Nature Walks and Trails
Discover the main pedestrian routes and nature trails that you can do in Cascais, namely in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.
These routes and trails are of low to medium difficulty, making them accessible to the general public.
We suggest wearing appropriate clothing and footwear, bringing a hat, sunscreen, and water.
Rules of Conduct
> Respect the existing signage;
> Carry all your waste with you and dispose of it in proper locations;
> Close all the gates you open;
> Keep your pets constantly under control;
> Do not light fires;
> Do not pick plants, mushrooms, or animals;
Safety rules
> Always carry a charged mobile device and inform someone of your route and expected return time;
> Be aware that mobile network coverage is limited or nonexistent on some trails. Consider this if you need to make calls;
> Assess the trail and accompanying information to ensure it suits your abilities;
> Check the weather forecast to better evaluate trail conditions. Avoid hiking in heavy rain, wind, fire conditions, hail, and/or snow;
> If you park your car at the start of the trail, avoid leaving valuables visible. Cascais Ambiente is not responsible for personal belongings that are lost, stolen, or damaged.
[PR 1 CSC] Farm Route
Difficulty: Medium | Type of Route: Circular
Distance: 13.40 km | Estimated Time: 3h15 | Elevation Gain: 360m
Start: 38°45'11.53"N 9°26'56.01"W
The PR 1 CSC - Farm Route starts in Malveira da Serra, following trails that traverse the unique landscape of the region, part of the National Network of Protected Areas. This approximately 13 km trail is ideal in spring when the vegetation is at its most vibrant. With a duration of about three hours, the hike leads visitors through striking natural formations and areas rich in biodiversity.
The starting point is in an area shaped by ancient erosion processes that have transformed the terrain over millennia. Along the way, highlights include the Mula River Dam, a serene reflection of nature. The trail combines history and nature, showing signs of human interaction from ancient times, while offering an authentic experience in a preserved natural setting. Quinta do Pisão, a must-visit stop, works to preserve this natural, cultural, and historical heritage. It is open to visitors year-round, with special family activities.
Learn more about the route HERE.
[PR 2 CSC] Cabo Raso Route
Difficulty: Easy | Type of Route: Circular
Distance: 13.70 km | Estimated Time: 2h50 | Elevation Gain: 100m
Start: 38°43'35.55"N 9°28'5.76"W
Located in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, this route invites you to explore the town of Areia, passing through Oitavos and Quinta da Marinha to Guincho Beach, where you’ll encounter an impressive diversity of flora and fauna. Cabo Raso, for instance, is an excellent bird-watching spot, particularly during migration periods (March, April, September, and October). The crested cormorant nests on the cliffs, while other species like the great cormorant, common scoter, and gannet form large groups in spring as they begin their migratory journeys. Don’t forget your binoculars to fully enjoy this experience!
Learn more about the route HERE.
[PR 3 CSC] Villages Route
THIS ROUTE IS CURRENTLY UNDER MAINTENANCE AND WILL REOPEN SOON.
Difficulty: Medium | Type of Route: Circular
Distance: 8.80 km | Estimated Time: 2h15 | Elevation Gain: 280m
Start: 38°45'11.56"N 9°26'58.63"W
Learn more about the route HERE.
[PR 4 CSC] Guincho Coastal Route
Difficulty: Medium | Type of Route: Circular
Distance: 9.80 km | Estimated Time: 2h30 | Elevation Gain: 295m
Start: 38°44'24.67"N 9°28'19.02"W
Situated in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, this route features an impressive coastline with the Serra mountains as a backdrop. Starting near the Abano Fort, the trail takes you through the villages of Charneca, Alcorvim, Janes, Malveira da Serra, and Almuinhas Velhas before returning to the coast and back to the starting point.
Wildlife in the area includes wild rabbits, foxes, weasels, ocellated lizards, and snakes, alongside their natural predators such as mongooses, barn owls, tawny owls, buzzards, and rock doves. Keep an eye on the cliffs and skies to spot species like the common kestrel, peregrine falcon, blue rock thrush, or various types of gulls.
