Highlights of Northern Portugal
9 days | from 1.240€
Experience the best of Northern Portugal. We’ve picked the best parts of some of our favourite walking tours to create an unforgettable itinerary.
1- Week self-guided walking holiday in Peneda-Gerês National Park through majestic mountains, magical forests and highland villages in Northern Portugal
Begin in the riverside town of Ponte de Lima, in the heart of the Minho. Stroll through its gardens, medieval streets and Roman bridge. Then sample traditional cuisine with a glass of locally produced vinho verde. After a short briefing, you are ready to walk.
Soon after, the route explores the boulder-strewn mountains and valleys around the remote village of Castro Laboreiro, your base for two nights. In contrast to the rugged highlands, quiet woodland and an ancient bridge offer places to pause and dip your feet in clear water.
Next, follow trails from the village to Peneda Sanctuary. On the way, broad views open in every direction and forest paths appear underfoot. From time to time you may encounter long-horned Cachena cattle and Garrano horses grazing freely on the surrounding slopes.
Afterwards, continue south via villages, waterways and a beautiful valley to Lindoso. Here, the castle and its remarkable granite granaries reveal centuries of local life. Settle into a cosy village cottage and enjoy a traditional meal nearby.
Using Lindoso as your base, discover the Serra Amarela mountains on a village-to-village trail. Along the route you’ll glimpse present-day routines and traces of the past in the hamlets you pass.
Later, hike from Avelar towards Soajo through some of the wildest scenery on this trip. A historic wolf trap and shepherd shelters hint at old practices. Before reaching Soajo, pause at pristine natural pools set in woodland; then continue through forest and traditional villages to the end of the trail.
Finally, travel to Viana do Castelo at the mouth of the River Lima. The city is steeped in culture and is famed for filigree heart jewellery and embroidery. If you prefer, take an earlier train or bus to Porto for your last night and explore the UNESCO-listed centre, port wine cellars and superb restaurants.
Spend the night in a comfortable city-centre hotel before your onward journey.
Itinerary – Day by day
Day 1: Arrival in Ponte de Lima
Make your way to the charming riverside town of Ponte de Lima. On check-in you’ll receive a Welcome Kit with everything you need to enjoy this self-guided holiday in Peneda-Gerês National Park. With time in hand, explore highlights such as the International Garden Festival, Arnado Park, the Gothic parish church, the riverside walkway and cycle path, the Roman bridge and the compact medieval centre with inviting squares, shops and cafés. In the evening, choose one of the town’s excellent restaurants and enjoy local dishes with vinho verde.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
Day 2: Castro Laboreiro circular walk
Distance: 12.5 km (7.8 miles)
Elevation (gain/loss): +440m | -440m
After breakfast, meet your private driver for the transfer to Castro Laboreiro. Leave your luggage at the hotel and walk straight into the rugged hills, dotted with quirky rock formations. Down in the valley, a band of woodland leads to an ancient bridge and a peaceful spot by the stream. From here, climb steadily to a plateau of smooth granite boulders with sweeping views across the valley to distant ridges. The trail returns to Castro Laboreiro.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast and packed lunch
Day 3: Walk from Castro Laboreiro to Peneda
Distance: 15.1 km (9.4 miles)
Elevation (gain/loss): +311m | -574m
Set off through the village and cross wild, rocky highlands with far-reaching mountain views towards the Lamas do Mouro park gates. From there, forest takes over. Ancient stone paths, once used by pilgrims, guide you to the sanctuary at Peneda.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast and packed lunch
Day 4: Walk from Peneda to Lindoso
Distance: 18.8 km (11.7 miles)
Elevation (gain/loss): +372m | -596m
Shorter option: 11.3 km (7 miles)
Leave the sanctuary along a centuries-old pilgrim route. Dramatic rock faces and river scenery accompany you through Tibo and down the valley to the point where two rivers meet on the Spanish border. From Várzea, follow a quiet paved road beside the dam across the River Lima to Lindoso. The castle and the extraordinary cluster of granite granaries speak to the village’s former importance.
Accommodation: Country Cottage
Meals: Breakfast and packed lunch
Day 5: Serra Amarela circular walk
Distance: 21.4 km (13.3 miles)
Elevation (gain/loss): +745m | -745m
Shorter option: Linear walk | 15.5 km (9.6 miles)
Wander through Lindoso’s ancient lanes and into the forest. A gradual climb on an unpaved road reveals ever wider views of the Soajo mountains opposite. The descent opens even grander vistas. Savour the quiet and the clean mountain air as you drop towards Cidadelhe at the 15.5 km point. If that’s enough, a taxi can return you to your lodging; otherwise, complete the circuit back to Lindoso.
Accommodation: Country Cottage
Meals: Breakfast and packed lunch
Day 6: Walk from Avelar to Soajo
Distance: 18.8 km (11.7 miles)
Elevation (gain/loss): +576m | -766m
Shorter option: 12.3 km (7.6 miles)
A scenic transfer takes you from Lindoso to Avelar, a small shepherds’ village in the Soajo mountains. A steep initial climb brings sweeping views of the Peneda and Soajo ranges and the lush Ramiscal Valley. Heritage features such as a wolf trap and shepherd shelters add context to the landscape. As you descend towards the Mezio Park Gate, the walking eases. Enchanting river pools invite a refreshing stop before mixed woodland and high meadows guide you into Soajo. While awaiting your transfer to Viana do Castelo, visit the espigueiros and the unique pillory or relax in a local café. Later, settle into your hotel in Viana and explore the medieval centre in the evening.
