Highlights of Northern Portugal Walking Holiday

On arrival at Porto Airport a private transfer (included) will take you the short distance to Porto’s Campanhã train station. From there, you’ll catch a train to Pinhão – a pretty town surrounded on all sides by terraced hills – which follows a stunningly scenic route along the banks of the Douro river.  Trains run throughout the day (approx. €12 one way, 2hrs 20mins), and can be booked in advance.  On arrival in Pinhão you’ll be met at the bus or train station and driven directly to the first night’s hotel in Alijó – a pretty village, nestled in the heart of the Douro valley’s famous vineyards – a perfect place to relax before the walking starts tomorrow. Your Holiday Pack will be waiting for you at reception.

Alternatively, a private transfer can be organised to take you directly from Porto Airport to your first hotel in Alijó  (at a supplement).

Meals: None
Accommodation: 4* Hotel, Alijó

Distance: 15km, 5 – 7 hours walking, 369m ascent / 368m descent

Today’s circular walk takes you through a rolling landscape of vineyards, woodlands and fields, towards the ancient village of São Mamede de Ribatua. From here, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the tranquil Tua reservoir below, surrounded on all sides by rugged mountains. After lunch, the route returns to Alijó.

Meals: Breakfast and packed Lunch
Accommodation: 4* Hotel, Alijó

Distance: 20 km, 6 – 7 hours walking, 282m ascent / 795m descent

Today you’ll walk through the pleasant, gentle countryside at the outer edge of the Douro wine region, before reaching the hilltop ridge that runs to Casal de Loivos and Pinhão. Today’s route offers magnificent views of the Pinhão Valley and its surrounding slopes, as well as the iconic vistas around the Douro River. Finally, you’ll make your way down to Pinhão and your accommodation for the night, through the terraced hills that surround this lovely village.

Meals: Breakfast and packed Lunch
Accommodation: 3* Hotel, Pinhão

Distance: 2.5 km, 1-2 hours walking, 117m ascent

After breakfast you will take a private transfer to the historical village of Castro Laboreiro, in the Peneda-Gerês National Park (approx 3 hrs), where you’ll spend your next two nights. In the afternoon you’ll have an opportunity to stretch out your legs with a short, charming walk that takes in the park’s lush greenery and the blue waters of the River Lima.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 3* Hotel, Castro Laboreiro

Distance: 13 km, 5 – 7 hours walking, 440m ascent

Today you will walk through the village and out into the rugged hills and gorgeous countryside, which is full of quirky rock formations. Once in the valley, a pleasant area of woodland leads to an ancient bridge where you may like to bathe your feet in the untainted waters. Then you can enjoy the shade of the trees and the sound of the stream as you climb steadily to the plateau, full of smooth granite boulders and sweeping views across the valley to other hills, valleys and ridges. The trail ends back in Castro Laboreiro.

Meals: Breakfast and packed Lunch
Accommodation: 3* Hotel, Castro Laboreiro

Distance: 15 km, 4 – 6 hours walking, 311m ascent

Today you’ll walk to the sanctuary of Peneda. You will cross wild, rocky highlands with glorious views over the surrounding mountains on the way to Lamas do Mouro Park Gate – a great place to learn more about the National Park.  From here, the enchantment of the forest takes over as you make your way towards the sanctuary at Peneda, at times following ancient stone paths built for local pilgrims. After reaching Peneda Sanctuary, a private transfer will take you to the charming small town of Vila Nova de Cerveira. Once refreshed, enjoy a stroll around the historical centre and look out for artworks – this town hosts a biennial arts festival.

Meals – Breakfast and packed Lunch
Accommodation: a country ‘casa’ – Vila Nova de Cerveira

Distance: 22 km, 5 – 7 hours walking, 173m ascent

Today you will follow the trail along the River Minho, the natural border with Spain, all the way to its mouth at the riverside town of Caminha. Once there, you can visit the beautifully carved Gothic parish church, explore the remains of the old fortress, pop into some traditional shops, or stop for a coffee in the charming main square, which wraps around a 16th-century fountain.

From the medieval centre of Caminha, you’ll then continue your walk through an ancient pine forest before following an easy coastal path to Vila Praia de Âncora, a fishing port and seaside resort town perched on the edge of a vast golden beach.

Accommodation: 4* Hotel, Vila Praia de Âncora
Meals: Breakfast

Distance: 19 km, 5 – 7 hours walking, 133m ascent / 130m descent

Today you set off to explore the fascinating city of Viana do Castelo, one of the most beautiful cities of Northern Portugal.

Starting from the expansive sandy beaches of Vila Praia de Âncora, you’ll briefly head inland through patches of forest and fields before reaching the stone windmills and fortresses that sit along the coast south of Viana do Castelo. Viana’s history is shaped by the sea: a vital location in the Portuguese Discovery age, the city’s stunning architecture and artisan history (the area is known for its filigree gold work) are both tied to Viana’s maritime and shipbuilding past. In the evening you can enjoy exploring the ancient streets and squares of this pretty town.

Accommodation: 4* Hotel, Viana do Castelo
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, return to Porto by train (not included), private transfer (see optional extras) or independent onward travel.

Meals: Breakfast