5 Self-Guided Tours to Enjoy in 2025
Do you want to walk, hike, cycle or ride throughout northern Portugal and Galicia? You can find the best programmes and self-guided tours here at Portugal Green Walks!
Among dozens of them, we have selected the top 5 programme options for you to enjoy in 2025, so you can now plan what you want to do next year.
Heart and Soul of Douro Valley
Group of people taking part in a hiking program in the Douro Valley.
In this 1-week self-guided tour, you will make your way from Porto into the very heart of the Douro region, before exploring the picturesque slopes and valleys of this World Heritage landscape on foot.
Follow unpaved roads and footpaths as you walk from village to village, pausing for picnic lunches and visits to local wine estates, where you can sample not only award-winning table wines, but also Port and moscatel wines.
Museums such as the Bread and Wine Museum in Favaios will give you a greater appreciation of local traditions and wine-production. You’ll also witness some of the year-round activities involved in tending the vines and terraces.
Relax after each day’s walk in Douro Valley at carefully selected country houses and hotels, where you will receive a warm welcome, comfortable accommodation and delicious meals.
End your self-guided walking holidays in Douro Valley back in the fascinating historical city of Porto, where you can visit the Port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, as well as exploring Porto’s many sights and views. And you can choose to return by train or by river cruise!
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Portuguese Coastal Way to Santiago
Group of pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago along the coast, enjoying the seaside landscape.
During 2 weeks and 259 km, you will find beautiful beaches, countryside and historical towns on this ancient pilgrim walking trail from Porto to Santiago de Compostela.
Start the visit with the 12th century Porto Cathedral and take time to explore the city. Transfer to Matosinhos to walk alongside the ocean towards the pretty old town of Vila do Conde, with a lace-making tradition and strong naval history. The coastal towns of Póvoa de Varzim, Esposende and Vila Praia de Âncora offer particularly fresh seafood. Viana do Castelo gives you the chance to explore its medieval history and detour to visit Santa Luzia Basilica for magnificent views. Then, weave your way through Portuguese countryside and back to the Atlantic Portuguese coast near Caminha, just across the river from Spain.
A scenic ferry ride will take you to A Guarda, for a beautiful stretch of unspoiled coastline towards the attractive town of Baiona and its tapas bars. Between Vigo and Redondela, you’ll be able to see the Ria de Vigo lagoon, dotted with the Cies islands and floating mussel farms. Meet fellow pilgrims as you merge with the Portuguese Central Way of Santiago. Take time to enjoy Pontevedra’s charming historical centre and relax in one of its attractive squares. More forests, fields, rivers, villages and valleys lie between here and the spa town of Caldas de Reis. Explore Padrón, its peppers and its links to St. James, before the final journey to Santiago de Compostela.
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Portuguese Camino de Santiago
Symbols of the Camino de Santiago: the gourd and the shell, representing the tradition and journey of the pilgrims.
On the other way (although the destiny is the same), there is a uniquely memorable experience, during 12 walking days and 226 km, that you will treasure forever!
The Portuguese Camino de Santiago has been one of the main pilgrim routes to Santiago for centuries. Set out on a journey of discovery, not only of the country but of yourself as you follow in the footsteps of countless pilgrims and walkers.
Our way of doing the Portuguese Camino de Santiago on foot involves luggage transfers and comfortable beds in the best establishments along this historic route. These carefully chosen fine hotels, charming country houses and historic buildings bring you closer to the history, culture and gastronomy of this region of Northern Portugal and Galicia.
Also, our roadbook contains all the tips and information you need to easily follow the Camino and to understand and appreciate what you see on route. We’ll make suggestions for when and where you could stop for lunch, as well as things that might be worth a slight detour.
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Cycling The Portuguese Coastal Way to Santiago
Bicycle on the boardwalk, following the coastal route of the Camino de Santiago de Compostela.
Is there any other way to get to Santiago? Of course there is!
Follow the coastline North as you pedal your way along ancient pilgrim trails in 1 week and 259 km. You’ll pass by a series of sandy beaches, villages and market gardens between the historical city of Porto and the low-key resort town of Esposende, via Vila do Conde. Head inland to follow quiet country lanes to Caminha, passing through the small, attractive city of Viana do Castelo.
A short but scenic ferry ride takes you across the River Minho to the fishing town of A Guarda in Spain. A glorious stretch of rugged coastline and a small mountain connect you to Baiona, a charming seaside town with heaps of history and tapas bars. Then it’s on to the city of Vigo, through the typical rural countryside. Ride on to Redondela, where the coastal and central Caminos become one, accompanied by views of the Ria do Vigo.
Stop for oysters in Arcade, before using ancient stone paths to cycle through the forests and villages to the city of Pontevedra, full of intriguing squares and buildings. The next town of note is Caldas de Reis, where you can test the temperature of the thermal waters. Pretty Padrón is where St. James is said to have been buried. Try the famous peppers here, then pedal on to your ultimate destination of Santiago de Compostela.
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Highlights of Northern Portugal
Table with local products, with the stunning landscape of the Douro Valley in the background.
Our last suggestion is to discover the best of some of our other tours, in three very different parts of Northern Portugal, namely the UNESCO World Heritage wine region of the Douro Valley, the mountains and valleys of Peneda-Gerês National Park, which is part of the World Biosphere Reserve, and the pristine coastline of the Minho area, to give you an exciting taste of this diverse region!
Your Northern Portugal adventure, along 107 km and during 7 walking days, begins with a journey into the heart of the Douro, for 2 days of hiking, with stunning views and plenty of opportunity to taste world-class wines and local produce.
Next, you’re off to the wilder, rugged landscapes and isolated villages of the Peneda-Gerês National Park, a certified World Biosphere Reserve. Discover an ancient castle, a remote sanctuary, delightful forests, crystal clear waters and hearty local fare.
After the mountains, you’ll head to the historical town of Vila Nova de Cerveira to walk beside the Minho River and the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll meet fishing communities and gorgeous beaches on the way to the charming riverside city of Viana do Castelo.
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Open Sales 2025 – Book now to guarantee your place!
Book your trip for next year and make the first deposit (25%) in January 2025, with flexible cancellation (free for up to 30 days).
Find out more about all of our self-guided tours!
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