December 15, 2018

Portugal: Port Wine and Phenomenal Hiking

Europe Cultural Hiking & Trekking Traveler Stories

Portugal may be known for its decadent port wines, but head out on the trails and you’ll discover a fantastic world of adventure. One of our staff members joined our Hiker’s Journey to Portugal in September 2018, and came back with tales from the trail (and of course some bottles of delicious wine). Take a look at some of her favorite photos from the trip!

A narrow stone pathway runs between rustic stone buildings under a cloudy sky, leading towards a green hillside in the background, reminiscent of the scenic trails of Portugal. Perhaps after a day of hiking, one might indulge in a glass of Port Wine.

Portugal is truly a delight for the senses—from its quaint, picturesque villages that seem to be frozen in time to the hauntingly beautiful sounds of its fado music, to the taste of its delightful wine and regional dishes. My adventure in this wondrous land was an amazing experience. I learned more about Portugal’s culture and history, and explored its diverse and alluring landscape with a wonderful group of travelers.

A person sits on a wooden swing suspended over a shallow creek surrounded by trees and rocky terrain, with a white building visible in the background—an idyllic spot reminiscent of Portugal's phenomenal hiking trails.

On our first day, we hiked along forested trails that ended near this stream with a swing. Some of the group even took a refreshing dip.

A group of people, after hiking a rugged trail, stands in front of large wooden letters spelling "URBASA" on a rocky hilltop, with a cloudy sky behind them. The scene evokes the adventurous spirit akin to exploring Portugal’s scenic terrains and savoring the richness of Port Wine.

Here is our group in Lousã, one of the Portugal’s mountain towns that was the perfect base to explore Serra da Lousã mountains.

A group of hikers wearing backpacks and outdoor clothing navigate a rocky trail through a dense forest in Portugal, with some crossing a stone bridge.

The trails brought us through enchanting forests, down into valleys, and to wonderful lookouts over postcard-perfect towns.

A man and woman in hiking attire stand on a large rock overlooking a valley with a town nestled among hills and trees under a partly cloudy sky, relishing the phenomenal hiking experience in Portugal.

Luke and I with the village of Manteigas (“Butter” in English) in the background.

Person sits at the edge of an infinity pool in Portugal, overlooking a scenic valley with a river and terraced hills in the background under a partly cloudy sky, perhaps enjoying some Port Wine after a day of hiking.

Enjoying the view of the Douro river from the Quinta do Crasto winery. Our group had a wine tasting here and we had time to explore the vineyards.

A vast landscape of vineyards covering rolling hills and valleys, perfect for hiking enthusiasts, with a mountain range in the background under a clear sky. Experience the charm of Portugal while savoring the region’s famous Port Wine.

View of the spectacular Douro valley vineyards. This valley is famous for its red wines, but Quinta do Crasto winery also grows and harvests different types of white grapes that are indigenous to Portugal. And they are delicious!

A river flows through a valley with terraced hillsides and a few boats on the water. Small clusters of houses can be seen along the riverbank, reminiscent of Portugal's scenic hiking trails, where Port Wine vineyards dot the landscape.

The peaceful, meandering Douro river.

A group of traditional stone granaries, elevated on pillars and topped with crosses, is situated on a rocky hill in Portugal under a clear blue sky, perfect for hiking enthusiasts who may also savor some local Port Wine.

Different espigueiros, or granaries, we passed along the pilgrim route to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Peneda. They look like little cathedrals, but are used to dry grain.

A person with a backpack walks along a cobblestone path, flanked by stone walls and lush greenery under a clear blue sky in Portugal, perhaps enjoying a break from hiking to savor some local Port Wine.

Cobblestone path en route from Soajo to Peneda.

A stone pathway leads down a hill overlooking a village nestled between rolling green hills and mountains under a clear blue sky, reminiscent of the scenic trails in Portugal. This picturesque route is perfect for hiking enthusiasts, offering breathtaking views that pair as perfectly as port wine with local delights.

During our hike to the Sanctuary of our Lady of Peneda, we were rewarded with sweeping views of the town of Soajo.

Ornate stone staircase with multiple levels and decorative railings, leading up to a historic building in Portugal against a backdrop of trees and a partly cloudy sky. After a phenomenal hiking adventure, enjoy some local port wine while soaking in the beauty of this picturesque scene.

We made it! View of the Sanctuary of our Lady of Peneda. This is one of the stops on an important pilgrim route that is used to this day.

One evening, we stayed at Paco de Calheiros, a 17th century palace, and savored another wonderful wine tasting.

The view could not be beat. Right from the count’s estate in Ponte de Lima. We even met the Count of Calheiros himself!

Our local guide showing us around the town of Ponte de Lima. All of our local guides and our Trip Leaders really brought the spirit of the place to life.

A trip to Portugal would not be complete without a visit to a port winery. Our final days were spent in Porto, where we toured of Graham’s Port Lodge wine cellar…

…and enjoyed (another) wine tasting. Vintage, tawny, and ruby port. Oh my!

—Text by WT staff Rebecca Streicker-Calle; photos by Rebecca, Luke Curley, and Charmane Sia; Hiker’s Journey to Portugal.

Portugal: Port Wine and Phenomenal Hiking

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