Portugal

Portugal is a country of wonderful contrasts, where dramatic mountain landscapes, historic towns, picturesque villages and a beautiful Atlantic coastline combine with a rich cultural heritage and a relaxed way of life. Renowned for its welcoming hospitality, delicious cuisine and excellent wines, it is a destination that offers plenty to discover, both on and off the beaten track.

In the north of the country, you'll find some of Portugal's most varied and captivating landscapes. The wild, mountainous scenery of Peneda-Gerês National Park gives way to the fertile valleys and terraced vineyards of the Douro, while the Chaves region is rich in history, picture-book towns and rural charm. Further west, the lively city of Porto provides a fascinating contrast, with its colourful riverside quarter, historic architecture and famous port wine cellars. Together, these regions offer an appealing mix of natural beauty, cultural interest and opportunities to experience a more traditional side of Portugal.

Walking in Portugal is extremely rewarding and our Walking Holiday in Northern Portugal takes in all these highlights, on walking trails through the spectacular Gerês Mountains, the historic Chaves area and the magnificent Douro Valley, where vineyards cling to steep hillsides above the river. Along the way, you'll enjoy some of Portugal's finest food and wine and stay in hotels with bags of character. Ending in Porto, it's a holiday of contrasts, combining rewarding walking with fascinating places, beautiful scenery and a warm Portuguese welcome. 

• Capital city: Lisbon

• Population: Approximately 10.8 million (2025 estimate World Bank Open Data source)

• Size of country: 92,226 km² (approximately 35,609 square miles), including mainland Portugal, Madeira and the Azores. 

• Currency: Euro 

• Power supply: 230 volts, 50 Hz

• Sockets: Type C (two round pins) and Type F (two round pins with earth contacts). 

• Language: Portuguese

• Time difference: Mainland Portugal is on GMT (UTC+0) in winter and GMT+1 in summer, so they are in the same time zone as the UK.

• Visas: British nationals do not require a visa to visit Portugal.

• Religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic

• Popular dishes: Bacalhau (salt cod), cataplana (a fish, seafood or meat stew cooked in a special pot called a cataplana, particularly popular in the south), Francesinha (a layered hot sandwich topped with cheese and sauce - a Porto staple). Or, for those with a sweet tooth, a pastéis de nata (custard tart) is a Portuguese icon.

• Popular drink: Port and vinho verde wine are the two drinks most associated with Portugal. The Portuguese are also a nation of coffee drinkers, whilst Sumol is a very popular soft drink.

• FCDO advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/portugal

The best time to visit northern Portugal for walking is spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October), when temperatures are generally pleasant. Daytime temperatures in Porto average around 18°C in April, rising to 23-25°C in summer, while the Douro Valley can reach 24°C in May and around 30°C or more in July and August. September can also be a very warm month here. Spring brings lush green landscapes, while autumn is particularly rewarding in the Douro Valley, when the vineyards take on rich golden and russet hues. Winters are generally mild but wetter, with daytime temperatures in Porto averaging around 14-15°C.