Portugal Atlantic Route Coastal Walking Holiday

This self-guided leisurely coastal walk along Portugal’s green coast offers ample time to explore or relax. Spend a week exploring the beautiful and diverse coastline north of Porto on this gently-paced self-guided coastal trail. Discover historical towns, traditional villages, fishing communities and delightful beaches and countryside. 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 walking holiday, 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. The perfect well-being active holiday!

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Porto
A member of our team will meet you at your Porto hotel to give you a full briefing and your Welcome Pack, with all the information you need to fully enjoy this self-guided walking holiday.
If you have free time In Porto, you may wish to explore the city. The riverside Ribeira district is colourful and lively, with lots of 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 | 14.4 km 
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 wide 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 in luck, you may catch the seaweed collectors at work. Relax on the beach and try some of the tastiest octopus around.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel 

Day 3: Walk from Apúlia to Esposende | 8.3 km 
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 

Day 4: Walk from Esposende to Castelo de Neiva | 12.8 km (7.9 miles) 
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 weather permits.
Accommodation: Charm hotel 

Day 5: Walk from Castelo de Neiva to Viana do Castelo | 14.1 km 
Return to the coast 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 

Day 6: Walk from Viana do Castelo to Vila Praia de Âncora | 19.4 km (12.0 miles) | +146m
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 wide sandy expanse of 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 | 9.5 km 
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 

Day 8: Departure
Check out of the hotel in time for your onward journey
End of our services.

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