Trip code: W07MV 5 (2 reviews)
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1+
Leisurely plus
15.0Kg CO2e
Marked by the intense green of its fields and vineyards, the Minho regions' natural landscape is one of enormous beauty and biodiversity. Not yet well known as a 'walkers paradise', it is safe to say the Minho is reasonably 'less trodden' than other regions of Portugal such as the Southern Algarve or the autonomous islands of Madeira.
We have carefully selected our routes to ensure you experience the best the Minho region has to offer. You can expect to walk along the Atlantic coast, through beautiful valleys, explore the mountain and sample the local wineries along your route - one of our walks even takes you from Portugal to Spain... and back!
This 7-night linear walk begins in the Serra D'Arga Mountains on the Spanish border where you enjoy your first days walking. On your second day you meet the beautiful River Lima which you walk beside before reaching the historic town of Ponte de Lima known as the oldest village in Portugal. This charming village is home to one of the few crossing points of the river over a picturesque medieval bridge. Enjoy a rest day in Viana de Castelo spending the day at the beach and exploring the town. The remaining days are spent walking along the Green Coast past attractive windmills ending on a high point with the option to cross the River Minho into Spain for your last ascent.
The routes follow country roads, tracks, cycle-ways and paths of variable standard. The roads are sometimes tarmacked, gravel or cobbled.
You stay at Casa Nobre do Correio Mor.
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The Casa Nobre do Correio Mor overlooks the Lima River Valley and distant mountains of Peneda-Gerês National Park, this 17th-century manor house has a garden with outdoor pool.
Each room is tastefully and individually decorated, with ensuite. Some rooms feature a four-poster bed, balcony or antique-style furniture.
A continental breakfast is served in the room or breakfast room with large fireplace, chandelier and arched ceiling. Barbecue facilities and a bar are available, and within a 5-minute walk there are a few restaurants.
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).
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 Hotel Inlima.
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Inlima Hotel & Spa is located in the centre of Ponte de Lima. The hotel has 30 rooms and a spa where you relax after your walks.
Ponte de Lima is known as the oldest village of Portugal. It is a destination where you can enjoy traditional food, the famous Vinho Verde, find incredible scenery, fantastic gardens and history around every corner.
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 Casa Melo Alvim.
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As the oldest urban manor house in the town, this welcoming hotel was originally built in 1509 and has been lovingly restored. No two rooms are the same, each have been individually decorated in the traditional Portuguese styles of the 17th & 18th centuries. A buffet breakfast is served at the hotel restaurant, there’s also a guest bar with a fantastic terrace and gardens.
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.
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 Hotel Meira.
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Built in 1935, this family-run hotel benefits from a unique location between sea, countryside, and mountains – only 2 minutes from the beach. Inspired by the sea, Hotel Meira offers a relaxing spa experience using natural ingredients. There’s also a sauna and Turkish bath available to all guests.
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 Caminha (payable locally).
Show prices including flights?
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £270.
These flight inclusive prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £270.
Our aim is to provide holidays that are unbeatable for choice and flexibility. We've listed our most popular travel options below, however you aren't limited to these - we can tailor-make virtually any holiday to suit.
Air prices include our standard flights/transfers
Out: TAP London Gatwick to Porto, then transfer from Porto airport to hotel in Ponte de Barca, 75 Minutes
Return: Transfer from hotel in Caminha to Porto airport, 60 Minutes, then TAP Porto to London Gatwick
Alternative Air Travel
Alternative flights, onward rail to your holiday area, and connecting private transfers can be arranged from most UK airports. If you would like to use one of the many 'low cost' airlines, we can book these on your behalf. We can also book UK shuttles to connect with your onward flight, please call for details and prices.
Alternative transfers
If you require alternative transfers (because you will be arriving at a different time to our standard flights), then we can usually arrange these for you (there may be an additional charge).
To find out more about the travel options available call our sales team on 01606 720199, use our live webchat (we're open from 9am today) or email sales@headwater.com
Should you require overnight airport accommodation, airport parking or even a uniformed chauffeur to take your car from your departure terminal and park it for you, we can arrange this for you through Holiday Extras. You can book airport parking, airport hotels and executive lounges through their website or contact us for further details. Early booking is recommended to obtain the best availability and prices.
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1+
Leisurely plus
15.0Kg CO2e
