Cabo de Ares

Manageable hike with beach option.

Apart from Cavalo Beach, this is the only hiking trail whose starting point can theoretically be reached on foot. This is for people willing to add about an hour each way for the round trip. The rest park at the end of the paved road; details are available on All Trails, and professional guidance is offered by Vertente Natural.

As always, the path is thorny, not every stone is secure, and forget about shade — two liters of water per person is sensible. The primary destination is a ruin that everyone assumes is an old fortress. While fortified, it’s actually a checkpoint for fishermen to ensure they didn't smuggle their catch into the village bypassing customs.

From this ”fish tax office,” the remains of a staircase lead down to the pebble beach Calhau da Cova. It’s beautiful, and you’ll likely be the only swimmers there. The return path, though slightly different, offers the usual stunning views. You can also extend the tour significantly.