Minho & North Portugal

Day 1: Melgaço
Day 2: Melgaço-Monção:,  11 mi. (18 km)
Day 3: Monção – Valença, 12 mi.  (20 km)
Day 4: Valença – Vila Nova de Cerveira, 10 mi. (16 km)
Day 5: Vila Nova de Cerveira – Vila Praia de Âncora, 15 mi.  (24 km)
Day 6: Vila Praia de Âncora – Viana do Castelo, 12 mi. (20 km)
Day 7: Viana do Castelo – Ponte de Lima: 20 km or (26 km to the City center); optional transfer and loop route, 11 mi. (17 km)
Day 8: Departure

Day 1: Melgaço
Your hiking journey starts in Melgaço, a city in the north of Portugal, on the banks of the Minho River.  It is a small town, very beautiful and historic, overseen by the Tower of Homage, located high up in the old medieval town. It overlooks the beautiful Minho valley, filled with vineyards, that surrounds Melgaço and the nearby Peneda Geres park. Included is an introductory meeting with our local partner including tour presentation and explanation.

Accommodtion: Reguengos de Melgaço Farm

Day 2: Melgaço-Monção, 11 mi. (18 km)
The Minho River Valley is famous for its beautiful landscapes, history, gastronomy, and the well-known, and much appreciated green wine, Alvarinho.  The sloping valleys here are conducive to the practice of agriculture and viticulture. Several archaeological sites testify to the passage of different people and cultures through these lands. The major part of your walk today features the Minho Ecopista, an old railway section. The routes of “vinho verde” which connect these two villages are a favorite of walkers and cyclists and lead through a landscape that is also green, divided into small plots that occupy the whole Minho region. Take the opportunity to visit the Alvarinho museum and taste the well-known wine.

Accommodation: Convento dos Capuchos

Day 3: Monção – Valença, 12 mi. (20 km)
The route between Monção to Valence will once again feature the Minho Ecopist surrounded mostly by florets and nature. Along, the way, the major part of the road is paved, and the highest point at 64 m. Valença, also known as Valença do Minho, is your day's destination.  This historic town in the north of Portugal is located on the border with Spain and separated by the beautiful Minho River. The village sits on a hilltop and is surrounded by ramparts. During the Middle Ages, Valença’s hilltop position and privileged view over the River Minho were vital to protecting Portugal from invasion by its northern neighbors. The Fortress, a gothic and baroque masterpiece, raised between the XVII and XVIII century, served to defend the population. The history and beauty of the region, combined with the gastronomy and delightful wine will complete your experience. The most typical dishes are the roasted lamb and the codfish known in the “Minho” gastronomy.

Accommodation: Pousadas de Valença

Day 4: Valença – Vila Nova de Cerveira, 10 mi. (16 km)
The path today is easy, featuring a public pedestrian walkway, and is flat all the way to Vila Nova de Cerveira. If you like fishing, you can take some time to visit the Aquamuseum to see more than 40 different species that live in the Minho River or visit the National Museum of Architecture to see the treasure from Quinta de Água Branca.

Accommodation: Inatel Cerveira

Day 5: Vila Nova de Cerveira – Vila Praia de Âncora, 15 mi. (24 km)
Departing from Vila Nova de Cerveira, the route continues to follow the river to the Atlantic ocean all the way to Vila Praia de Âncora. You pick up the coastal route of the Camino de Santiago. Take the opportunity to visit the São Bento Chapel built around the XIX Century and a place of devotion for many pilgrims that pass here. The lighthouse of Montedor and the Dolmen of Barrosa are great places for pictures.

Accommodation: Hotel Meira

Day 6: Vila Praia de Âncora – Viana do Castelo, 12 mi. (20 km)
Today, the walk continues to follow the Santiago Coast Camino, like the previous day this path is flat with some cobblestone and dirt roads. During the day you will come across forts and windmills, such as the Dog´s Fort dated 1702 and mainly used to defend the coast from the pirates.

Today's destination is Viana do Castelo. One of the most beautiful seaside cities in the north of Portugal. Viana was critical to Portugal in the Age of the Discoveries. This city has a deep connection with the sea showcased during the great festivity of “Nossa Senhora da Agonia”. It was also here that the ships were built and later deployed to Brazil, India, Africa, and other Portuguese colonies (14th and 15th centuries). Take a moment to visit the Catedral of Viana, a gothic masterpiece built in the first half of the XV century. To eat, the codfish at Zé do Pipo is highly recommended, as this is a famous dish that you can only taste in this place.

Accommodation: Melo Alvim

Day 7: Viana do Castelo – Ponte de Lima, 11 mi. (20 km ) or 16 mi. (26 km) to the city center, optional transfer, and loop route, 11 mi. (17 km)
The route you follow today will be on stone pavement or paved roads. The major part of this day will be passed in the forests of the Ecovia of Lima River. The destination is Ponte de Lima, one of the most charming towns of northern Portugal. It is also one of the oldest, with a charter from 1125. Its bridge over the Lima River, built by the Romans in the first century, has always been a place of passage for the pilgrims who are going to Santiago. Your accommodations will be near the Bertiandos Lagoons where there are several marked walking areas that are on the route provided by us. NOTE: If you don’t choose the transfer on this day, you might consider an extra night in this area.

Accommodation: Casa da Lage

Day 8: Ponte de Lima
The official end of the tour.

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You will be accommodated in carefully selected 4-star accommodations. On each day’s details you will find the name of the preferred hotel. You overnights feature convents, pousadas, and lovely hotels.