A guidebook to 40 walks spread throughout Portugal, with a focus on the country’s many natural and national parks. Walks are graded from easy to challenging, with options to suit most abilities and ambitions. The walks range from 5 to 46km (3–29 miles), with the two longest routes offering optional overnight stops; the day walks can be enjoyed in 2–11 hours. A handful of routes are easily accessible from Lisbon, with others covering Peneda-Gerês National Park, Serra da Estrela Nature Park and the Algarve. Clear route description illustrated with 1:50,000 maps GPX files available to download Information on refreshments, access and parking Local points of interest and background notes about Portugal Sized to easily fit in a jacket pocket
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.
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.
A guidebook to 60 day walks on the Portuguese island of Madeira and neighbouring Porto Santo. Covering mountains, coast, laurisilva cloud forest and levadas (irrigation channels), routes range from easy strolls to more strenuous mountain hikes, some calling for a good head for heights. Walks range from 4 to 27km (2–17 miles) with options to combine routes to create longer days out. Sketch maps are included for each walk Detailed information on planning, facilities and public transport Highlights include an ascent of Pico de Areeiro, Madeira’s highest peak Easy access from Funchal
A guidebook to trekking Portugal’s Rota Vicentina, a 224km (139 mile) trail comprised of the Historial Way (Caminho Histórico) and the Fishermen’s Trail (Trilho dos Pescadores). With the central stages hugging the Atlantic seaboard, the route stretches from Santiago do Cacém to the southwestern tip of mainland Europe at Cabo de São Vicente. The trail is suitable for most walkers, with stages graded easy or moderate. The main route is presented in 12 stages of between 12 and 24km (7–15 miles). Also included in the guidebook is a four-stage inland variant running north from Odeceixe to form a circuit with the northern half of the main route. Route description illustrated with 1:100,000 mapping GPX files available for download Refreshment and accommodation information provided for each trek stage Accommodation listings Advice on planning and preparation
This guidebook describes the Way of St Francis a 550km month-long pilgrimage trail from Florence through Assisi to Rome. Split into 28 day stages, the walk begins in Florence and finishes in the Vatican City. Stages range from 8km to 30km with plenty to see, including ancient ruins, picturesque towns, national treasures, and stunning churches. This comprehensive guidebook fits in a jacket pocket or rucksack, and contains information on everything from accommodation and transport in Italy, to securing your credential (pilgrim identity card), budgeting, what to take, and where to do laundry. Stories of Francis of Assisi's life are also included. Although the route includes climbs and descents of up to 1200m, no special equipment is required - although your hiking boots and socks definitely need to get along. Following the steps of heroes, conquerors and saints on this pilgrim trail is manageable all year round, but is best done from April to June and mid-August to October. Route maps are given for every stage, and basic Italian phrases are included in the guidebook.
Over 1,200 years old, 500 miles long, and rich with tradition and sacred history: Embark on the trip of a lifetime with Moon Camino de Santiago. Inside you'll find: Strategic trekking guides for walking the Camino, including where to start to get the Compostela certificate and excursions to gateway cities like Santiago, Léon, and Pamplona Unique ideas for enriching your experience: Admire folkloric art and Romanesque churches, stroll through the stone archways and winding alleys of medieval cities, and soak up mountain views as you cross over the Pyrenees and descend into green valleys. See the archaeological site where Europe's oldest humans were uncovered and breathe in the salty ocean air as you finish your journey at the shores of the Atlantic Savor the local flavors: Enjoy authentic jamón serrano, tapas, and Galician wine, or grab fresh cheese and bread for a picnic lunch The best detours, festivals, and villages along the way: Linger in Estella, witness the running of the bulls in Pamplona, visit the monastery in Nájera, or sip wine in Cacabelos Essential planning information on when to go, how to get there, where to eat, and where to stay, from pilgrim dorms to private hotels, plus tips on hazards, precautions, and gear Valuable insighton the history and context of the pilgrimage from expert Beebe Bahrami, who has walked the Camino many times since 1995 Full-color photos and detailed maps throughout, plus a handy fold-out map of the entire route Thorough background information on the sacred sites and history of the Camino, as well as the landscape, culture, and local etiquette Handy tools including Spanish and French phrasebooks, visa information, volunteer opportunities, and tips for seniors, women traveling alone, religious and secular travelers, and LGBTQ travelers Start your transformative journey with the expert insight, unique suggestions, and practical advice of Moon Camino de Santiago.
Portugal is both a celebrated and an unknown land. Millions come to enjoy its beaches and the fashionable coastal cities of Lisbon and Porto. In this sense it looms large in the minds of many. But its out-of-the-way places, its turbulent history and contemporary challenges are little-known outside of the country's boundaries. From autumn 2018 to spring 2019, British journalist Stephen Powell travelled the length of Portugal, following a zigzag path of nearly 1,500 kilometres on foot. Away from the mass tourism, he wanted to form his own unhurried impressions of this very distinctive country. He discovered a very mixed reality. The dark side was the blight of rural exodus that is emptying so many villages. But he also found a profoundly generous, warm-hearted people with time to converse - a gift that is not found everywhere. "Stephen Powell's beautifully written account of his life-changing walk through Portugal enriches the reader with his insights and impressions of the country's history, culture, scenery and spirit. For me, the book was a fascinating journey of discovery through Portugal's lesser-known provinces, further enhanced with exquisite illustrations by two of his daughters, Megan and Rachel. Simply wonderful." Valerie Poore, memoir author
