Porto is a magnificent city, full of history and wonder, and one of Portugal’s 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
As a result, there are many great places for hiking near Porto along with impressive ancient sights here, including São Francisco Church and Bolsa Palace.
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So while walking through the old town is a must-do, going hiking in Porto is an unmissable experience.
We’re sharing the seven best hikes near Porto, from riverside hikes to coastal treks and stunning trails in the Douro Valley.
Foz Do Douro A Alameda Basílio Teles
- Distance: 4.5 miles (7.2 kilometers) one way
- Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
This 4.5-mile riverside walk is gentle, flat, and close to Porto city center.
You’ll spot many of Porto’s top sights on this urban hiking route, including the Ponte da Arrábida bridge.
It’s an excellent way to combine sightseeing with hiking.
Moreover, as you pass by many lovely riverside restaurants and cafes, you can include a stop-off for lunch with a view.
The out and back trail runs directly beside the Douro river. It passes many landscaped gardens and green spaces, such as Jardim de Sobreiras.
It starts in Jardim do Passeio Alegre in Foz do Douro and ends at Alameda Basílio Teles. Still, you can make the walk shorter by turning back at the bridge.
Camino Português Coastal: Porto To Vila Do Conde
- Distance: 17.6 miles (28 kilometers) one way
- Duration: 7 – 8 hours
The Camino Português Coastal trail is undoubtedly the best place for day hiking near Porto.
The entire Camino Portugues begins in Porto and finishes in Santiago, covering around 500 miles and taking on average 30 days.
The trail is traditionally used by pilgrims from Portugal but today makes a challenging trek for experienced hikers and explorers.
However, you don’t have to schedule one month to taste this spiritual voyage.
Instead, you can hike just the first section, which will take you between 7 and 8 hours, making for a challenging but rewarding day hike.
It starts in Viana do Castelo, not far from the city of Porto, and the trail is well marked the entire way to Vila do Conde.
There’s an overall elevation gain of 525 meters, but the ascents are gradual for the most part.
Upon Viana do Castelo, you’ll pass many famous landmarks before reaching the coast and countryside for beautiful natural scenery.
Passadiços Do Paiva
- Distance: 5.5 miles (8.9 kilometers) one way
- Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
The Passadiços do Paiva (Paiva Walkways) is a scenic riverside hiking area with 5.5 miles of steep wooden walkways.
It’s located at Arouca Geopark, around an hour’s drive from Porto.
The trail is clearly marked and well maintained, making it one of the best hikes near Porto for tourists.
You can start this out and back trail from either end, but most people walk downstream.
There are many small beaches along the way where you can stop to take a swim or enjoy a picnic lunch.
The geopark has diverse landscapes with both forested and mountainous terrain.
There are also some ancient monuments and plenty of wildlife in the park, along with restaurants at both ends.
Staying In Porto?
Make sure to book a stay in one of the best hotels in Porto.
Best hostel: Porto Wine Hostel
Best mid-range hotel: BessaHotel Baixa
Best luxury hotel: InterContinental Porto – Palacio das Cardosas
Lamego Trail – Port Wine Trail
- Distance: 4.3 miles (7 kilometers) one way
- Duration: 3 – 3.5 hours
The Douro Valley is Portugal’s most picturesque wine region and is just a 90-minute drive from Porto; thus, one of the best areas to go hiking around Porto.
The circular Lamego Trail starts and ends in the small village of Samodães, and the trailhead is by the village church.
From here, you can follow the path in either direction.
After passing through the village, the trail opens out into the fields, where you’ll be greeted by breathtaking views of the countryside.
You’ll experience a few steep ascents and descents throughout the route, with an altitude gain of 450 meters, making it moderately challenging.
However, the stunning scenery you’ll pass along this route makes it totally worth it.
Moreover, you can reward yourself with a wine-tasting session at the nearby vineyards afterward.
São Bento Route
- Distance: 7.4 miles (12 kilometers)
- Duration: 3 – 4 hours
The São Bento Route is a circular trail in Aboadela, less than one hours drive from Porto.
It starts and ends at Ponte de Fundo de Rua and forms part of the historic Romanesque route.
It involves a 550-meter climb to the top of a hill where you’ll see the lands of Basto on one side and mountainous terrain on the other.
The trail also passes the 18th-century monument Ovelha do Marão and the ruins of an old inn.
Rota De Marancinho
- Distance: 3.7 miles (6 kilometers)
- Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
The Marancinho route in Gondar, Amarante, is another hiking trail that forms part of the Romanesque Route.
The looped course starts and ends at Igreja de Santa Maria de Gondar and follows a stream, passing by several other parishes.
The terrain varies throughout the trail, including small forests of pines, cork oaks, and chestnut trees and gorgeous views of the valley and mountains.
Serra De Canelas / Negrelos
- Distance: 4.2 miles (6.8 kilometers)
- Duration: 2 hours
Serra de Canelas / Negrelos is a small forested hiking area just south of Porto.
There are many short trails here, but you can loop the entire park for a long walk, covering just over 4 miles.
Along with the tranquil forest setting, you’ll pass by ponds and unique sights like the Baloiço da Serra de Canelas.
Unfortunately, the trail can get muddy during rainy periods, and the route itself is pretty wild. Therefore, it’s not accessible for strollers or wheelchairs.
Final Thoughts On Porto Hiking Trails
Porto and its surrounding areas offer a diverse range of terrain and scenery.
Although many tourists enjoy exploring the Portuguese countryside by car, hiking around Porto is an excellent idea if you’re looking to stay fit during your travels.
If you head 3 hours south, you will find a lot more options for hiking in Sintra.
Additionally, if you’re traveling to Portugal soon, read one of the following guides:
