Portuguese Coastal Way to Santiago
15 days | from 1.140€
Experience the beautiful Portuguese Coastal Way to Santiago through the coastlines of northern Portugal and Galicia.
1-week self-guided leisurely coastal walk along Portugal’s Costa Verde offers ample time to explore or relax.
The northwest coast of Portugal is known as the Costa Verde or Green Coast, thanks to the abundance of vegetation that backs onto it and the not-so-distant mountains of the Minho countryside. As you head north from Porto on this 8-day self-guided coastal walk, you’ll experience the ever-changing coastal landscape of wide sandy beaches, rocky coves, pebble beaches, pleasant seaside towns and fishing villages. You’ll also spend time in the small historical city of Viana do Castelo and end up in the charming town of Caminha at the very top of Portugal, just across the river from Spain.
While much of the route hugs the coast, you’ll sometimes head inland to walk through fields, forests and villages to get a deeper insight into the lifestyle of rural Portuguese communities and small-scale farming practices.
With relatively short, leisurely walking days, you’ll have plenty of time and energy to explore the towns and villages you stay in and to take breaks en route for a swim or to spend time on the beach.
Make the most of the ample opportunities to sample the freshest catch of the day and other delicious Portuguese fares from the Minho region.
If you have extra time, you could extend this coastal walking holiday by starting your journey from Porto or spending a few days there before continuing north into Spain, perhaps as far as the charming seaside town of Baiona.
SUGGESTED ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in Porto
When you check into your Porto hotel, you will receive your Welcome Kit, which contains all the information you need to enjoy this self-guided walking holiday fully.
If you have free time in Porto, you may wish to explore the city. The riverside Ribeira district is colourful and lively, with many bars and restaurants amid the characterful buildings. Enjoy the sunset from the top level of the Dom Luís I bridge over the majestic Douro River.
Accommodation: 4-star hotel
Day 2: Transfer to Póvoa de Varzim and walk to Apúlia
Distance: 14.4 km (8.9 miles)
Elevation (gain/loss): +87m / -81m
Your private driver will pick you up from the hotel and drive you in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle to the coastal town of Póvoa de Varzim. Its vast sandy beaches make this a popular holiday spot for Portuguese families.
Discover its deep connection with the ocean, depicted in the azulejo panel at the beginning of the trail.
Follow the boardwalks alongside sandy beaches and between sand dunes and windmills. Then leave the coast to walk through market gardens and woodland on the approach to the village of Apúlia with its fishing boats and huts. If you are lucky, you may catch the seaweed collectors at work. Relax on the beach and try some of the tastiest octopus around.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Walk from Apúlia to Esposende
Distance: 8.3 km (5.1 miles)
Elevation (gain/loss): +33m / -40m
Walk through the outskirts of Fão before walking alongside and across the Cávado Estuary as you approach the low-rise resort town of Esposende. Your hotel is a short distance from the small historical centre with attractive squares and churches. If you’re feeling energetic, you could hire a bike or try your hand at SUP or even kitesurfing.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Walk from Esposende to Castelo de Neiva
Distance: 12.8 km (7.9 miles)
Elevation (gain/loss): +97m / -70m
Today’s walk offers varied scenery as you pass through small villages and smallholdings and a stretch of pebbly beaches before heading inland to cross the Neiva River. Spend the afternoon discovering the historical features and tree-filled grounds of the gorgeous historical country house where you’ll be spending the night. Relax by the pool if the weather permits.
Accommodation: Charm hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Walk from Castelo de Neiva to Viana do Castelo
Distance: 14.1 km (8.7 miles)
Elevation (gain/loss): +90m / -108m
Return to the coast, and then walk through a pleasant section of pine forest on the way to Viana do Castelo. Your journey ends with spectacular views from the long Eiffel bridge. This lovely historical city has much to offer, including the Santa Luzia Basilica, the Costume Museum, Gil Eannes hospital ship and the beautiful Church of Mercy.
Accommodation: 4-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6: Walk from Viana do Castelo to Vila Praia de Âncora
Distance: 19.4 km (12 miles)
Elevation (gain/loss): +146m / -147m
Stroll through the beautiful historical centre of Viana do Castelo then follow the coast and its stone windmills. Head inland through patches of forest and fields. Cross the vast sandy expanse of the beach to end your journey in Vila Praia de Âncora. Local fishermen ensure a regular supply of fresh fish and seafood, so relax and indulge yourself.
Accommodation: 4-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7: Walk from Vila Praia de Âncora to Caminha
Distance: 9.5 km (5.9 miles)
Elevation (gain/loss): +59m / -59m
It’s a short, pleasant coastal walk from the seaside resort town of Vila Praia de Âncora to Moledo beach along the new pedestrian path (ecovia). Walk through a beautiful pine forest to the mouth of the River Minho and on to the riverside town of Caminha with plenty of time to stop for a swim along the way. Visit Caminha’s medieval clock tower and Gothic parish church or simply relax in the beautiful main square around a 16th century fountain.
Accommodation: 4-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8: Departure
Check out of the hotel in time for your onward journey
End of our services.
Meals: Breakfast
Like what you see but it’s not quite a perfect fit?
Simply get in touch to tell us what you’re looking for. We’re happy to make changes to create your ideal holiday.