The local conditions favor the growth of Mediterranean plants with medicinal and aromatic properties, such as mint, chicory, fennel, oregano, honeysuckle, St. John's wort, and rosemary.
Learn more about the route HERE.
[PR 5 CSC] Ribeira das Vinhas Route
Difficulty: Easy | Type of Route: Linear
Distance: 8 km | Estimated Time: 1h45 | Elevation Gain: 80m
Start: 38°45'30.71"N 9°25'8.59"W
Discover the PR 5 CSC - Ribeira das Vinhas Route, a unique 8 km trail linking the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park to the town of Cascais. Ideal for hiking, running, or cycling, this trail combines sustainable mobility, leisure, and sports, crossing green areas and landmarks like the Penhas do Marmeleiro Urban Park and Quinta do Pisão.
Redeveloped as one of Cascais' key ecological corridors, the trail promotes biodiversity with water retention basins, native vegetation, and a celebration of rural traditions. This is an unmissable experience that combines nature and history in an urban setting.
Learn more about the route HERE.
[PR 14 CSC-SNT] Western Route
Difficulty: Hard | Type of Route: Circular
Distance: 24.60 km | Estimated Time: 6h30 | Elevation Gain: 900m
Start: 38°44'24.67"N 9°28'19.02"W
This route begins at Abano Fort, heading toward the Serra mountains and passing through the villages of Figueira do Guincho and Biscaia. The climb leads to the highest point, Peninha, offering a wide view of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park and its surroundings.
On the descent, the trail passes through Quinta do Pisão – Nature Park, continuing through the villages of Janes, Malveira da Serra, and Almuinhas Velhas before returning to the Abano Fort.
The route traverses an area rich in natural habitats, with diverse geological, floral, and faunal heritage. Along the way, you’ll encounter plants like rosemary and oregano, as well as birds such as the peregrine falcon and common kestrel, which can be spotted in higher areas.
Learn more about the route HERE.
[TN 1] Abano Trail
Difficulty: Medium | Type of trail: Circular
Km: 3,80 | Estimated time: 1 hour | Starting Point Coordinates: 38°44'26.93"N 9°28'19.59"W
The Abano Trail follows the coastal strip, an area characterized by distinct geological phenomena located at the transition between limestone and basalt formations. The terrain is slightly sloped, offering a pleasant route with views of both the mountains and the sea.
Discover more about the trail HERE.
[TN 4] Peninha Trail
Difficulty: Medium | Type of trail: Circular
Km: 2,40 | Estimated time: 40 minutes | Starting point coordinates: 38°46'8.86"N 9°27'31.38"W
The Peninha Trail starts at the Peninha parking lot and follows paths with some elevation changes. Along the route, you can enjoy expansive views of the Cascais region and the ocean. Its location often immerses the area in the typical mountain fog.
Discover more about the trail HERE.
[TN 5] Píncaros Trail
Difficulty: Easy | Type of trail: Circular
Km: 3,90 | Estimated time: 1 hour | Starting point coordinates: 38°46'8.86"N 9°27'31.38"W
The Píncaros Trail starts at the Peninha parking lot and follows paths with some elevation changes, transitioning from low vegetation to areas with trees more sheltered from maritime winds. Along the route, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Cascais region, although the area is often shrouded in mist, especially at sunset.
Discover more about the trail HERE.
[TN 6] Tapada da Roçada Trail
Difficulty: Medium | Type of trail: Circular
Km: 3,50 | Estimated time: 1 hour | Starting point coordinates: 38°45'44.05"N 9°26'51.00"W
The Tapada da Roçada Trail begins at the foothills of the Serra and follows a circular route to higher elevations, passing by the natural viewpoint of Cabeço do Vento and continuing around the small valley. The trail features gentle paths with a moderate incline.
Discover more about the trail HERE.
[TN 12] Alto do Mato Trail
THIS TRAIL IS TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE. IT WILL BE REOPENED SOON.
