The Best Places For Hiking Near Lisbon

Besides being a vibrant capital city with a rich culture and arts scene, Lisbon offers plenty of outdoor activities and is surrounded by beautiful nature.

As a result, there are plenty of places to go hiking near Lisbon, such as the medieval town of Sintra and the rugged coastline close by. 

You’ll also find some nature trails in the city center at Monsanto Forest Park or in the northern suburb of Póvoa de Santa Iria.

So, whether you’re planning an extended trip or a weekend break to Lisbon, hiking is an excellent way to balance out the hustle and bustle of city life. 

Read on to discover our favorite spots for hiking near Lisbon.

You’ll find a mix of short and gentle hikes and long, challenging treks so you can choose the outdoor activity that fits with how many days in Lisbon you are spending.

Monsanto Blue Trail

• Distance: 4.7 miles (7.6 kilometers)
• Duration: 2-2.5 hours

The Monsanto Blue Trail is situated in Parque Florestal de Monsanto, a protected Forest Park in Lisbon city center. As the largest green area in the city center, it’s popular among tourists and locals looking for a nice scenic walk. 

As it’s a hilly area, there are multiple ascents and descents throughout the route, making it a moderate challenge.

The trail loops a large section of the park, passing by several attractions, including the 748-foot (228 meters) Monsanto hill in the center. It also gives many gorgeous vistas of the city and river.

Trilho Do Tejo (Zona da Póvoa)

• Distance: 4.6 miles (7.4 kilometers) one way
• Duration: 2 hours

Hiking this flat and gentle riverside trail in Póvoa de Santa Iria is an excellent way to spend a relaxed afternoon in the city.

With minimal elevation and wide accessible paths and boardwalks, the peaceful route is suitable for most fitness abilities. 

The path starts at Trilho Ribeirinho Tejo and hugs the Tagus River until Forte da Casa, passing through the untouched countryside along the way.

Note that it’s an out and back trail, so if you decide to do it both ways, you’ll need to include the additional time.

There are a few excellent restaurants along the way, though, so it’s easy to incorporate a leisurely lunch stop.

Amora To Seixal Bay

• Distance: 5.4 miles (8.7 kilometers) one way
• Duration: 2 hours

Another pleasant hiking trail close to the city center is the out and back route from Amora riverside park to Seixal Bay, a 30-minute drive from the city center.

It takes around two hours to walk this trail one way and it passes by the picturesque Quinta da Fidalga.

Although part of the route is adjacent to a road, the trail gives lovely riverside views the entire way.

Santuário Da Peninha Loop Trail

• Distance: 4.5 miles (7.2 kilometers) 
• Duration: 3-4 hours

The 19th-century Baroque chapel Santuário da Peninha sits atop a hill in the Serra de Sintra mountain range.

This trail starts from the Peninha parking lot and loops its way up to and around the chapel.

From the peak, you’ll enjoy expansive panoramas of the mountain range, and on a clear day, you’ll get a good view of Sintra town.

Cabo Da Roca To Azenhas Do Mar

• Distance: 6.7 miles (11 kilometers) one-way
• Duration: 4 – 5 hours

Cabo da Roca is a famous coastal viewpoint, historic lighthouse, and one of the most popular places for hiking near Lisbon.

The tranquil spot is less than an hour’s drive from the city center and gives incredible views of the Sintra mountain range and the ocean.

The 6.7-mile (11 km) Cabo da Roca to Azenhas do Mar coastal hike starts at the Cabo da Roca lighthouse and ends in the small village of Azenhas do Mar.

It passes four beautiful beaches, breathtaking viewpoints, and unique sights like the Fojo da Adraga cave by Praia da Aroeira. 

Rota Do Paredão Costa Da Caparica

• Distance: 3.4 miles (5.5 kilometers) one way
• Duration: 60-90 minutes

If you’re looking for an enjoyable beach walk not too far from the city, look no further than Costa da Caparica, a short 30-minute drive from town.

Costa da Caparica is home to a stunning sandy beach that stretches for miles.

Here you’ll find a pedestrian walkway that runs alongside a large section of the beach. 

The paved trail is flat and suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. You can start the path from the city park or join further down to make your walk shorter.

The walkway continues until Nova Praia but you can turn back anytime before.

Seteais Trail

• Distance: 2.2 miles (3.5 kilometers)
• Duration: 90 minutes

If you’re looking for a short walk in the picturesque town of Sintra, the Seteais Trail is a top option. The route starts from the historic Palácio de Seteais.

From here, it quickly begins its ascent up to the gorgeous hilltop Pena Palace, one of the most famous landmarks in the region. As it has a fair incline, the trail can be challenging at times.

Still, with the gorgeous forest-covered path, it feels peaceful throughout.

Plus, once you get to the top, you are rewarded with breathtaking views that you’ll quickly forget about the climb.

Sintra To Colares

• Distance: 7.2 miles (12 kilometers)
• Duration: 4 – 5 hours

The Sintra to Colares trail makes one of the best hikes near Lisbon, traveling through enchanted forests and over the Sintra Hills from one picturesque town to another.

The one-way route begins at the St. Martin Church in Sinta, heading west out of town and into the countryside. 

Along the way, you’ll pass by the majestic Monserrate Palace and the ruins of the chapel, making for an ideal stop-off.

Once you arrive in Colares, you can enjoy dinner at one of the incredible restaurants and possibly stay the night in town before catching a ride back to Lisbon. 

Final Thoughts On Hiking Around Lisbon

Lisbon is one of the most loved cities in Europe, blending modern with old perfectly. There is so much to do and see in this hilly capital city.

However, with so much picturesque scenery beyond the pastel-colored buildings, we recommend hiking around Lisbon at least once.

So let these best hikes near Lisbon inspire you to add a touch of nature and serenity to your upcoming city break. 

See what other Portugal travel posts spark your interest below:

• 10 days in Portugal itinerary 
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• Hiking near Porto