Accommodation: 4-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast and packed lunch
Day 7: Free day in Viana do Castelo and Porto
Spend part of the day discovering Viana do Castelo—consider the Santa Luzia Basilica, the Costume Museum or the Gil Eanes Hospital Ship. When ready, take the train or bus to Porto for the final stop on your Northern Portugal adventure. The rest of the day is yours: wander the historic streets, browse for souvenirs, admire the viewpoints or tour the port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia. Choose from a wealth of restaurants, from fine dining to traditional eateries.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast and check-out, begin your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast
NOTE: All shorter options require a local transfer paid on site.
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Map
Illustrated overview map of the Peneda-Gerês self-guided hiking route
General Conditions
Prices (per person)
- In double room occupancy: 910 euros
- Single room supplement: 360 euros
What’s included
- 7 Nights of accommodation with breakfast included;
- 5 Packed lunches during the walks (day 2 to day 6);
- Welcome kit and pre-departure information;
- Pre-tour briefing;
- Detailed route notes;
- App with trail information for use on a smartphone;
- Transfer from Ponte de Lima to Castro Laboreiro (day 2);
- Transfer from Lindoso to Avelar (day 6);
- Transfer from Soajo to Viana do Castelo (day 6);
- Luggage transfers;
- 24-hour emergency contact number (English-speaking).
What’s not included
- Transfer from Porto to Ponte de Lima; Transfer from Viana do Castelo to Porto; Transfer from and to Porto airport; Meals not mentioned above; Insurance; Tourist taxes; Gratuities; Personal expenses; Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section.
Optional extra services
- Extra nights
- in Porto (4-star hotel): On request.
- in Viana do Castelo (4-star hotel): On request.
- Transfers
- from Porto to Ponte de Lima: 150 euros for up to 3 people; 180 euros for 4 to 7 people.
- from Viana do Castelo to Porto (city/airport): 130 euros for up to 3 people; 170 euros for 4 to 7 people.
- from Porto Hotel and Porto Airport: 55 euros for up to 3 people; 85 euros for 4 to 7 people.
PRATICAL INFORMATION
- Region: Minho
- Duration: 7 nights | 5 walking days
- Tour type: Self-guided
- Nº of people: From 2
Season
- 1 March–31 October
Difficulty & distances
- Grade: Moderate to challenging
- Total distance: 87.1 km | 54.1 miles
Landscapes & wildlife highlights
- Cosy rural accommodation, breathtaking landscapes, insights into rural community lifestyles, authentic mountain villages, Peneda Sanctuary, lakes, rivers, forests, mountains, Lindoso Castle, wolf traps, summer settlements, pretty riverside towns of Ponte de Lima and Viana do Castelo, UNESCO World Heritage city of Porto.
What you need to bring
- Most of this walking holiday is off-road on rugged terrain so that you will need proper walking shoes with cushioning and support.
- There is little shade, so adequate weather protection is also vital.
- We recommend you bring walking poles.
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 that you visit and the people you meet.
Please find out how we embrace sustainable and responsible travel.
Environment
This one-week self-guided holiday explores a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with minimal impact. We are accredited by ICNF and operate under strict guidelines.
- Low-impact logistics: circular or village-to-village routes; limited transfers.
- Clear briefings: route notes, do’s & don’ts, and tips to protect trails and heritage (e.g., avoid false cairns).
- Local transport only when needed: luggage and optional short hops with local drivers.
- Sustainable stays: family-run cottages, often with solar hot water and local produce.
- Less plastic: bring a refillable bottle; tap water is excellent.
- Digital info: app + GPX to reduce printing.
- Respect resources: short showers and switch off lights when not needed.
Community
The route crosses small mountain villages with ageing populations. Your visit helps sustain local livelihoods.
- Local purchases: jams, honey, herbs and baked goods in village shops.
- Packed lunches: regional products—smoked meats, free-range eggs, goat’s cheese, cornbread and seasonal fruit.
- Cultural respect: our info pack includes etiquette and useful phrases for authentic, positive encounters.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the best time to hike in Peneda-Gerês?
April to October offers the most reliable weather and longer daylight. Spring is cooler and greener; late summer is warmer and drier.
How difficult are the walks and how far will I hike each day?
This is a self-guided trip with moderate terrain: stone paths, forest tracks and village lanes. Typical daily distances range from about 12–21 km, with some steady ascents/descents.
Is this suitable for first-time hikers?
Yes, for active travellers comfortable walking several hours on uneven ground. We brief you fully and provide route notes and GPX files so you can walk at your own pace.
Are luggage transfers included?
Yes. Your main bag is moved between accommodations when necessary. You hike with a daypack for water, snacks and layers.
Can I shorten any of the longer days?
On selected stages there are shorter options. Where these require a vehicle, the local transfer is paid on site. We’ll explain the choices in your briefing.
What’s included in terms of navigation and support?
You receive detailed route notes, access to our app with trail info and GPX files, plus a 24/7 English-speaking support number for peace of mind.
What kind of accommodation and meals can I expect?
Hand-picked small hotels and country cottages run by local hosts. Breakfast is included; packed lunches are provided on hiking days noted in your itinerary. We share suggestions for nearby restaurants.
How do I get to and from the trip?
Ponte de Lima and Viana do Castelo are the usual gateways. We’ll advise the best combination of public transport and short transfers for your dates and flight times.
DIGITAL DETAILED ITINERARY
Click on the button below to download the itinerary with day-by-day details, highlights, prices and the respective general conditions.
