The summer is almost here and in Portugal there has been a notieable rise in temperature. Most people do not seem to realsise that during this time it can be much hotter in the north and central Portugal than the Algarve (that is why many from Porto and Lisbon head south for their holidays). Those that were on the group walk in the north last week can also back me up on this as for two days temperatures rose to 35C! Boy it was hot and not typical for late May, the locals kept telling me these were August temperatures - not a lot of consolation when you are absolutely steaming!
Still there are places where you can walk during the summer without over heating - the Azores and Madeira. Most people think that Madeira being further south must be hotter than the mainland but this is far from the truth - south yes but it is an island and its temperatures are tempered by the Atlantic ocean; during the months of June / July the island is awash with hydrangeas, agapanthus and the flower of Madeira - it is just great for walking. Very few walkers go at this time of year because of the mistaken belief that it will be too hot - trust me it will not!