Discover the Culinary Wonders of Portugal

Europe’s most exciting culinary destination may surprise you.

Recently, it’s been Portugal that’s catching foodies’ eyes – so much so that it won two major culinary awards this year. Lisbon claimed Europe’s Best Culinary City Destination, whilst Porto was named Europe’s Best Emerging Culinary Destination.

With a coastline of fresh seafood to draw from, rich farmlands producing quality produce, startlingly good (and refreshingly affordable) wines, and a range of indulgent pastries to sample on your adventures, it’s easy to see the appeal.

Whether you’re sitting down to a hearty lamb stew after a day’s exploring, enjoying a bowl of freshly caught seafood whilst gazing out onto the Atlantic Ocean, or treating yourself to a morning pastel de nata and coffee in a charming Lisbon bakery, Portuguese food has a way of enchanting visitors, and drawing them back time and again.

On our walking holidays, you’ll be able to enjoy Portugal’s food alongside its most beautiful landscapes and most fascinating cultural sites. Below, we’ve selected three itineraries that showcase the best of Portugal – both from a walking and gastronomical point of view.

 

Inntravel’s 3 top walking holidays in Portugal for foodies

Pathways and Palaces of Sintra

The ornate summer palaces of the old Portuguese aristocracy, dotted amongst the region’s rugged hilltops, turn Sintra’s enchanting landscape into a unique national treasure. Combining the palaces’ unforgettable architecture with gentle coastal walks and the cultural and gastronomic delights of Lisbon offers an unforgettable holiday.

You’ll enjoy some time to explore Lisbon’s restaurants before setting off towards Sintra. As you walk this gentle route, golden beaches and rugged headlands give way to rolling, wooded hills and idyllic vineyards, where the splendour of Sintra’s palaces awaits.

What to eat: Sintra’s famous queijadas are tarts with a deliciously sweet, tangy soft cheese filling. They’re similar to the more famous pasteis de nata (custard tarts) – determine which you prefer by sampling both, several times, from Lisbon and Sintra’s bakeries.

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Walking Portugal's Costa Vicentina

The Costa Vicentina sits on Portugal’s south western corner, rewarding visitors with unforgettable landscapes. The afternoon sunshine makes the turquoise sea, honey-coloured cliffs and red fishing boats seem even more colourful, and gives way to some of the finest, most dramatic Atlantic sunsets you can experience.

Our itinerary takes in Europe’s largest coastal natural park and all of its charms, from idyllic whitewashed fishing villages to excellent wildlife spotting opportunities (Europe's only marine stork colony nests here). Your locally owned hotels offer a warm welcome and food made with the freshest of regional produce.

What to eat: The Costa Vicentina is blessed by both fresh seafood and fertile farmlands. Look out for seafood açordas, fish cataplanas, lamb stews and migas with sausage – all hearty, beautifully seasoned dishes that let the quality of the ingredients shine through.

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Porto & the Douro Valley

Porto was voted ‘Best Emerging Culinary Destination’ for 2024. Looking at Porto’s restaurant scene (which manages to balance excitement and affordability in a way few European food destinations can) and proximity to the Douro Valley wine region, it’s easy to see why.

This itinerary combines the opportunity to explore the city with time to appreciate the scenery of the Douro Valley. Porto’s most famous export is its eponymous Port wine – we include a wine tasting at a traditional Quinta (winery), and there’s also the opportunity to book a tour and tasting at the renowned Graham’s Wine Lodge in Porto.

What to eat: Make sure to try a francesinha, Porto’s proudly decadent sandwich speciality that comes stuffed with meat, cheese and covered in a rich sauce. Bolinhos de bacalhau (salt cod fritters) are another local favourite and make an ideal snack or starter.

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Why Discover Portugal on an Inntravel Walking Holiday?

We offer a wide range of walking holidays in Portugal, which take in both well loved destinations and landscapes that lie off the beaten path. Whether you’d like to explore the wild Atlantic coastline, the buzzing food scenes of Lisbon and Porto or one of the country’s many unique wine regions, there’s an itinerary to suit your interests.

Our walking routes ensure that you see Portugal’s astounding scenery at its finest, whilst offering plenty of opportunities to discover the distinct identity of the region you’re visiting. From unforgettable local food and wine experiences to accommodation housed in tastefully restored historic buildings, we make it easy to immerse yourself in Portugal’s unique history and culture.

All of our walking itineraries are customisable. If you’d like to add some time either side of your holiday in Porto or Lisbon to further explore their culinary excellence, or would like some extra days en-route to sightsee or relax, our team can make it happen.

 

What to Expect on an Inntravel Walking Holiday

Accommodation

Our accommodation options are chosen for their warm welcome, their comfort and (where meals are included) the quality of their restaurant. Where possible, we opt for locally owned hotels in characterful or historic buildings – you might stay in a luxurious boutique hotel, converted manor house or cosy traditional guesthouse.

Food and Drink

Excellent regional cuisine is one of Portugal’s top draws as a destination, so we make sure you have many opportunities to sample its culinary delights. We make sure to book you into well-regarded restaurants with excellent local menus – and we’re always happy to offer recommendations cafés and restaurants where meals aren’t included.  

Support

We send you in-depth route notes and sightseeing guides before you depart, so that you don’t miss out on anything. During your trip, we’ll transfer your luggage between hotels whenever needed. We’ll also make sure you have a point of contact 24/7 via our permanently-staffed customer service line.

 

Discover the Culinary Wonders of Portugal - Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Portugal a great destination for a gourmet food and walking holiday?

Portugal is quickly becoming one of Europe’s most exciting culinary destinations. Known for its diverse and delicious regional dishes, Portugal has recently won prestigious culinary awards, including Lisbon being named Europe’s Best Culinary City and Porto being named Europe’s Best Emerging Culinary Destination. When paired with stunning walking routes through scenic landscapes, vibrant cities, and charming towns, it offers an unbeatable combination of food, wine, and outdoor adventure.

What types of accommodation can I expect on an Inntravel walking holiday in Portugal?

Inntravel selects accommodations for their warm welcome, comfort, and excellent food. You’ll stay in locally owned hotels, often housed in historic or characterful buildings. Expect a mix of luxurious boutique hotels, traditional guesthouses, and sometimes converted manor houses, with many offering delicious regional cuisine.
How fit do I need to be for a walking holiday in Portugal?

Inntravel offers walking holidays to suit all levels of fitness. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a beginner, there are routes that will match your fitness level. While it’s a good idea to get some light exercise before your trip, there’s no need to follow a formal training plan. You can choose a holiday based on your current fitness using their walking grade system.

Are Inntravel walking holidays customizable if I want extra days or to explore more of Portugal?

Yes, Inntravel offers flexible itineraries that can be tailored to your preferences. If you’d like to add extra days to explore Porto, Lisbon, or any other part of Portugal, their team can help create a customised plan. Whether you want additional sightseeing time, a longer stay at a specific location, or more relaxation, they’re happy to adjust your trip to suit your needs.