Difficulty: Easy | Type of trail: Circular
Km: 2,10 | Estimated time: 40 minutes | Starting point coordinates: 38°45'13.60"N 9°25'41.97"W
The Alto do Mato Trail runs through the interior of Quinta do Pisão – Nature Park, in a transitional limestone area, crossing forest paths with low vegetation. The terrain is gently sloped along a narrow valley, offering birdwatching opportunities for the observant.
Discover more about the trail HERE.
[TN 15] Pisão Trail
Difficulty: Easy | Type of trail: Circular
Km: 3,40 | Estimated time: 50 minutes | Starting point coordinates: 38°45'17.37"N 9°25'25.21"W
The Pisão Trail winds through the narrow valley in a predominantly forested area, ascending to higher elevations with low vegetation and pastures, where you may encounter woolly donkeys, a protected species.
Learn more about the route HERE.
[TN 7] Fontainhas Trail
Difficulty: Easy | Type of trail: Circular
Km: 2,30 | Estimated time: 40 minutes | Starting point coordinates: 38°45'44.05"N 9°26'51.00"W
The Fontainhas Trail is a circular route that winds through mountain farmland and forested areas. Part of the trail follows a narrow valley with a stream bed, offering opportunities to observe local birdlife.
Learn more about the route HERE.
[TN 8] Tapada da Urzeira Trail
Difficulty: Easy | Type of trail: Circular
Km: 1,90 | Estimated time: 30 minutes | Starting Point Coordinates: 38°45'54.32"N 9°26'35.45"W
The Tapada da Urzeira Trail follows forest paths in a transitional area of basalt and granite. The terrain features gentle slopes, offering a balanced and mysterious journey through the silence of the forest.
Learn more about the route HERE.
[TN 9] Pedra Amarela Trail
Difficulty: Medium | Type of trail: Circular
Km: 1,50 | Estimated time: 30 minutes | Starting Point Coordinates: 38°46'00.9"N 9°26'13.5"W
The Pedra Amarela Trail winds through forest paths in an area predominantly composed of granite. The terrain features steep slopes, offering panoramic views of the mountains and the sea from the viewpoint near the Torre de Vigia, one of the highest points on the western side of the Serra.
Learn more about the route HERE.
[TN 10] Cabeço da Raposa Trail
Difficulty: Easy | Type of trail: Circular
Km: 2,20 | Estimated time: 35 minutes | Starting point coordinates: 38°45'31.79"N 9°25'42.11"W
The Cabeço da Raposa Trail follows forest paths with gentle to moderate slopes. Near the Barão de Beck water mirror, you may spot amphibians such as the yellow-spotted salamander or hear the calls of jays among the trees.
Learn more about the route HERE.
[TN 11] Vale de Cavalos Trail
Difficulty: Easy | Type of trail: Circular
Km: 2,40 | Estimated time: 35 minutes | Starting point coordinates: 38°45'13.9"N 9°25'42.4"W
The Vale de Cavalos Trail follows forest paths, accompanied by the existing watercourse. This trail is located in an area with easily identifiable granite formations and features gentle slopes along narrow paths.
Learn more about the route HERE.
[TN 13] Ribeiro da Mula Trail
Difficulty: Easy | Type of trail: Circular
Km: 2,00 | Estimated time: 35 minutes | Starting point coordinates: 38°45'49.01"N 9°25'21.22"W
The Ribeiro da Mula Trail begins near the Rio da Mula Dam and follows forest paths along the western slope of the valley. In the first part of the trail, the water mirror accompanies the ascent before entering the silence of the forest.
Learn more about the route HERE.
[TN 14] Marmeleiro Trail
Difficulty: Easy | Type of trail: Circular
Km: 3,90 | Estimated time: 1 hour | Starting point coordinates: 38°43'50.37"N 9°26'1.50"W
The Marmeleiro Trail begins at the Penhas do Marmeleiro Park, in an area with various types of limestone. On this trail, you can follow paths along the Ribeira das Vinhas through the transverse valley.
Learn more about the route HERE.
