Beach or Mountain Vacation: What to Choose This Summer?

As summer approaches, one big question returns: beach or mountain vacation? Both options offer spectacular scenery, culture, local cuisine and unforgettable activities, a great way to disconnect from everyday routine.

Across the Iberian Peninsula, coastal and inland landscapes invite you to experience life from different perspectives. The sea refreshes, energizes and awakens both the appetite and the soul. The mountains offer shelter and reconnection with nature. We’re here to show you that there’s a perfect destination for every traveler, and many ways to enjoy it.

The Call of the Sea: Salt, Breeze and Atlantic Flavor

Lush nature between volcanoes and gardens in Madeira

If you’ve ever dreamed of getting lost in a garden in the middle of the Atlantic, Madeira is your destination. This Portuguese Island is unlike any other, with a volcanic landscape of dramatic cliffs that drop into the Atlantic. Everything here is lived intensely: the colors and the scents.

Starting from Funchal, the capital, you can explore by jeep, taste local fruit and immerse yourself in the heart of the island. If this Atlantic destination catches your eye, here are some of our favorite ways to experience Madeira:

• Take a journey full of contrasts with our Jeep tour through banana plantations and lush gardens, where vibrant nature and traditional cuisine come together.
• Discover remote landscapes, authentic food and local wines with our gastronomic jeep tour through the north and wine-producing region of Madeira, certified as DOP Madeirense since 2008.

Funchal invites you to a summer where the wild beauty of the island and its culinary heritage go hand in hand.

Slow coastal living in the Rías Baixas

If you prefer a Spanish destination where the green countryside meets the sea, the Rías Baixas region offers a different kind of coastal summer. There are no rushes here, only tides, boats and a good glass of Albariño.

In the northwest of Spain, Vigo is the lively heart of this Galician coast and a great place to begin your adventure. For a few days of relaxation in Galicia, here are some of our top suggestions:

• Step aboard our sailing experience to the Cíes Islands, a journey across Atlantic flavors and stunning landscapes.
• Let the sound of the sea guide you with our sustainable mussel boat tour and tapas tasting, the perfect choice before strolling the historic streets of Vigo’s Old Town.

Algarve and Azores: natural beauty at your own pace

If what you’re looking for is a peaceful walk along the cliffs and endless ocean views, southern Portugal also has its own magic. In Lagos, you can join our hike along the Sete Vales Suspensos Trail, a spectacular walk with picnic breaks, scenic photo spots and panoramic viewpoints.

And if you feel like escaping even further from the everyday, the Azores are waiting with volcanic cuisine and landscapes that feel out of this world. Have a look at our current experiences on the islands while we prepare new activities!

The Power of Inland Destinations: Silence, Freshness and Authenticity

Inland landscapes have a charm all their own. Here, summer smells like fresh earth and wild nature. A holiday away from the coast, whether in Spain or Portugal, means slowing down and focusing on calm moments, good conversations and life’s small pleasures.

Northern Portugal and the Slow Camino

Can you imagine walking slowly through vineyards and ancient villages? That’s the spirit of our Slow Camino, a coastal trail that connects Porto and Galicia, where the journey is as meaningful as the destination.

In northern Portugal, you’ll also find wine landscapes and rich gastronomic routes in the Minho region. Discover our tailor-made tours in the area and choose the one that fits your pace.

Navarre, Aragón and the Pyrenees: the other side of summer

In northeastern Spain, the Aragonese Pyrenees, Navarra and the Catalan Pre-Pyrenees offer mountains and natural scenery that tell stories of land, history and tradition. While our custom tours in this area are not yet available, we’re working to bring them to you soon. In the meantime, we invite you to picture it: a cool morning in a stone village, a walk under oak trees, or a sunset dinner with local wine.

Check our destination pages for Aragón and Navarre and don’t miss future updates on our inland tourism offers. We’re experts in designing tailor-made routes that match your preferences and your travel style!

Beach or Mountain Vacations: The Best of Both Worlds

Sometimes you don’t have to choose between the beach or the mountains. A trip can begin with a sailing tour in Vigo and end in a vineyard in inland Galicia. Or the other way around. Each destination has its rhythm and identity, and summer is long enough to experience them both.

With Eat & Walkabout, you’ll discover a new way of travelling, combining nature, local culture and gastronomy in every experience. If you already have a trip in mind but can’t find it on our site, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll create a tailor-made itinerary for you so you can enjoy an unforgettable summer.