Grande Rota de Santa Maria

Hut-to-hut trekking on the Azores? The Alps or the Pyrenees spring to most people’s minds when it comes to staying in mountain huts on a long-distance hike. The Azores are not well-known as a hiking destination. And even those who do know may not have heard of the Atlantic’s best kept secret when it comes to hiking: the Grande Rota de Santa Maria. The island of Santa Maria is the soul of the Azores and encapsulates everything that is great about this remote archipelago. Think balmy temperatures, evergreen forests, steep sea cliffs, sleepy villages and of course a volcano. This epic 5-day hiking route on Santa Maria has it all. The best way to explore Santa Maria is on foot. Thanks to its modest size you can circumnavigate the entire island in 5 days. And the great thing is, you can leave your tent at home. After each stage you can check in one of the cozy shelters scattered along the route. The Grande Rota de Santa Maria must be one of the most diverse trekking routes in the Atlantic Ocean. You’re never far from the dramatic coastline, with rugged windswept cliffs and both black and white sand beaches. And at the heart of the island you can climb the island’s highest peak, Pico Alto. Vamos lá!

Madeira is one of the hottest hiking destinations at the moment. It’s easy to see why. The island is formed by mountains rising steeply from the Atlantic Ocean, accumulating to its highest point, Pico Ruivo. The lush mountains and valleys are connected by a network of walkways called levadas and verenas. It is possible to hike the entire island on the Madeira Trail, a 5-day coast to coast thru-hike. Some of us simply don’t have the time or desire to spend five days hiking. How to get a taste of the popular Madeira Trail and scale the highest mountain on Madeira while you’re at it without spending all your holidays? At Bookatrekking.com we created the Pico Ruivo Sky Walk, a two-day hike that packs everything that’s great about Madeira. You ascend Pico Ruivo via levadas and verenas and sleep in one of the most spectacular spots on the island. You finish the hike with a thrilling traverse to the famous look-out point at Pico Arieiro. If this doesn't get you high, we're not sure what will!

The Algarve, located in the southern part of Portugal, is well-known to sun-seekers. Pleasant temperatures and beautiful surroundings ensure crowded beaches. However, besides beach relaxation, the region also offers magnificent hiking opportunities. Via Algarviana winds its way through the Algarve in fourteen stages, allowing you to savor tranquility, expansive vistas, and the scents of herbs and trees along the way. Are you ready to explore the other, quieter side of this region? You won't encounter popular beach resorts like Faro and Albufeira on this journey, but you will have the chance to explore serene villages, where you can unwind after a day of hiking. You'll get to discover local crafts and culinary delights, and along the way, you'll stay in small-scale accommodations. And as for your luggage? It will be transported for you. Vamos lá!