Walking In Portugal

This guide describes 40 graded walks, ranging from gentle family strolls to strenuous mountain hikes (including Portugal's highest peak Torre). The mainly circular routes range from 5 to 25km, and there are also two longer walks of 2 to 4 days duration. The walks are spread throughout Portugal, with a focus on the country's many natural and national parks, including Peneda-Geres, Serra da Estrela and Costa Vicentina. Clear route description is illustrated with 1:50,000 mapping and a route summary table makes it easy to choose the right walk. As well as practical travel advice, there is information on Portugal's geology, history, plants, wildlife and agriculture and on numerous local points of interest. From the rugged mountains of the north to the UNESCO-listed Rio Douro river valley, from traditional schist villages to the unique geology of the Algarve coast, the walks have been carefully selected to showcase some of the best Portugal has to offer. They take in granite peaks, wildflower meadows, woodland, waterfalls, castles, churches and archeological remains.

This guidebook describes 33 walks in the beautiful Algarve in southern Portugal. Boasting good weather, easy access, stunning scenery and some great hiking trails, the region is a perfect destination for a walking holiday. It is best known for its spectacular coastline: the coastal trails presented here afford ample opportunity to admire the plunging sinkholes, striking sea-cliffs and rock-hugged beaches. However, the interior is every bit as beautiful and other walks explore the forested slopes of Monchique and the tranquil countryside between the mountains and coast. The routes range from 3.5 to 17km and cover the sun-kissed south coast, the rugged Vicentina Coast, the Monchique mountains and traditional villages of the eastern Algarve. Many can be accessed by public transport and details, along with tips on refreshment opportunities on route, are provided in the text. The route description is accompanied by clear mapping and notes on local points of interest. Showcasing the region's varied landscapes, highlights include Cabo de São Vicente, Europe's most southwesterly point; the Algarve's highest peak, Fóia (902m); historical sites; dramatic cliffs, arches and sea-stacks; and idyllic beaches. With information on the Algarve's history, plants and wildlife and advice on travel and potential bases, the guide is an ideal companion to exploring this captivating region.

The Rough Guide to Portugal is the essential travel guide with clear maps and coverage of the country's unique attractions. The Rough Guide to Portugal guides you around the fashionable cities of Lisbon and Porto, takes you hiking in the hills of central and northern Portugal, and covers every beach along the Algarve making it the ideal companion whether you're on a city break, beach holiday, walking or driving. The guide unearths the best sites, hotels, restaurants, and nightlife across every price range- from backpacker hostels to beachfront villas and boutique hotels. You'll find specialist coverage of Portugese history, art and literature and detailed information on the best markets and shopping for each region. The locally-based Rough Guide author team introduce the best vineyards, country taverns and fado clubs and provide reliable insider tips from driving Portugal's roads to shopping for linen and lace. Explore all corners of Portugal with authoritative background on everything from Porto's architecture to surfing at Peniche, relying on handy language tips and the clearest maps of any guide. Make the most of your holiday with The Rough Guide to Portugal.

Guidebook to walking Portugal's Rota Vicentina, a stunning yet remarkably little-visited 220km route down the south-western Atlantic coast, through the Alentejo and Algarve districts. The route, which is suitable for all fit walkers and is not technically difficult, is described across 12 stages, making it perfect for a 2-week holiday.

Now updated to include newer maps and photos and weighing less to support carefree traveling, these comprehensive guidebooks to the Camino de Santiago and its offshoots contain all the information needed by modern-day pilgrims wishing to walk the sacred Way of St. James. Overview route planners plus daily stage maps and detailed town plans help sojourners with as much advance preparation as they need. The maps feature contour guides to help distinguish the terrain that will be crossed each day, while full information on all pilgrim hostels, as well as details for alternative accommodation, allow travelers to plot adequate nightly stopping points. All reference information is accompanied by helpful spiritual guidelines to support the seeker's inner journey as well as the outer pilgrimage. Otherwise known as the Camino Frances, the main route covered in this volume is the most popular sacred route through Spain, from St. Jean Pied de Port to Santiago.

A comprehensive guide to walking in the Portuguese Azores, an archipelago of nine lush green islands in the North Atlantic Ocean. The 70 routes cover the three island groups: the Eastern Group (São Miguel and Santa Maria), Central Group (Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico and Faial) and Western Group (Flores and Corvo). Routes range from hour-long strolls to full-day outings and most use the islands' network of official waymarked trails, including sections of the multi-day GR1. Also included is an ascent of Pico, the highest mountain on Portuguese territory. The guidebook gives lots of practical information on travel to the Azores and between the different islands, as well as getting around by public transport. Full route descriptions are accompanied by 1:50,000 map extracts, plus notes on refreshment opportunities and local points of interest. The routes promise verdant green landscapes and astounding volcanic landforms, taking in forests, rocky slopes, cliff coast and waterfalls as well as a rich built heritage including churches, forts, windmills and harbours. Whether you prefer a single-base trip or an island-hopping adventure, you'll find stunning scenery at every turn. The mild climate makes this an ideal destination for year-round walking.