Map
Atlantic Route Coastal Walking Holiday
GENERAL CONDITIONS
Duration: 7 nights / 6 walking days
Tour type: Self-guided
Nº of people: From 1
Walking grade: Easy to Moderate
Total walking distance: 77 km | 47.8 miles
Region: Minho
Highlights: Atlantic Ocean, Costa Verde, unspoilt beaches, mountain views, fishing villages, historical cities packed with culture and tradition, vinho verde wine, fresh fish and seafood, rural communities, fortresses, windmills, Roman heritage, charming accommodations, Viana do Castelo, pine forest.
Available: From 01st March to 31st October
Price per person
Low season: 01st March to 31st May | 16th September to 31st October
> In double room occupancy: 890 euros
> Single room supplement: 480 euros
High season: 1st June to 15th September
> In double room occupancy: 990 euros
> Single room supplement: 590 euros
What’s included?
- 7 Nights of accommodation with breakfast included;
- Detailed route notes (in English/German);
- App with trail information for use on a smartphone;
- Private transfer from Porto hotel to Póvoa de Varzim on day 2;
- Luggage transfer between accommodations from days 2 to 7 (1 bag per person – maximum 15 kg/bag);
- Welcome kit and pre-departure pack;
- Pre-tour briefing;
- 24/7 Emergency contact number (English-speaking).
What’s not included?
- Transfer from Caminha to Porto city/airport at the end of the programme; Lunches and dinners; Insurance; Tourist taxes; Personal equipment; Other personal expenses; All items not mentioned in “Included”.
What you need to bring:
- There is little shade, so adequate weather protection is also vital.
Optional extra services:
- Extra nights in Porto (4-star hotel): On request.
- Transfer from Caminha to Porto city/airport: 180 euros for up to 3 people; 230 euros for 4 to 7 people.
- Transfer from Porto hotel and Porto airport: 50 euros for up to 3 people; 80 euros for 4 to 7 people.
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?
At Portugal Green Walks, we firmly believe that travel should be a safe and rewarding experience for all concerned, including the destinations you visit and the people you meet.
Please find out how we embrace sustainable and responsible travel.
Environment
For this gently paced self-guided walking holiday, we wanted to highlight the beautiful and diverse coastline north of Porto on this fascinating coastal trail, which passes through historical towns, traditional villages, fishing communities, nature reserves, and delightful beaches and countryside.
Along the 77 km (47.8 miles) of coastline that they traverse, clients will encounter a wide variety of biologically diverse natural habitats and sites of ecological interest. We took into consideration such local environmental issues when planning this route.
Because much of the trail involves boardwalks that take guests alongside the ocean or across fragile ecosystems in the sand dunes, we use our welcome briefing to highlight the traveller’s code of conduct and emphasise the importance of sticking to the boardwalks in protected areas so as to respect and protect the exceptional quality of this natural and scenic heritage.
Since tap water quality is excellent in Portugal, we recommend that our clients bring a refillable bottle instead of buying disposable bottles during their walking holiday.
We provide an app for clients to use during their tours with us to reduce the need for printing information. It is a simple and straightforward navigation tool that will give them all the directional information they need and peace of mind that they are on the right track. It also contains information about points of interest along the route and the location of useful services such as cafés and grocery stores.
On this linear route, we use local taxis for luggage transfers between accommodations, minimizing driving distances and carbon emissions.
Community
Among the most interesting experiences along this route are the fishing communities in small coastal villages such as Angeiras, Apúlia, Castelo de Neiva and Vila Praia de Âncora. In these places full of colourfully painted boats and huts, clients can observe and engage with fishermen while they are mending nets, preparing bait or getting their boats ready to go fishing. The hustle and bustle, not to mention the aromas of the local fish markets, is another unforgettable experience that lies in store for this programme. There are also roving saleswomen who walk the streets with a trailer of fish and seafood, often closely followed by seagulls!
Of course, the best way to get the whole sea flavour is to eat the catch of the day at one of the many speciality restaurants along the coast. These range from simple establishments with plastic chairs, paper tablecloths and an outdoor grill to more upmarket restaurants where you can choose your fish from a selection on a bed of ice. At any of these eateries, clients are simultaneously contributing to the local economy and savouring the flavours alongside local people. If you like octopus, we have an excellent recommendation for you in Apúlia, i.e. Restaurante Paredão.
It’s hard to resist the charms of Viana do Castelo, a light-filled city at the mouth of the River Lima where clients can find independently-owned shops. These cafés have been popular with locals for decades, such as Natário’s, which has people queuing twice a day for warm custard doughnuts, and a wealth of monuments and museums.
On Saturdays during the summer months, Praça da República is a riot of colour and flavours as women dressed in the bright traditional costumes of the region sell local cakes. With a bit of luck, guests can experience one of the many festivities that take place throughout the year, adding a dash of life and entertainment to the city.
Along with the fruits of the sea, this region of Northern Portugal is famous for its vinho verde, aka green or young wine. This is usually slightly effervescent and a little lighter in terms of alcohol level than a mature white wine, making a white vinho verde a very refreshing beverage in warmer months. The range of grapes and flavours in vinho verde is surprising, so we recommend tasting several varieties during the week!
DIGITAL DETAILED ITINERARY
Click on the button below to download the itinerary with day-by-day details, highlights, prices and the respective general conditions.
