Walkways near Lisbon to visit!

Photo of Alburrica: Candida Santos

Boardwalks are a great option for those who enjoy nature and want to explore the region in a more peaceful way.

These outdoor trails provide a unique opportunity to see the region's flora and fauna, and are also a great form of physical exercise.

Convinced? Then come with us to discover these fantastic boardwalks that the Lisbon region has to offer.

Some tips to prepare your visit to the boardwalks

Before starting your walk. Some tips for preparation without surprises.

Following these tips, your boardwalk experience will be safer, more comfortable and enjoyable!

• Check weather conditions: before leaving, confirm the weather forecast. Avoid days of heavy rain, as boardwalks can become slippery.
• Use appropriate footwear: opt for comfortable sneakers or boots with good grip, ideal for walking on wood or dirt paths.
• Bring water and snacks: many boardwalks don't have cafes or shops nearby. Always bring a water bottle and something to eat.
• Protect yourself from the sun: even on cloudy days, use sunscreen, hat and sunglasses.
• Respect nature: don't leave trash, don't pick plants and stay on marked trails to protect the local ecosystem.
• Plan the route: find out about the length and difficulty of the boardwalk. Some are linear, others circular, and not all have easy return to the starting point.
• Bring a charged phone: for safety, always have your phone with battery and, if possible, share your plan with someone.
• Arrive early: to avoid crowds and enjoy tranquility, try to start walking early in the morning.

Our suggestions

Alburrica Boardwalks

Google Maps

• Location: Barreiro
• Approximate distance to Lisbon center: 9 kilometers

The Alburrica Boardwalks, located in Barreiro, provide an excellent opportunity for those who want to enjoy a peaceful walk by the river, with panoramic views and a relaxing atmosphere. The trail is of easy difficulty, ideal for all levels of physical preparation, and can be done in circular or round-trip format, depending on preference.

The average walking time varies between less than 1 hour and up to 3 hours, depending on the pace and chosen route. Along the boardwalk, it's possible to practice various activities, such as walking, running, cycling, dog walking and bird watching. The place is especially appreciated at the end of the day, being perfect for contemplating unique sunsets.

The area has many parking spaces, both in free parking and on the street. Access to the river beach and passage through the old tide mills, culminating in the emblematic Alburrica Mills, make this trail even more interesting from a historical, cultural and environmental point of view.

Curiosity: the name Alburrica derives from the Arabic "al barriga", which means "brightness, splendor". A visit is recommended for those looking for an accessible trail, with striking landscapes and a preserved natural environment.

Mata dos Medos Boardwalks

• Location: Costa da Caparica
• Approximate distance to Lisbon center: 9 kilometers

The Mata dos Medos Boardwalks constitute an excellent option for those looking for an outdoor walk, suitable for all ages.

The trail is of easy difficulty, making it accessible to both younger people and those with more experience. It's a place much appreciated by families, being ideal for relaxed walks, whether in circuit or round-trip, for practicing "forest bathing" and enjoying moments away from the urban environment.

Children usually have fun riding bicycles on the wooden boardwalks, while adults can enjoy the panoramic views and contact with nature. Parking can be limited on days of greater influx, which is understandable given the popularity of the place.

The trail offers several picnic areas and car parking zones. There are two viewpoints of great beauty and a bus stop about 10 minutes walk away. It's a perfect place for those who appreciate walks in a forest environment and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Nossa Senhora da Rocha Boardwalks Park

Google Maps

• Location: R. Me. Maria Clara 44, 2790-379 Queijas
• Approximate distance to Lisbon center: 10 kilometers

This place proves to be an excellent choice not only for athletes, but also for those who appreciate walks and contemplation of nature. Along the trail, the Jamor Stream accompanies the visitor, providing a serene and pleasant atmosphere. Those who choose to walk the complete section to the marginal road, from Carnaxide, will cover about 4 kilometers, and it's possible to do the route by bicycle.

The park is integrated into a sports and leisure complex, well equipped and of great beauty. There's a children's playground with various activities and a space dedicated to the little ones. Public toilets and changing rooms are available, open until late, for greater convenience of visitors.

