Walking the Mountains, Valleys & Coast of Minho

Day 1: Arrive in Ponte da Barca

You stay at the Hotel Casa Nobre do Correio Mor

Day 2: Lindoso to Soajo 11 KM /7 MI /4 HRS

Transfer to Lindoso (35 mins) where you then descend to cross the Rio Lima via an impressive hydro-electric dam. This involves 2 km of tarmac road, thereafter you walk along ancient tracks and paths. Today's route takes you through picturesque villages, farmland and forest to Soajo. You will witness a disappearing way of life. Much of this landscape was farmed in the past - numerous terraces, water channels, barns and grain stores attest to this heritage. Transfer to Ponte da Barca (35 mins).
You stay at the Hotel Casa Nobre do Correio Mor (breakfast included)

Day 3: Ponte da Barca to Ponte de Lima 17 KM /11 MI /4.5 HRS

Leaving Ponte da Barca, you walk alongside the peaceful Rio Lima for most of your day to the historic town of Ponte de Lima. Today's walk is a complete contrast to the previous two days. Only towards the end do you leave the riverside for a kilometre or so. The going is very easy, being virtually level and traffic-free nearly all the way. Take your swimming things if you like a dip - there are some lovely swimming spots along the river.
You stay at the Hotel in Ponte de Lima (breakfast included)

Day 4: Ponte de Lima to Viana do Castelo 14 KM /9 MI / 3 HRS

Today you have easy walking again, as you continue along the valley of the Rio Lima from Ponte de Lima. You leave Ponte de Lima along the magnificent avenue of plane trees by the river then mainly walk on tracks or rural roads, through fertile agricultural land and woodland. At Passagem, where there used to be a ferry across the river, you turn south towards the hills and into an area of intensive grape growing and wine production.
You stay at the Casa Melo Alvim (breakfast included)

Day 5: At Viana do Castelo

Spend the day at Viana do Castelo exploring the medieval centre with leafy 19th-century boulevards and narrow lanes of rococo palaces. Head up to the neo-Byzantine Santa Luzia church on the hilltop high above town, stroll along the attractive riverfront or head to the beach just outside the city.
You stay at the Casa Melo Alvim (breakfast included)

Day 6: Viana do Castelo to Vila Praia de Âncora 19 KM/ 12 MI /4.5 HRS

After a day in the mountains and then two days along the valley of the Rio Lima, today's walk is another complete contrast, as you walk along the 'Green Coast' northwards from Viana to Vila Praia de Ancora. Apart from one modest hill at Montedor mid-way along the route (and occasional sand-dunes) the walking feels more or less level. Some of the time you have the option to walk along the beach.
You stay at the Hotel Meira (breakfast included)

Day 7: Vila Praia de Âncora to Caminha 17 KM /11 MI /5HRS

Today's walk is in two distinct sections. The first takes you to the town of Caminha. You can then extend the walk by taking a ferry across the Rio Minho to Galicia in Spain to walk up Monte de Santa Trega (aka Tecla or Tegra), the striking conical hill opposite Caminha, returning later by ferry. Starting along the 'prom' in Vila Praia de Ancora, you continue your trek northwards along the coast until you pass the resort town of Santana. Thereafter you leave the bustle behind and walk through shady pine forest to the mouth of the Rio Minho estuary and a sheltered beach. If you would like a swim but don't fancy the open sea at Santana, this is a good place to stop. Return by train from Caimha (payable locally).
You stay at the Hotel Meira (breakfast included)

Day 8: Departure from Vila Praia de Ancora