Walking Grades

About our walking grades

Before you book a walking holiday in Portugal, it’s important to have a good understanding of how challenging it is likely to be.

If you are not particularly fit, struggling to complete a “Moderate to Challenging” walk is likely to suck the enjoyment out of your experience. Similarly, if you are used to regular hiking and want to push yourself with an active adventure, the leisurely pace of an Easy walk may not hit the spot.

But what do labels like ‘Easy’, ‘Moderate’ and ‘Challenging’ mean?

Don’t worry, that’s what our grading system is here to explain. Read the descriptions to understand how we’ve categorised our walks depending on distance, terrain, elevation.

Of course, on any walk some sections will be easier than others, and factors such as the weather can impact the level of difficulty, but on the whole, this is what you can expect from our walks.

Easy

These walks don’t require any special preparation although you should be reasonably fit and in good health as there may be some small hills. The aim is to provide a leisurely experience with time to appreciate your surroundings.

Distance: Max 15 km (9.3 miles)
Elevation gain: Max 300 m

Easy to Moderate

Ideal for walkers who are fit enough to manage more hills and longer distances. Multi-day walks at this grade demand a degree of stamina and may involve an occasional steep climb.

Distance: Max 20 km (12.4 miles)
Elevation gain: Max 500 m

Moderate

With potentially longer walking days and/or several steep climbs and descents, these tours are designed for experienced, regular walkers and can be enjoyed by anyone in good health who has prepared sufficiently in advance.

Distance: Max 25 km (15.5 miles)
Elevation gain: Max 700 m

Moderate to Challenging

For super-fit walkers who relish a challenge, these walking tours involve demanding terrain and long distances with some long, steep climbs.

Distance: Max 30 km (18.6 miles)
Elevation gain: Max 900m

Challenging

For experienced trekkers those who like to push themselves to the limit and have the knowledge and skills to cope with altitude, extreme terrain and steep slopes. Not for the faint-hearted or inexperienced hiker.

Distance: Max 35 km (21.7 miles)
Elevation gain: Max 1,100 m