Want to go hiking in Portugal? Or perhaps cycling? Outdoor recreation is the new hot thing in Portugal if you believe the country's representatives. On Monday evening, we mingled at the Portuguese Embassy in Stockholm while seeing lots of inspiring pictures. And we were actually extra curious about one specific region ...
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ShareMingle at the Portuguese Embassy
On Monday, we mingled with representatives of Portugal's different regions, travel agencies that organise trips to Portugal and some journalists and bloggers. Among other things, we got the chance to talk for a while with Gunilla, who runs the well-written and entertaining travel blog. 4000 mil. And then we were treated to Portuguese wine and a variety of Portuguese treats, such as cured meats, cheeses and pastries.
Cycling or hiking in Portugal?
Portugal is currently being promoted as a great place to go cycling or hiking. The country is already known for sunbathing, surfing and golf, but it has more to offer.
The different regions of Portugal showed pictures and told us about hiking trails and mountain bike rides, but also about charming rural villages, small castles built on high hills, dramatic cliffs, vineyards and local food. Among other things. We travelled around with our motorhome in Portugal in 2015, and can agree that this is an amazingly beautiful country. The photos below are from our trip.
We became curious about Madeira
For ourselves, we became curious about Madeira. This island group belongs to Portugal, but is geographically closer to the African continent than to Europe. We saw a lot of pictures from here and it seems to be very beautiful.
The island offers sun and swimming, of course, but also nature, hiking, spas and festivals. Perhaps you've been to Madeira and have some experiences to share?
You might also like:
Kullahalvön and Kullaberg nature reserve
Panská skála - a natural phenomenon in the Czech Republic
Devil heads in the Czech Republic - and two other spooky hikes
Saxon Switzerland - day trip from the Czech Republic to Germany
The pulpit on Getsvedjeberget - the best photo spot on the High Coast?
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Lena - good for the soul says:
Yes, Portugal really seems to have become hot! I'm a little hungry myself actually. Have not been to Madeira or the rest of Portugal.
Hug Lena
14 March 2018 - 6:11
Helena says:
Portugal is fantastic! 🙂 We would love to go there again, but right now we are most excited about Madeira 😉.
14 March 2018 - 7:09
Britt-Marie Lundgren says:
Our experience of mainland Portugal is only a week of golf south of Lisbon and, of course, a visit to the charming capital. A motorhome trip down there is tempting when time permits.
We have explored Madeira in most ways in one week; beautiful, yes, but I would rather choose the Azores.
I was on Sao Miguel for two weeks (admittedly almost 15 years ago), but it was an island with absolutely incredible nature experiences, hikes, dolphins, hot springs and lovely vegetation.
14 March 2018 - 6:20
Helena says:
The Azores also sounds interesting! We can highly recommend travelling with a motorhome in Portugal! Nice and easy 🙂
14 March 2018 - 7:10
Lennart says:
We like Portugal, fifth winter now!
14 March 2018 - 7:20
Helena says:
Great! 🙂
14 March 2018 - 9:59
Solan says:
The campervan has soon rolled all over the mainland of Portugal. The city of Porto is a favourite.
We have levada-walked on Maderia. Beautiful and not at all strenuous. Those afraid of heights can be quite challenged on some of them. The levadas then?
14 March 2018 - 7:29
Helena says:
Porto looks incredibly nice in the picture! Have not been there unfortunately ... I'm afraid of heights, but I'm still curious ... ???
14 March 2018 - 10:01
Travel Linda says:
Portugal has definitely emerged as an interesting destination last year as we have relatives who have moved there. I also think they have become more visible in other places, otherwise it might just be me who has started to notice it. I don't think we will go there on this year's trip, but it is definitely on the list!
14 March 2018 - 8:07
Helena says:
So practical with relatives there! Then it will be perfect to visit 😉.
14 March 2018 - 10:05
Anette Åhnbrink says:
Portugal was definitely a favourite! And we actually looked at flights to both Madeira and the Azores while we were there! But maybe it will be next time! We have a lot to see in Portugal and it is definitely on our list this year as well?
14 March 2018 - 8:48
Helena says:
Agree that Portugal is a country that gives you a taste for the future 🙂.
14 March 2018 - 10:05
Annika says:
Portugal is absolutely amazing! We planned to fly over to Madeira too but there is no time because there is so much to explore!!!!
