Walk the Highlights of Northern Portugal

Walking information

The routes follow country roads, tracks, cycle-ways and paths of variable standard. The roads are sometimes tarmacked, gravel or cobbled.

Day 1: Arrive in Alijo

Arrive at your first hotel in Alijo.
Overnight Pousada do Barão de Forrester, Alijó

Day 2: Circular walk via Sao Mamede da Ribatua (15km/9.3mi)

Today’s walk takes you through constantly shifting landscapes of vineyards, woodland, and fields to the ancient village São Mamede da Ribatua. From here, you can enjoy stunning views of the calm Tua reservoir below, surrounded by rugged mountains.
Overnight Pousada do Barão de Forrester, Alijó (breakfast & packed lunch included).

Day 3: Alijo to Pinhao (20km/12.4mi)

Walk through pleasant countryside at the outer edge of the Douro wine region to reach a ridge that runs along the hilltops to Casal de Loivos and down to Pinhão. You will have magnificent views of the Pinhão Valley and surrounding slopes followed by splendid vistas of the Douro River and Valley as you make your way down through the vineyards to Pinhão.
Overnight Hotel LBV 3*, Pinhão (breakfast & packed lunch included).

Day 4: Peneda Geres National Park and around Castro Laboreiro Castle (2km/1.2mi)

Check out of your hotel and meet your driver for a private transfer to the Peneda-Gerês National Park. Your base for the next 2 days is the historical village of Castro Laboreiro, which originated as an Iron Age settlement and has been occupied ever since, creating a tight-knit community. Enjoy a short yet delightful walk to the ruins of the castle that overlooks the village and the surrounding countryside. The views are well worth the short climb! On your way back to the village, you can visit the small museum to learn about the local culture and traditions of this remote community.
Overnight Hotel Castrum Villae 3*, Castro Laboreiro (breakfast included).

Day 5: Castro Laboreiro Circular Walk (13km/8.1mi)

Walk through the village and out into the rugged hills and gorgeous countryside, 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. 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.
Overnight Hotel Castrum Villae 3*, Castro Laboreiro (breakfast & packed lunch included).

Day 6: Castro Laboreiro to Peneda and onto coastal Minho (15km/9.3mi)

Walk to the sanctuary of Peneda, crossing 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, you’ll be transferred 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.
Overnight Quinta de São Roque 3*, Vila Nova de Cerveira (breakfast & packed lunch included).

Day 7: Vila Nova de Cerveira to Vila Praia de Ancora (23km/14.3mi)

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 or stop for refreshments in the atmospheric main square with its 16th century fountain before heading to the ocean. After Caminha, you’ll walk through an ancient pine forest before following an easy coastal path to the fishing village and seaside resort town of Vila Praia de Âncora via Moledo beach.
Overnight Hotel Meira 4*, Vila Praia de Âncora (breakfast included).

Day 8: Vila Praia de Ancora to Viana do Castelo (19km/11.8mi)

Set off for the fascinating city of Viana do Castelo, crossing a wide sandy expanse of beach as you leave Vila Praia de Âncora. You’ll briefly head inland through patches of forest and fields before following the coast and its stone windmills and fortresses south to Viana do Castelo. Stroll through the beautiful historical centre of Viana do Castelo to reach your hotel. When you’ve had chance to freshen up, you can enjoy exploring the ancient streets and squares of this pretty town.
Overnight Casa Melo Alvim 4*, Viana do Castelo (breakfast included).

Day 9: Depart Viana do Castelo

Leave Viana do Castelo for your onward arrangements. We'd recommend adding extra nights in Porto to explore this fabulous city - enquire for prices.