The Atlantic Coast of Portugal Walking Holiday

On arrival at Porto Airport a private transfer (included) will take you to your hotel – where your Walk Pack will be waiting. If you have free time in Porto, you may wish to explore the city. The riverside Ribeira district is colourful and lively, with lots of bars and restaurants amid the characterful buildings. Enjoy the sunset from the top level of the Dom Luís I bridge over the majestic Douro River.

Accommodation: 4* Hotel, Porto

Route Statistics – 14.4 km (8.9 miles) | +87m

After breakfast, a private transfer will take you to the coastal town of Póvoa de Varzim. Its wide sandy beaches make this a popular holiday spot for Portuguese families. Discover its deep connection with the ocean, depicted in the azulejo panel at the beginning of the trail. Follow the boardwalks alongside sandy beaches and between sand dunes and windmills. Then leave the coast to walk through market gardens and woodland on the approach to the village of Apúlia with its fishing boats and huts. If in luck, you may catch the seaweed collectors at work. Relax on the beach and try some of the tastiest octopus around.

Accommodation: 3* Hotel, Apúlia
Meals: Breakfast

Route Statistics – 8.3 km (5.1 miles) | +33m

Walk through the outskirts of Fão before walking alongside and across the Cávado Estuary as you approach the charming resort town of Esposende. Your hotel is a short distance from the small historical centre with attractive squares and churches. If you’re feeling energetic, you could hire a bike or try your hand at SUP or even kitesurfing.

Accommodation: 3* Hotel, Esposende
Meals: Breakfast

Route Statistics – 12.8 km (7.9 miles) | +97m

Today’s walk offers varied scenery as you pass through small villages and smallholdings and a stretch of pebbly beaches before heading inland to cross the Neiva River. Spend the afternoon discovering the historical features and tree-filled grounds of the gorgeous historical country house where you’ll be spending the night. Relax by the pool and enjoy the slow pace of life.

Accommodation: Small family run B&B, Castelo de Neiva
Meals: Breakfast

Route Statistics – 14.1 km (8.7 miles) | +90m

Returning to the coast, the trail eventually traverses a pleasant section of pine forest as you approach Viana do Castelo. Today’s walk ends with spectacular views from the long Eiffel bridge. This stunning and historic city has much to offer, including the Santa Luzia Basilica, the Costume Museum, the Gil Eannes Hospital Ship and the beautiful Church of Mercy.

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

Route Statistics – 19.4 km (12 miles) | +146m

Start the day by strolling through the enchanting centre of Viana do Castelo before joining the coastal path with its stone windmills. You will head inland, as the trail becomes a charming mix of forest and fields, returning to the sea at a wide sandy beach, which signals your arrival at Vila Praia de Âncora. Here, local fishermen ensure a regular supply of fresh fish and seafood. Relax and indulge!

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

Route Statistics – 9.5 km (5.9 miles) | +59m

It’s a short, pleasant coastal walk from the seaside resort town of Vila Praia de Âncora to Moledo beach along the new pedestrian path (ecovia). Walk through a beautiful pine forest to the mouth of the River Minho and on to the riverside town of Caminha with plenty of time to stop for a swim along the way. Visit Caminha’s medieval clock tower and Gothic parish church or simply relax in the beautiful main square around a 16th century fountain.

Accommodation: 4* Hotel, Caminha
Meals: Breakfast

Independent onward travel. Either return to Porto by scenic train (approx. 2hrs, not included), and add an extra night before your return flight home or, if you are heading to the airport, we would recommend a direct private transfer (see optional extras for more details). 

Meals: Breakfast