14 March 2018 - 9:17
Helena says:
Hard to find time for everything you want! But Madeira is still there 😉
14 March 2018 - 10:06
Mr Nils-Åke Hansson says:
The Dutch showed me a hiking book a few years ago. And told me that they came to hike. Had an English neighbour who walked a lot they took a taxi to the starting point and walked home.
If you want to cycle, there is the Algarve trail and I have cycled half of it.
14 March 2018 - 9:39
Helena says:
Glad you cycled on the Algarve Trail! I saw pictures of it on Monday 😉.
14 March 2018 - 10:07
Anna, New York - My Bite of the Big Apple says:
Oh, how lovely! It would have been great to be there with you. 🙂 I was in Portugal in 2009 but would love to return. It has actually recently been discussed in the family! Thanks for the tips.
14 March 2018 - 10:13
Helena says:
Nice that you discussed Portugal in the family Anna! 🙂 And hope to see you soon in some other context!
14 March 2018 - 18:55
Bengt-Göran says:
Have been there twice, highly recommended!
So go there!
14 March 2018 - 10:47
Helena says:
We have only been there once, but relatively long that time. Can only agree! 🙂
14 March 2018 - 18:56
Mr Steve says:
I have been to Portugal a number of times in the late 70s and early 80s (Algarve, Troia, Lisbon and Madeira). Of course, a lot has happened since then, but I would gladly go back if I travelled nowadays and would then focus on Lisbon and Madeira in the first place. Madeira, which D visited on my advice in 2014, is stunningly beautiful and has a lot to offer as well as Lisbon which is one of the most fascinating cities I have visited.
14 March 2018 - 10:48
Helena says:
How nice that you have seen so many places in Portugal Steve, and also Madeira! Getting even more excited to visit Madeira now 🙂.
14 March 2018 - 18:57
Ama de casa says:
We have travelled around Portugal by car and it is really a nice country to travel around in. Though they talk a bit strange... 😉.
We visited Madeira in 1985, and going on those levada walks was absolutely fantastic (and easy if you choose the right levada 😉 ).
14 March 2018 - 10:55
Helena says:
Haha, Portuguese is not easy... 😉 Have had to google this with levada walks and have seen lots of great pictures!
14 March 2018 - 18:59
Ditte says:
Fun with more about portgal. Madeira is really a beautiful island and also nice to hike on - Even the Azores have a lot to offer. And fun with something to do when you are in place and there is plenty of it in Portugal. Maderira is highly recommended.
14 March 2018 - 12:50
Helena says:
The Azores also sounds interesting! 🙂
14 March 2018 - 18:59
Ruth in Virginia says:
I hope you visit the blog "Bortugal", written by Åsa.
She, her husband, and their two daughters took a leap of faith and moved...
to Portugal "in earnest". She writes about her family's life in a new
location. A very interesting blog.
On a group trip - Italy, Morocco, Portugal, we drove along the...
the west coast of Portugal from Gibraltar up to Lisbon. It is
so beautiful with olive groves and cork trees; chalky white houses, often with
bright blue door and window frames.
Lisbon reminded me of San Francisco with its hills and slopes.
"cable cars" PLUS laundry hung to dry on the streets. 🙂
I wish we had more time.
14 March 2018 - 12:50
Helena says:
Yes, we read the blog Bortugal! We also met Åsa and Sverker and the girls when we were in Portugal in 2015. We celebrated New Year with them and stayed with them for a few days. Very nice days with very nice people! 🙂 Agree that Lisbon and San Francisco remind me of each other (although I have not been to the latter city).
14 March 2018 - 19:02
Ruth in Virginia says:
I should have remembered that, as I was travelling with you.
you on the whole trip. Nice to celebrate New Year with Portuguese people 🙂.
Åsa and Sverker are indeed "different".
(in the right way), and what a childhood for the daughters.
Asa's description of Porto - one of my favourites.
15 March 2018 - 3:10
BP says:
Portugal is a beautiful country and Madeira a really cool island. The levada walks are incredibly powerful and different to say the least. But it is important to have a good balance, so to speak. Google it! Funchal is a green and cosy capital, just walking around there is an adventure. Madeira is definitely worth a visit or two.
14 March 2018 - 13:39
Helena says:
I have googled now! And became even more curious about Madeira after this 😉 .
