Aerial view of the coastline at Arrifana, Aljezur, Portugal

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Discover hiking trails, campsites, surf breaks and
hidden gems in Morocco, Spain & Portugal.

Arrifana, Aljezur, Portugal

Your guide to the outdoors in Morocco, Spain & Portugal

Outdoors Atlas is a curated guide to 233 outdoor locations across three countries — Morocco, Spain and Portugal — spanning four ways to explore them: hiking, camping, surfing and scenic viewpoints. Every spot is hand-picked, with difficulty, best time to visit and on-the-ground detail so you can plan a real trip, not just bookmark a photo.

From the Berber mule tracks of Morocco's High Atlas and the vertiginous gorges of Spain's Picos de Europa to the wild surf coastline of Portugal's Costa Vicentina, browse the atlas by activity or by destination.

Outdoor adventures by country

Morocco

Where the Atlas meets the Sahara

Morocco's great outdoors extends far beyond its famous medinas. The High Atlas mountains rise to nearly 4,200 metres — the highest peaks in North Africa — and are threaded with ancient Berber mule tracks passing through terraced valleys and villages untouched by the modern world. On the Atlantic coast, endless argan forests give way to surf breaks and wind-lashed campsites, while in the south, the Sahara begins — an infinite canvas of dunes, nomadic culture and fossil-bearing hamada. Morocco rewards those who go slow and go far.

  • North Africa's highest peak — Jbel Toubkal (4,167 m) — for serious trekkers
  • Eight of the country's best campsites, from beachside Asilah to the Sahara gateway
  • Atlantic coastline with legendary surf breaks south of Agadir

Spain

Epic trails, wild coasts, ancient routes

Spain contains within its borders some of Europe's most dramatic outdoor terrain: the 1,000-year-old pilgrimage route of the Camino de Santiago, the vertiginous gorges of the Picos de Europa, the UNESCO mountain landscapes of Mallorca's Serra de Tramuntana, and the longboard-friendly coastlines of Cantabria and Galicia. The country's extraordinary climatic diversity — from the wet greens of the north to the bone-dry Andalusian interior — means outdoor pursuits are available in every season and suit every temperament.

  • The Camino de Santiago — one of the world's great long-distance pilgrimages
  • Caminito del Rey gorge walk — Europe's most dramatic boardwalk experience
  • Galicia and Cantabria surf coasts with year-round longboard conditions

Portugal

Portugal's wild Atlantic coast, world-class surf breaks, ancient cork forests and the best campsites in Western Europe

Portugal punches well above its size as an outdoor destination. The country has more surfable days per year than almost anywhere in Western Europe, and the protected Costa Vicentina harbours some of the last truly wild coastline between the North Sea and the Algarve. Inland, the Alentejo's ancient cork forests and the schist villages of the Beira Baixa offer a deeply unhurried alternative to the beach crowds, while even the most popular Algarve campsite sits within reach of sea caves, limestone arches and Ria Formosa's extraordinary bird-rich lagoon system.

  • Ericeira World Surf Reserve — one of only a few protected surf areas on earth
  • Ten of the country's best campsites from the Algarve to the Alentejo interior
  • Costa Vicentina — the last wild coastline in southern Europe

Latest guides

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General

Best Outdoor Activities in Morocco — Hiking, Camping, Surfing & Viewpoints

Morocco offers 71 outdoor locations across four activities — hiking (21), camping (20), surfing (21), and viewpoints (9). This guide covers difficulty levels, best seasons, and location information for each activity, from Toubkal treks to Sahara camping, Taghazout waves to Chefchaouen views.

10 min readRead guide →
General

Best Outdoor Activities in Portugal — Hiking, Camping, Surfing & Viewpoints

From the dramatic cliff trails of the Fishermen's Trail on the Vicentine Coast to the world-class surf breaks of Ericeira, Portugal packs more outdoor variety into its compact territory than almost any country in Western Europe. This guide covers four essential experiences — hiking the Fishermen's Trail, camping in the Alentejo's cork forests, surfing the Ericeira World Surf Reserve, and chasing viewpoints along the Sintra coast — with seasonal advice and practical connections from Lisbon, Faro, and Porto.

10 min readRead guide →
General

Best Outdoor Activities in Spain — Hiking, Camping, Surfing & Viewpoints

Spain is a year-round outdoor playground. This guide covers four unmissable activities in iconic locations: the vertiginous Caminito del Rey hike near Málaga, coastal camping on the Costa Brava near Barcelona, world-class surfing at Mundaka in the Basque Country, and the breathtaking cliffside viewpoints of Ronda. Includes seasonal guidance, gateway city logistics and practical tips for each adventure.

10 min readRead guide →

Frequently asked questions

Planning a hiking, camping or surf trip across Morocco, Spain and Portugal? Here's what adventurers ask us most.

What is the best country for hiking in Morocco, Spain, or Portugal?

Each country offers distinct hiking experiences. Morocco has the High Atlas with North Africa's highest peak (Mount Toubkal, 4,167m). Spain features the Picos de Europa, Sierra Nevada, and the famous Caminito del Rey. Portugal offers the Passadiços do Paiva, Madeira's levada trails, and the Fishermen's Trail along the Algarve coast.

When is the best time to go surfing in Morocco?

The best surf season in Morocco runs from October to April, when consistent Atlantic swells hit the coast. Taghazout and Anchor Point are world-famous breaks. Year-round surfing is possible, with summer offering smaller waves ideal for beginners.

What are the best campsites in Portugal?

Portugal has excellent camping options — from Turiscampo in the Algarve (★4.5/5,348 reviews) to Parque Cerdeira in Peneda-Gerês National Park. The Orbitur chain operates well-equipped parks across the country including Sagres, Figueira da Foz, and Montargil.

Which country has the most hiking trails on Outdoors Atlas?

Hiking is evenly represented, with 20 trails in each of Morocco, Spain and Portugal. With 225 curated locations across 3 countries and 4 activities (hiking, camping, surfing, viewpoints), there's something for every outdoor enthusiast.

Do I need a guide to hike in the Atlas Mountains?

For popular routes like the Toubkal summit trek and the Three Valleys Trek, hiring a local guide from Imlil is recommended but not mandatory. Guides enhance safety, provide cultural insight, and support the local Berber economy.

What level of surfer are most spots in Spain suitable for?

Spain's surf spots cater to all levels. Beginner-friendly beaches include El Palmar (Cádiz), Somo (Cantabria), and Roquetas de Mar (Almería). Advanced surfers should head to Mundaka (Basque Country) for its legendary left-hand wave, or the powerful breaks of the Canary Islands.