From misty forests and mountain peaks to coastal cliffs and hidden beaches, the area around Lisbon is filled with trails that are as beautiful as they are accessible.
So, if you’re craving fresh air, stunning views, and a break from the city buzz, lace up your hiking boots. Here are the best hikes near Lisbon - where every trail comes with a side of magic.
1. Sintra Mountains - Fairytale Forests & Hidden Palaces
Distance from Lisbon: 40 minutes by train or car
Trail Type: Forest + mountain
Difficulty: Moderate
The Sintra-Cascais Natural Park is one of Portugal’s hiking jewels - a lush, mystical landscape where ancient trees meet mist-covered palaces. Every path here feels enchanted, and every turn offers a new surprise.
Top Hikes in Sintra:
- Pena Palace to Moorish Castle Loop (6 km): A fairy-tale route connecting two of Sintra’s most iconic landmarks.
- Cruz Alta Trail (3 km): Short but steep, leading to the highest point in Sintra with breathtaking views.
- Monserrate to Capuchos Convent (8 km): A quiet forest trail through mossy oaks and ferns.
Post-hike treat: Reward yourself with travesseiros (almond pastries) from Casa Piriquita in Sintra village - you earned it!
Pro Tip: Start early - Sintra can get misty in the morning and magical by noon.
2. Cabo da Roca to Praia da Ursa - Cliffs, Sea & Secret Beaches
Distance from Lisbon: 1 hour by car or train + bus
Trail Type: Coastal
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
This hike feels like walking along the edge of the world - literally. Starting from Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, you’ll follow dramatic sea cliffs before descending to Praia da Ursa, one of Portugal’s most stunning (and wild) beaches.
Highlights:
- Endless Atlantic views
- Jagged rock formations rising from turquoise waters
- A secluded beach that feels untouched by time
Hiking Tip: The descent to Praia da Ursa is steep and rocky - wear proper shoes and watch your step!
Perfect for: Sunset lovers and photographers - the light here is pure magic.
3. Azenhas do Mar Coastal Trail - Clifftop Views & Ocean Breezes
Distance from Lisbon: 50 minutes by car
Trail Type: Coastal village walk
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
This is one of those hikes where you’ll constantly stop just to soak it all in. The trail connects charming fishing villages like Azenhas do Mar, Praia das Maçãs, and Praia Grande, with ocean views the entire way.
What You’ll See:
- Traditional whitewashed houses clinging to cliffs
- Natural swimming pools carved into the rocks
- Waves crashing below as seagulls soar above
Lunch stop: Fresh grilled fish at Azenhas do Mar Restaurant, perched right over the Atlantic.
Vibe: Slow, scenic, and salty - perfect for a relaxed half-day adventure.
4. Serra de Montejunto - The “Balcony of Estremadura”
Distance from Lisbon: 1 hour by car
Trail Type: Mountain + rural
Difficulty: Moderate
For panoramic views and peaceful trails, head north to the Serra de Montejunto, a lesser-known mountain range often called “the balcony of Estremadura.” From the top, you can see as far as the Atlantic Ocean on clear days.
Trail Highlights:
- Ancient windmills and limestone cliffs
- Wildflowers in spring and autumn colors later in the year
- Quiet countryside trails with barely another soul around
Best trail: The Montejunto Circular Route (9 km) - scenic, varied, and ideal for nature photographers.
Bonus: Stop in nearby Alenquer for a wine tasting at a local vineyard - because hiking deserves a toast!
5. Tapada Nacional de Mafra - Wild Forests & Deer Trails
Distance from Lisbon: 45 minutes by car
Trail Type: Forest + wildlife reserve
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Just outside the town of Mafra, Tapada Nacional de Mafra is a sprawling natural park created by King João V in the 18th century for royal hunting. Today, it’s a peaceful haven filled with oak forests, streams, and roaming deer and wild boar.
What to Expect:
- 4 color-coded hiking routes (from 4 km to 9 km)
- Wildlife spotting (especially early morning!)
- Family-friendly and perfect for a picnic
Fun fact: It’s right next to the Mafra National Palace, one of Portugal’s grandest buildings - great for a two-in-one day trip.
6. Serra da Arrábida - Secret Coves & Emerald Hills
Distance from Lisbon: 1 hour by car
Trail Type: Coastal + mountain
Difficulty: Moderate
The Arrábida Natural Park, near Setúbal, is one of the most stunning hiking regions in all of Portugal. Think crystal-clear waters, Mediterranean vegetation, and secluded beaches hidden beneath green cliffs.
Must-Do Trails:
- Portinho da Arrábida Trail (8 km): Winds through forested hills to turquoise coves.
- Convento da Arrábida Trail (5 km): Passes an old monastery with killer ocean views.
- Praia do Creiro Loop (7 km): Combines mountain and beach - the best of both worlds!
Cool down: Jump into the water at Praia dos Coelhos or Praia da Figueirinha after your hike.
Local eats: End the day in Setúbal with a plate of choco frito (fried cuttlefish) - a local favorite.
7. Monsanto Forest Park - Nature in the City
Distance from Lisbon: 15 minutes by bus or car
Trail Type: Urban forest
Difficulty: Easy
No time to leave the city? No problem! Lisbon’s Monsanto Forest Park is one of Europe’s largest urban green spaces - a forest so big, it’s nicknamed the lungs of Lisbon.
Trail Highlights:
- Shady forest paths and picnic areas
- Panoramic viewpoints over Lisbon and the Tagus River
- The Panorâmico de Monsanto, an abandoned viewpoint turned urban art gallery with 360° views.
Local tip: Bring a picnic or grab a coffee from the park cafés - it’s a perfect Sunday escape without leaving town.
Planning Your Hiking Day Near Lisbon
Best seasons: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) - mild weather and clear skies.
Getting there: Sintra and Cascais are train-accessible; Arrábida and Montejunto are best with a car.
What to bring:
- Water & snacks
- Sunscreen and hat (Portuguese sun = no joke)
- Hiking shoes (especially for coastal and mountain trails)
Bonus: Download AllTrails or Maps.me for offline navigation - some routes are wild and unmarked!
Final Thoughts: Where City Meets Wild
What makes Lisbon so special isn’t just its history or culture - it’s how quickly you can escape it. Within an hour, you can go from sipping espresso in a city square to hiking through pine forests, climbing cliffs, or cooling off in a turquoise cove.So next time you’re in Lisbon, trade your tram ticket for a trail map. Whether it’s Sintra’s enchanted forests or Arrábida’s coastal dreams, the best adventures are waiting just beyond the city limits.
