8-kilometer wooden boardwalk zigzagging along the Paiva River gorge. This engineering marvel passes thundering waterfalls, sheer cliffs, and pristine swimming holes carved into bedrock. The walkways provide safe access to one of Portugal's most dramatic river landscapes previously inaccessible to visitors.
Activities
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Cross the 516 Arouca, one of the longest pedestrian suspension bridges in the world, stretching 516 meters across the Paiva River gorge at 175 meters height. This thrilling walkway offers breathtaking views of the valley far below and surrounding mountain landscape. Advance tickets are required for this unforgettable adventure experience.
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Challenge yourself with white water rafting on the Paiva River, considered one of Portugal's premier destinations for river sports. Rapids range from gentle to demanding, with professional guides leading expeditions through spectacular gorge scenery. Kayaking and canyoning adventures provide different ways to experience this remarkable waterway.
Next stop
Distance:
45 km
Travel time:
55min
5
Day
4 photos
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Discover the São Pedro do Sul region, known for picturesque scenery of thick green forests, crystal-clear rivers, and rolling hills dotted with charming villages. This area has been inhabited since Roman times, with ancient ruins visible alongside medieval architecture in narrow cobblestone streets. The sweet-scented eucalyptus forests and peaceful solitude make this ideal for nature lovers.
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Relax in the natural thermal baths of São Pedro do Sul, used for healing properties since ancient Roman times. The hot mineral springs are rich in sulfur believed to have therapeutic benefits for various ailments. These historic thermal waters continue drawing wellness seekers to this tranquil corner of northern Portugal.
3
Drive the thrilling Estrada do Portal do Inferno (Road to Hell's Gate), a dramatic mountain road featuring steep gradients, sharp bends, and vertical cliff edges. This spectacular drive passes through northern Portugal's most dramatic highland scenery with viewpoints offering sweeping vistas. The narrow winding route demands attention but rewards with unforgettable landscapes.
Activities
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Hike the excellent trails through São Pedro do Sul's forests to discover hidden waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. The network of paths winds through fragrant woodland, along rushing streams, and up to panoramic ridgelines. These walks offer perfect opportunities to experience the region's natural beauty away from any crowds.
Next stop
Distance:
20 km
Travel time:
35min
6
Day
2 photos
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Ascend Serra de São Macário, a mountain range offering some of the finest panoramic views in all of northern Portugal. The winding drive to the summit is an adventure itself, with narrow roads climbing through dramatic highland landscapes. At the top, sweeping vistas extend across valleys, villages, and distant mountain ranges in every direction.
2
Visit Aldeia da Pena, one of northern Portugal's most isolated and picturesque traditional stone villages hidden deep in a valley. Narrow cobbled streets covered with straw wind between rough-hewn stone houses that seem grown from the landscape. Goats roam freely, their bells mingling with a murmuring stream, creating an atmosphere unchanged for centuries.
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Watch sunset from the summit of Serra de São Macário, where peace and spectacular scenery create truly magical moments. The elevated viewpoint often provides complete solitude with surrounding landscape bathed in golden light. Hiking trails radiate from the summit through forests and across high moorland for further exploration.
Next stop
Distance:
80 km
Travel time:
1h30
7
Day
2 photos
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Enter the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape of steeply terraced vineyards cascading to one of Europe's most scenic rivers. This is the world's oldest demarcated wine region, where port wine has been produced for centuries using traditional methods. The dramatic scenery of vine-covered slopes and whitewashed quintas creates Portugal's most iconic landscape.
2
Explore the Alto Douro Wine Region on foot, hiking through working vineyards and peaceful traditional villages perched on hillsides. Walking trails wind between terraced slopes cultivated since Roman times, passing ancient olive groves and almond orchards. Natural beauty, agricultural heritage, and warm hospitality make this an unforgettable hiking destination.
3
Travel along the historic Douro railway line, opened in 1887 and considered one of the world's most scenic train journeys. The tracks follow the river from Porto to Pocinho, passing through tunnels and over bridges spanning tributary valleys. This engineering marvel provides a relaxing way to absorb magnificent valley scenery.
Activities
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Cycle through the Douro Valley's vineyard-covered hillsides, orchards, and traditional villages along riverside trails and mountain climbs. The steep terrain rewards cyclists with spectacular views from elevated roads. E-bikes are highly recommended for those less accustomed to hills, allowing everyone to enjoy this magnificent cycling landscape.
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Paddle the slow-flowing Douro River by kayak or canoe, gliding beneath towering cliffs and past terraced vineyards reflected in calm waters. This peaceful experience allows stops at riverside beaches and local villages for food and wine. The river perspective reveals the full grandeur of this UNESCO-protected landscape.
