Half-day hike and picnic in Porto's mountains: Serras do Porto

Suspended bridges and shepherd's paths in the quiet hills above Porto

A half-day guided hike through Serras do Porto park near Porto takes you across suspended bridges, through forest beside the river and into villages where only a handful of people live. The tour includes train tickets to and from São Bento station, a picnic with local cheese, cured meats, bread, fruit and green wine, and a guide who speaks English, Spanish or Portuguese. Children from age 5 are welcome. Fully vegetarian or vegan picnic is available on request.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike and picnic in Porto mountains

• Travel to São Bento Railway Station
• Hike in Serras do Porto Park
• Enjoy picnic with traditional products
• Return to São Bento Railway Station

The Experience

The tour starts at São Bento station in Porto's centre, where train tickets are included in your booking. A short ride brings you to the edge of Serras do Porto park, where the hike begins. The route takes you through forest and along the river, crossing suspended bridges and passing through ancient villages where the population has shrunk to just a handful of residents. You'll likely see shepherds with their flocks moving through the landscape. They're part of the daily rhythm here.

Midway through the walk, you stop for a picnic in the park. The spread includes roasted sausage, smoked meats, cheese, bread, fruit salad and watermelon, along with green wine (vinho verde) if you want it. Fully vegetarian or vegan options are available if you request them when you book. The river runs nearby and the sound of it, along with birds, is usually the only noise around you. This is where most people take photos. The landscape is open and the light changes through the afternoon.

The hike covers the park's main routes without technical difficulty, and the guide sets the pace so the group stays together. After four hours, you return to São Bento station by train, tickets included. Bring water beyond what's in the picnic, wear shoes with grip for the suspended bridges, and a camera if you want to capture the villages and the river valley.

What’s included

• Train tickets to and from São Bento station.
• roasted sausage, smoked meats, cheese, bread, fruit salad, watermelon, olives, egg custards and green wine (vinho verde).
• fully vegetarian or vegan picnic available on request.
• a live guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese.

Days and timesDaily

AgesAges 11+ · 5 to 10 years · Under 5 — No ticket type: can't be added to a booking

Meeting point and pickupNo pickup · ends where it starts

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Hike in Porto

Is this one for you?The four-hour duration and mountain terrain suit a free afternoon when you want to leave Porto's centre behind. The train ride is included, so you don't arrange transport separately, and the picnic means you're not hunting for a restaurant in the hills. Not suitable if you have spinal injuries, are pregnant, or have cardiovascular concerns that limit hiking.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Can children come?

5 to 10 years. Under 5: no ticket type, they can't be added to a booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

What's the hike actually like in Serras do Porto, is it steep or mostly flat?

Serras do Porto is a mountain park beside the river, so the terrain is uneven and includes some climbing, but the guide adjusts the pace for the group and it's suitable for all fitness levels. The suspended bridges add a moment of exposure but they're secure and part of the route.

Can I bring my dog on this hike?

Service animals are allowed on the tour. If you have a service dog, mention it when you book so the guide knows.

What time of day does the hike start and finish?

The tour runs for four hours total, including the train ride to and from São Bento station and the hike itself. Exact start times depend on the departure you choose at checkout.

Are the ancient villages actually inhabited, or are they abandoned?

The villages in Serras do Porto are still inhabited, though the population in each one is very small. Some have only five residents. You'll walk through them as part of the route, and it's common to see people and animals going about their day.

Is the picnic enough for lunch, or should I eat before the tour?

The picnic includes roasted sausage, smoked meats, cheese, bread, fruit and wine. It's a substantial midday meal, not a snack. If you have dietary needs, vegetarian and vegan options are available when you book.

Do I need hiking boots, or will regular shoes work?

The suspended bridges and uneven terrain mean you need shoes with good grip. Hiking boots are ideal, but sturdy trainers with ankle support will work if the soles have traction.