15 March 2018 - 19:11
Åsa says:
Think the picture looks very familiar! 🙂
14 March 2018 - 16:25
Helena says:
Haha, yes, it could be that the top picture is taken very close to you 😉.
15 March 2018 - 19:11
Matts Torebring says:
When we arrived in South Portugal, we spontaneously said, "We want to live here"!
14 March 2018 - 18:40
Helena says:
That's a good grade! 🙂
15 March 2018 - 19:12
Maggan and Ingemar says:
Portugal has a lot to offer even motorhome tourists. We have travelled around both the coast and inland and there are many historical sites. I would like to go there again, there is always something you missed to see and experience.
14 March 2018 - 20:56
Helena says:
We are happy to go there again! Have been there with a motorhome, but pretty sure we missed a lot 😉.
15 March 2018 - 19:12
Elisabeth says:
We have been to Madeira, a very beautiful island. There are a lot of lavadas to follow. Check out the different levels of difficulty. Some were very narrow and I would not be able to walk them, as my fear of heights would make itself felt. It is an island, I would love to visit again, very green and beautiful!!!
14 March 2018 - 23:21
Helena says:
I have realised now (after all the comments) that these levadas are quite special and can also be a bit challenging when you are afraid of heights. I'm actually afraid of heights so I'll have to check beforehand, but I'm definitely keen to try a levada hike!
15 March 2018 - 19:14
Weavers says:
Madeira is amazing! Genuine, green & colourful with in my opinion the best climate in the world. Planning to travel there over Christmas and New Year. Again. Have blogged about our two weeks there a year ago. See link.
15 March 2018 - 6:45
Helena says:
Sounds perfect! And thanks for the link 🙂
15 March 2018 - 19:14
Ann-Louise says:
Have not been to Madeira but would love to go there sometime. My uncle went hiking there a number of years ago and showed many nice pictures of it when he came home. I have "only" been to Lisbon, which I loved, but would love to go to the Algarve as well.
15 March 2018 - 9:02
Helena says:
Lisbon is a lovely city, and the Algarve is also recommended! 🙂
15 March 2018 - 19:15
Berit "desires" says:
Have been to the Algarve coast, Azores and Madeira 3 times. The last time there was now in January, when we stayed in Funchal 1 week, then Santana, Puerto Moniz, Camara de Lobos. Beautiful flowering landscapes, nice walks, cosy accommodation and a lot of fun.
hospitable!
HERE my post with many photos http://www.desires.se/#post212
15 March 2018 - 12:21
Helena says:
Great! And thanks for the link! 🙂
15 March 2018 - 19:16
Johnny Friskilä says:
Yes, Madeira is definitely worth a visit. It is a relatively small island so you can see quite a lot in a week. It is easy to travel there from Sweden and the price level is quite low. There are touristy areas and there are less touristy areas. I myself would like to go back.
Otherwise there will be Eurovision in the capital in May, on my birthday too. What a "pity" that I will celebrate the day in Dagestan. 🙂
15 March 2018 - 15:01
Helena says:
It sounds very positive in every way! Birthday in Dagestan also sounds exciting 🙂.
15 March 2018 - 19:17
4000mil says:
That's where you got caught on camera, yes. And almost does not look at all to have a mouth full of biscuits. 🙂
It was very nice in Portugal. And interesting destinations.
15 March 2018 - 17:08
Helena says:
Biscuits? Haha, no ... but Peter looks greedy on his salami piece 😉 Hope to see you again soon!
15 March 2018 - 19:18
Maria's Memoirs says:
I have been keen on Lisbon for a while, but now the idea arose to combine city visits, with some nature walks and maybe see some vineyards 🙂 I visited Madeira as a teenager. The lava beaches were mighty and I thought the levada walk we did was nice 🙂.
15 March 2018 - 20:55
Joseph Haals says:
Hi! I was at Explore Trade Show this weekend, and the Biking in Portugal is fantastic. Specially the Alentejo Region (it was considered the best wine region in the World) which allows Road Bike Tours and MTB/hybrid Bike Tours. Very good hotels and the people are super friendly. I used a Touring company - Bike Tours Portugal (www.biketoursportugal.com) and they organised everything...lugagge transfer, hotels and even some support I needed. They also organised wine tastings and great typical lunches for us
Very good!
16 March 2018 - 11:55
Paulo Lopes says:
If you are looking for ideas, check out the website http://www.portugalgreenwalks.com
16 March 2018 - 15:03