Libreria Stella Alpina
Libreria Stella Alpina
Guidebook describing over 40 walks throughout Portugal. The mainly circular half-day and day routes cover most National and Nature Parks in Portugal including the country's highest peak in Serra da Estrela, as well as visiting traditional stone-built villages and sites of historical interest. Includes background information.
Portugal is something of an undiscovered gem for hikers, offering beautiful, diverse landscapes and vast amounts of space. Thanks to its variety of micro-climates, it is possible to find pleasant walking conditions in all seasons, and the multitude of trails boast fantastic scenery and are rich in natural, historical and cultural interest.
This guide describes 40 graded walks, ranging from gentle family strolls to strenuous mountain hikes (including Portugal's highest peak) and multi-day routes. The walks are spread throughout Portugal, with a focus on the country's many natural and national parks, including Peneda-Gerês, 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. With routes suitable for most ambitions and abilities, what further inspiration do you need to discover the myriad delights of this wonderful, yet frequently overlooked, destination?
Seasons
With such a variety of micro-climates, it is possible to find pleasant walking weather at any time of the year.
Centres
Peneda-Gerês National Park; Montesinho Nature Park; Alvão Nature Park; Douro International Nature Park; schist villages near Coimbra; Serra da Estrela Nature Park; Lisbon; Tajo and São Mamede Nature Parks; Monsaraz and Évora; the Algarve, Costa Vicentina and Guadiana
Difficulty
The routes allow for differing levels of ability, and range from shorter walks suitable for a relaxing family stroll to strenuous mountain hikes and challenging multi-day long-distance paths.
Must See
Fantastic views from Candeeiros summit; historic Marvão; Odeceixe beach; the dramatic glacial scenery of the Zêzere Valley; solitude and nature in Peneda-Gerês National Park; waterfalls on Rota das Cascatas
