Some people spend a vacation or a walking holiday in Europe and they choose Portugal as a travel destination, but very few of them explore the authentic Portugal, off the beatean path.
When you hear someone speaking about Portugal they will speak about Lisbon, Algarve, Madeira, Azores, Porto, Douro Valley or Alentejo but they miss Minho region.
Minho is the Portugal´s best kept secret region and is land of National Parks, lush green hills, little and traditional villages and horned cattle. Our walking holidays provides solitude and an authentic contact with portuguese culture and nature.
Portugal is a country located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Spanish border.
Portugal has the greatest weather in Europe if we want to enjoy fantastic hiking trails and explore the whole diversity of landscapes from high mountains to an immense coastline, with an endless number of sunny days all year round.
North of Portugal is a wonderful destination for those who love traditional cuisine, wine, culture and nature. People from the North are very friendly hosts who will always make you feel like home.
"Portugal’s best kept secret is Minho, located in the North, is absolutely the greenest area in Portugal."
It is a region delimited by Porto district and Douro River in the South and divided by the Spanish border by Minho River in the North.
Minho is known to be a famous wine region where the unique Vinho Verde (green wine) is produced - one of the most exquisite wines in the world. In this region two varieties of Vinho Verde can be found: Alvarinho and Loureiro.
The fortified towns of Monção and Melgaço located in Minho Valley, on the Portuguese border are the birthplace of the famous vinho verde, Alvarinho. Cycling through Minho Valley and the Alvarinho wine route you can visit family-owned wineries and try some of the best Alvarinho wines.
In Lima Valley between Arcos de Valdevez, Ponte da Barca, Ponte de Lima and the city of Viana do Castelo you can find another kind of green wine - Loureiro. Cycling through the Lima Valley you can explore the oldest town in Portugal – Ponte de Lima where you can also visit family-owned wineries to be able to try Loureiro green wines.
Minho is a place full of magnificent greenery – you can find there three principle areas of unique natural beauty, such as Serra D’Arga Nature Reserve located in the district of Viana do Castelo and Peneda Gerês National Park, the only National Park in Portugal.
If you are a nature lover, Minho is your destination. Here you can cycle through country roads without traffic, enjoy silence or you can walk through ancient trails exploring the mesmerizing panoramic landscapes from the high mountains to the seaside.
Descubra Minho wants to share with you the real, still undiscovered Portugal, away from the crowds, places closest to paradise and country’s best footpaths.
Click here to check our guided & self-guided tours in North of Portugal / Minho region
