Walking holiday undiscovered Portugal Costa Verde

Walking holiday Portugal, Costa Verde guided & self-guided 

Mountains, green countryside, beautiful beaches, wildlife, fisherman trails, waterfalls and the vinho verde wine region.

• This is a 8 day centre based walking holiday in the city of Viana do Castelo, the jewel of Costa Verde and famous for its wild mountains, lush green countryside, beautiful beaches and Vinho Verde wine.

• We offer 6 walks in different lansdcapes: from the mountains to the sea. Explore the wildlife and the waterfalls in the Serra de Arga Natural Park, explore the Vinho Verde wine region and the oldest town in Portugal, Ponte de Lima.

• Discover the Fishermen's Trail walking through sandy and rocky beaches and exploring old windmills.

• Cross over the Rio Minho in a ferry into Galicia (Spain) to visit the Mountain of Santa Tecla with its
  sanctuary and its celtic settlements.

ITINERARY:

DAY 1 - Arrival

Arrive at Porto airport and transfer to your hotel in the city of Viana do Castelo;

Overnight in a private apartment, rural tourism or a hotel.

DAY 2 - Wildlife and traditional villages, Serra de Arga Natural Park

Following some old shepherd paths you will enjoy the stunning landscape of the Serra de Arga Mountain. During this hike you will try to watch the wild horses in the mountains and you will pass through some fastinating traditional villages and hamlets. 

Short hike: 12 kms I Long hike: 20 kms

DAY 3 - Fisherman´s trail: sandy beaches, coastal forts and windmills

This is a linear walk along the Viana do Castelo coastline passing along the way the historical forts that used to protect this area, windmills and which had fine views over the Atlantic Ocean. The walk take you across golden sands, past ancient forts, along board walks and coastal paths.

Short hike: 12 kms I Long hike: 19 kms

DAY 4 - Lima Valley: Vinho Verde wine area and Ponte de Lima, oldest town

Walking along the banks of Rio Lima you will pass near many vineyards and corn fields before to reach Ponte de Lima, the oldest town in Portugal. The landscape along the Lima Valley is beautiful 

Short hike: 12 kms I Long hike: 18 kms

DAY 5 - Walk around Lindoso, Peneda-Gerês National Park

Lindoso used to be the ‘capital’ of the area and still has the remains of a castle. It’s more famous these days for having the largest collection of stone espigueiros (corn storage houses) around. Most of its 54 espigueiros stand around the communal eira (threshing floor) and some are still used by the villagers.
On this tour you will explore the National Park and you will enjoy the great views over Spain.

Short hike: 12 kms I Long hike: 18 kms

DAY 6 - Montaria watermills and Pincho waterfalls (Serra de Arga Natural Park)

This is circular walk through the Montaria mountain village, once famous for its 42 watermills and the Pincho wateralls. This walk is through pleasant countryside and villages with views of the farmland.

Short hike: 12 kms I Long hike: 18 kms

DAY 7 - Galicia, Spain Celtic settlements and panorama over Portugal

From Caminha, you take the ferry for a short river crossing to Galicia in Spain for the start of the walk. You initially follow the river and then walked uphill through a wooded area to a reached a view point overlooking an ancient Celtic settlement (Castro de Santa Tegra). From the top of the mountain, you walk downhill through a wood of eucalyptus which had been extensively cleared in places. At times there were magnificent views of the Galician plains, the river and Portugal.  

Short hike: 10 kms I Long hike: 19 kms

DAY 8 - Departure

Transfer from Viana do Castelo to Porto airport or city center.

Included on self-guided walking holiday:

• 7 nights bed & breakfast accommodation in a 3 star hotel or in a 4 star hotel;
• Transfer from Porto airport/city to first hotel and return transfer (last day/departure);
• Transfers from hotel - walking area - hotel;
• Garmin GPS device with tracks, walking booklet and local maps;
• Support line.
  
  

Included on guided walking holiday:

• 7 nights bed & breakfast accommodation in a 3 star hotel or in a 4 star hotel;
• Transfer from Porto airport/city to first hotel and return transfer (last day/departure);
• Transfer from hotel to walking area and from walking area to hotel;
• English speaking guide during all days (except in the free day);
• Picnic lunches with traditional Portuguese food and drinks;
• Support line.

Make An Enquiry
This trip can be enjoyed as shown, or made longer or shorter to suit you. Please contact us for full details and to discuss your trip.