The space is suitable for dogs, as long as they are walked on a leash. The trail has an easy difficulty level, being round-trip type, and the estimated time for its completion varies between 1 to 2 hours. Among the recommended activities are walking, running, cycling, dog walking and bird watching.

Loures Riverside Trail

Google Maps

• Location: Loures
• Approximate distance to Lisbon center: 12 kilometers

The Loures Riverside Trail, inaugurated on September 7, 2023, represents an important leisure work that establishes connection between Lisbon, Loures and Vila Franca de Xira. This trail, about six kilometers long, extends between Santa Iria de Azoia and Bobadela, offering a cycling track and a pedestrian walkway.

The start is at the Trancão cyclopedestrian bridge, inaugurated at the end of July 2023, and the route ends near the boundary of Vila Franca de Xira municipality. Along the trail, it's possible to cross localities such as Santa Iria de Azoia, São João da Talha and Bobadela.

This trail now allows anyone to walk or cycle between the three cities, enjoying shaded areas, rest areas with benches and various bird watching points. The Tagus boardwalks integrate a vast network of pedestrian and cycling paths, totaling 5627 meters along the river, which provides a striking landscape throughout the entire route.

The surroundings are characterized by an extensive salt marsh area, agricultural areas and old salt pans, and it's possible to find specific places for bird watching, including species such as flamingos.

The trail difficulty is moderate, being round-trip type, with an estimated time of 2 to 3 hours for its completion. Among the recommended activities are walking, running, cycling and bird watching. It should be noted that parking in the area can be difficult to find.

Protected Landscape of the Costa de Caparica Fossil Cliff

Google Maps

• Location: R. Dom João V 17, Aroeira
• Approximate distance to Lisbon center: 13 kilometers

The Protected Landscape of the Costa de Caparica Fossil Cliff stands out for its extensive coastal plains and cliffs full of fossils, offering trails that wind through pine forests and provide stunning views of the sunset over the Atlantic. This natural space is ideal for those who appreciate peaceful walks, bicycle rides or family leisure moments, being possible to have picnics at the tables available along the trail.

The place is especially suitable for families with children, as the trails have an accessible difficulty level and are suitable for the little ones. Visitors can also enjoy the company of their pets, as long as they are kept on a leash.

Although there are no services along the trails — only in the beach area —, entry is free, which makes this destination even more appealing. The natural surroundings allow observation of local flora and fauna, being an excellent spot for those seeking direct contact with nature, whether walking, running or simply contemplating the landscape. The proximity of the ocean and the vastness of the beach invite relaxing walks, both alone and in groups, making this space an excellent choice for those who want to explore the region in a peaceful and safe way.

Tagus Riverside Trail

Google Maps[/link]

Location: Póvoa de Santa Iria Approximate distance to Lisbon center: 16 kilometers [/list] The boardwalks, although not presenting a considerable extension, provide those who walk them with the opportunity to contemplate a serene landscape and diverse nature. Along the route, it's possible to visit the Casa Avieira, a well-preserved space that authentically illustrates the way of life of typical fishermen in the region. There's also a bar/café with terrace, ideal for enjoying a light meal or drink, always with a view of the river. The trail has an approximate length of 14 kilometers, being quite pleasant for walks. This infrastructure was designed to create a pedestrian and cycling connection between Póvoa de Santa Iria, Parque das Nações and adjacent areas, allowing privileged contact with the Tagus estuary and its natural richness, both in fauna and flora. The itinerary integrates into the Portuguese Way of Santiago and can also be used by those heading to the Sanctuary of Fátima. For safety reasons, it's recommended that pedestrians always walk on the left side of cyclopedestrian paths. [/text]

Difficulty: Moderate Type of route: Round-trip Estimated time: 1 to 2 hours Recommended activities: Walking, cycling Parking: There is a free parking lot in the riverside area of Póvoa de Santa Iria Toilets: Not yet available Public transport: CP stations Póvoa de Santa Iria, Santa Iria and Sacavém [/list]

Tagus Boardwalks (Tagus Estuary Linear Riverside Park)[/h3]

Google Maps

• Location: Rua Alves Redol, 7, 2600-099, Vila Franca de Xira
• Approximate distance to Lisbon center: 18 kilometers

The Tagus Estuary Linear Riverside Park offers an excellent trail for those who want to explore the local nature, providing an enriching experience both for those who appreciate walks and for those seeking family or friends leisure moments. This space stands out for its wide views over the estuary and the diversity of natural environments that invite contemplation and conviviality.

