• Camping – the ugly truth is we were very disappointed with the camping pitches/camping sites in Portugal, most either overgrown or too dry – perfect for your camper van but less than ideal if you only have a tent! The only positive is they were relatively close to the old town (Evora) – sadly almost non existent WiFi (available in one location) and lack of efficient equipment and bit outdated showers/ bathrooms – however their service/ staff was excellent but definitely needs an improvement on every other aspect as a camp provider.
• Transport – Contrary to standard guidance around Portugal – unfortunately, you cannot take dogs on the local bus transport. However it’s not all that bad. Small pets can travel for free, while larger dogs can travel for free on the urban trains, half-price ticket on Regional and InterRegional trains, and full-price ticket on Alfa Pendular and Intercidades trains. It isn’t restricted by the size of the dog either, but they are required to wear a muzzle,even the smallest dogs. Most cities we have been to have non-existent bike lanes – very old, outdated and barely anywhere to park your bike if you are spending your day in town. There are some exceptions but they are more rare.

We had a pretty long drive between the Spanish crossing to the Portugal border. Just like Spain, the roads are well maintained. We drove from Salamanca to Evora for a few days and then onto Portimao in the most direct route but with few stops on the way to give the dogs some stretch. Something to be aware of when driving in Portugal some of their Toll Roads have an electronic system and the best way is to prepay or register your card before using them to avoid additional penalties on your arrival back in the country. Otherwise you can pay with any card when being ticketed.

When it comes to petrol, is much cheaper to fill up in Spain than Portugal so if you are planning to drive over the border or down south, fill up your tank before crossing – further away from the motorway and always check the google for nearest and cheaper petrol – diesel is also much cheaper in Europe than UK.

Évora

This enchanting little city, nestled in the heart of the Alentejo region, brims with captivating history, breathtaking architecture, and vibrant culture. Évora beckons with its well-preserved Roman temple and renowned Chapel of Bones,offering a treasure trove of surprises to explore. Ancient walls have enclosed Évora’s historic centre, providing protection to the city for centuries.

There are a number of buildings from the medieval period, the best known of which is the Cathedral that was completed in the 13th century. Évora remained mainly undamaged by the great earthquake of 1755 that destroyed many towns in Portugal, including Lisbon. The monuments of the Historic Centre of Évora bear witness to their profound influence on Portuguese architecture in Brazil. 

Aquaducts – The construction of Agua de Prata Aqueduct was started in 16 centery under the direction of the royal architect Francisco de Arruda, 18km of aqueduct were built starting in Divor estate, where it gets its supply of water, to the centre of Evora. For those who want a shorter route, follow Agua de Prata Aqueduct starting in Porta da Lagoa into Evora historic city centre.

Royal palace of Evora (Palacio de Dom Manuel) – fun place for family – former convent on manicured park ground, with historic artifacts. Easy walk from most of the Evora.

The city’s traditional cuisine garners fame for its mouthwatering dishes like açorda, sericaia, and migas alentejanas.

• Recommendations: Hidden gem but fab for outdoor lunch – Pateo – a great little place with a large terrace and absolutely the dish to order is Black Pork Plumas – a local dish that will make you want to have seconds. Not the cheapest but worth it. Beco da Espinhosa 53
• Gelataria Pezagno – for the hot days – delicious ice cream and friendly staff. Find them at Rua do Lagar dos Dízimos, n°11

Portimão

• Alvor boardwalk: This protected natural haven contains a wide array of habitats, including vast sand dunes, ancient salt pans, traditional farmland, and thriving salt and freshwater marshes. Also popular destination for kite surfing or paragliding. This extensive wooden structure starts its winding course from parking lot Praia de Alvor or the little village harbour, right alongside the fishermen’s huts. It takes you alongside the beach/Marina through the wetlands and shallow blue lagoons. Strolling on the boardwalk, far to the north you’ll clearly see Monchique massif silhouetted against the horizon. The boardwalk is suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs/prams and bicycles. Dogs allowed, poo bags provided near parking area.