Next stop
Distance:
140 km
Travel time:
2h20
8
Day
2 photos
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Enter Peneda-Gerês National Park, Portugal's only national park protecting a wilderness of mountains, ancient forests, and cascading waterfalls. The park encompasses the Peneda, Soajo, Amarela, and Gerês mountain ranges reaching 1,545 meters at their highest. This remarkable landscape harbors diverse wildlife in pristine environments earning Portugal's highest protection level.
2
Visit Soajo, a traditional mountain village serving as an excellent hiking base, known for its unique espigueiros-historic stone granaries raised on granite pillars. These distinctive structures used for centuries to store and dry corn create one of the park's most photographed scenes. Stone houses and ancient churches reflect enduring traditions of this remote mountain community.
3
Discover the Mourela Plateau rising to approximately 1,000 meters, recognized as one of the national park's premier birdwatching locations. This high moorland habitat supports diverse avian species thriving in heather, grassland, and boggy terrain. The plateau's open landscapes provide excellent visibility for spotting raptors and migrating species throughout the year.
Activities
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Hike the trails of Peneda-Gerês including the adventurous Grande Rota traversing the park's most spectacular scenery. Shorter circular walks pass through forests, past waterfalls, and to scenic viewpoints. The park's five 'gates' offer visitor information centers with detailed hiking maps and guidance.
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Seek adventure at waterfalls where canyoning and cliff jumping trips provide adrenaline-fueled ways to experience dramatic water features. Professional guides lead expeditions through gorges, down cascades, and into crystal-clear pools surrounded by granite cliffs. Swimming and sunbathing at natural pools offer refreshing rewards after hiking.
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Relax in the natural thermal waters of Caldas do Gerês, a spa village famous for hot springs since Roman times. The therapeutic waters emerge at temperatures ideal for soothing tired muscles after active days in the mountains. This traditional wellness destination provides perfect complement to outdoor adventures.
Next stop
Distance:
70 km
Travel time:
1h20
9
Day
6 photos
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Explore the Minho region, Portugal's greenest area tucked into the northwest corner where the River Minho forms a natural border with Spain. The Lima Valley stretches from Peneda-Gerês to the Atlantic at Viana do Castelo, creating a corridor of lush landscapes. This peaceful region rewards visitors with authentic culture, excellent hiking, and refreshing local Vinho Verde wines.
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Discover the Costa Verde stretching along the Minho's Atlantic shoreline with quiet, unspoilt beaches and traditional fishing villages. Unlike crowded southern resorts, this coastline offers authentic seaside experiences where fishing traditions endure. The dramatic meeting of green hills and Atlantic surf creates landscapes quite different from famous southern beaches.
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Visit Viana do Castelo, an elegant port town at the Lima River mouth with rich maritime heritage dating to the Age of Discovery. The historic center features remarkable Manueline architecture, traditional markets, and the spectacular hilltop Santa Luzia sanctuary offering panoramic coastal views. This cultured city serves as the Minho's gateway to the sea.
Activities
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Walk the Rio Minho Trail, an ecotrail following the river course along an old railway line through tranquil riverside landscapes and traditional villages. The gentle terrain makes this suitable for walkers of all abilities seeking natural beauty. The route near the Spanish border reveals the region's serene character.
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Canoe or kayak the rivers of the Minho region, where calm waters wind through lush valleys and past historic towns. The low-lying western area offers excellent conditions for paddling suitable for families and beginners. More experienced paddlers can seek white water rafting for adrenaline-pumping rapids.
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Sample Vinho Verde, the region's signature wine, in local quintas and village tavernas throughout the Minho. This light, slightly sparkling white wine is lower in alcohol and perfectly refreshing after outdoor activities. The name means 'green wine' referring to the lush landscape where grapes are grown.
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❓ Frequently asked questions
What weather should you expect?
Late Spring (April-June): Perfect weather conditions (18-25°C) with mild temperatures, moderate rainfall, and blooming landscapes. Ideal for exploring cities, coastal areas, and countryside with comfortable conditions and fewer crowds than summer.
Early Autumn (September-October): Excellent temperatures after summer heat, warm ocean waters, and stable weather patterns. Best time for beach activities combined with cultural exploration, moderate prices and pleasant conditions.
Winter (November-March): Mild temperatures (10-18°C) with increased rainfall but lowest prices and authentic experiences. Good for cultural immersion, indoor attractions, and experiencing Portuguese daily life without tourist crowds.
Summer (July-August): Peak season with hottest weather (25-35°C), highest prices, and largest crowds. Perfect for beach holidays but challenging for extensive sightseeing in inland areas due to heat intensity.
How many days should I plan?
We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 8 and 12 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.
What to discover in Portugal?
Atlantic charm with stunning coastlines, rich history, and authentic culture. Experience traditional fado music, beautiful cities, and genuine Portuguese hospitality. The country offers cultural depth with natural beauty and culinary excellence. Portugal provides authentic European experiences with natural wonders and cultural richness.