Constituting a strategic infrastructure for recreation, leisure and nature conservation, the park assumes relevance in multiple domains, including pedagogical and scientific. It presents two main types of spaces: pedestrian and cycling trails, with about 5,910 meters in length, which follow drainage ditches and streams, also allowing bicycle circulation; and a multifunctional space of 22,550 m², called 'Praia dos Pescadores'.

The park also integrates an Environmental and Landscape Interpretation Center, as well as a Bird Observatory, providing opportunities for environmental education and observation of local fauna. The connection to the Póvoa de Santa Iria Urban Park allows visitors to get to know the A Póvoa and the River Museum Center, as well as the replica of Casa Avieira, enriching the cultural experience.

Among the new leisure areas available are a children's playground, an amphitheater, outdoor sports areas (including a volleyball court, a skatepark and a gym), plus a café-bar. The structure of the latter is based on the "beach" concept, promoting the renaturalization of the riverside front through the planting of native species, which function as anchor elements in this environmental enhancement process.

Vineyards Trail

Google Maps

• Location: R. das Quintas, 2750-642 Cascais
• Approximate distance to Lisbon center: 25 kilometers

The Vineyards Trail has an extension of about 7 km and is in excellent conservation state, with clear signage throughout the entire route. During the walk, the trail follows the river, providing a refreshing atmosphere and relaxing sounds of water. There are some houses in the area, so respect for residents' tranquility is recommended.

This trail is of easy difficulty, being round-trip type, and can be completed in approximately 3 to 4 hours. The most suitable activities include walking, running, bicycle rides and dog walks. There are many parking spaces available, including a free parking lot near the southern entrance of the trail.

There are no toilets or commercial establishments along the trail. Public transport access is facilitated, with the trail start about 10 minutes walk from Cascais central train station. The trail is suitable for dogs, with bags for waste disposal available right at the start.

During the dry season, the stream bed may be without water. The trail starts on a wooden boardwalk, then evolves to a dirt trail, crossing a park, passing under a bridge and following to a farm. Along the way, it's possible to observe sheep and goats at some points. Attention to signage on trees and stones is recommended: a red and yellow line indicates to go forward, while a red arrow indicates direction change; "X" shaped signs mean you shouldn't enter that path.

The walk takes about 2 hours in one direction. If you choose not to return on foot, it's possible to request a transport service like Uber near the main road at the end of the trail. For those maintaining a moderate pace, the complete route can be done in about 2 and a half hours. The trail offers pleasant views and is highly recommended for those seeking moments of tranquility in contact with nature.

Cresmina Dune Boardwalk

Google Maps

• Location: Q.ta da M.nha, 2750-642 Cascais
• Approximate distance to Lisbon center: 29 kilometers

The Cresmina Dune boardwalk presents itself as an experience accessible to all, being easy to complete. The surrounding landscape stands out for its beauty and originality, evoking African desert scenarios. A visit on low wind days is recommended, in order to fully enjoy the trail. It's a very well-designed interpretive walk, which provides magnificent views of the Sintra Mountains and Cape Roca, becoming an excellent option for those who appreciate contact with nature and moments of tranquility.

Shall we walk on boardwalks?

The boardwalks presented in this article offer diverse and accessible options for those who want to explore nature and enjoy leisure moments just a few kilometers from Lisbon.

Whether for peaceful walks, family outings or sports activities, these trails stand out for their proximity to the capital and the richness of the surrounding landscape.

We invite all readers to share their experiences or suggestions of other boardwalks in the comments, thus enriching this guide with new perspectives and recommendations.