Mornings and evenings are the best time for walking on the boardwalks, especially during summer. There is no shade to hide hikers exposed to the sun during the entire walk. In the cooler winter months, you can do the walk any time of the day.

• Carvoeira Boardwalk: Located south of the town of Ferragudo in the Lagoa region of the Algarve. It begins at the Nossa Senhora da Encarnação fort and ends at Algar Seco. Free parking is available next to the church closer to the start of the boardwalk or the other side near Algar Secco. There is paid parking in the village, and just slightly further afield there is more free parking available. This boardwalk will take you over a variety of beautiful clifftops with access to coves and caves.

Also worth visiting for scenery and seafood is the little towns of Ferragudo or Calvoeiro. The old fishing villages will grill your fish right in front of you.

Monchique and Silves

If you find yourself with a free half day or weekend and looking for something different to do than going to the beach or boardwalk along the coast, take a drive up to surrounding hills. Beautiful valley views and city view from the top, this hike to the top of Monchique, is not for the fainthearted – at elevation over 600 m and 10 km there and back, it has made our pups very tired. You can also drive all the way to the top.
But it wasn’t all we had planned. Afternoon visit to neighbouring town Silves 20km/25 mins drive and local castle Castelo de Silves. Fantastic dog friendly activity (may have been bit too much for the fur babies at this point but they have coped well). Entry €2.80 per person each, dogs free – bowls and poop bags provided on the premises.  

Lagos

Lagos in the southern Algarve region, it’s also known for its walled old town, cliffs and Atlantic beaches. Steep wooden steps lead to the sandy cove of Praia do Camilo. Igreja de Santo António, an ornate 18th-century church, sits across from the Castelo dos Governadores, a castle with a baroque facade and watchtowers. Unlike many other towns it has variety of historic monuments, the Mercado dos Escravos – European’s first slave market and charming 17th century Bandeira Fort (free entrance/ sadly no dogs allowed). You can easily spend half of your day exploring narrow cobbled streets and pretty harbour areas with the typical lunch dish of cataplana or peri-peri chicken. Then you can spend the other half beach hopping between Meia Praia and Praia Dona Ana to the secluded beach of Praia de Pinheiros – clothing optional. Lagos Zoo is more targeted towards small children and families. And if you don’t suffer from seasickness you can experience a coastal boat trip through the caves, departures from Lagos Marina.

• Ponta da Pientade Boardwalk: The cliffs of the Ponta da Pientade offer sweeping headland views and a lighthouse for a dramatic landscape. And even more stunning sunset views of the coast. This scenic boardwalk (2 km each way) provides wonderful views over the coastline. These footpaths navigate the cliff tops and never ending stairs leading to the picturesque cove. The headlands over the cliff structures are welcoming you to take your romantic partner for a picnic or leisurely stroll. You will need your own transport (plenty of free parking on site), take a taxi/uber or walk from Lagos town. During the summer months, local Mini Train Lagos will take you to the end for a small fee of €3.50.

Sagres

• Sagres Fortaleza Circuit: Sagres sits at the very South-Western tip of Portugal boasting a stunning landscape of steep cliffs that drop off into the vast ocean below. Cape Sagres viewpoint offers beautiful views of the sea but be aware of the strong winds during your boardwalk. Normally considered an easy route, 3.2 km long loop takes an average of 50 minutes to 1 hour to explore without rushing. It’s a very popular hiking trail, but you can still enjoy some solitude during the quieter hours of the day. The trail is open all year round and is interesting to visit at any time.
• Opens daily 9.30am – 5.30pm (last entry at 5pm)/ longer opening hours during summer months.
• Entry: €3 – cash and card payment accepted, dogs free. Dogs are allowed within the grounds except the Museum.

Still not sure if Portugal is for you and your dog? Read more about our favourite coastal boardwalks on 5 Coastal Boardwalks in Algarve.