Highlights of Northern Portugal Walking Holiday

Travel overview

On arrival at Porto Airport, a private transfer (included) takes you to Campanhã Railway Station. From here you board the scenic train to Pinhão, one of the most beautiful railway journeys in Portugal as it follows the winding banks of the Douro River through terraced vineyards. Trains run throughout the day (approx. €12 one way, 2hrs 20mins), and can be booked in advance or on the day. On arrival you will be met and transferred to Alijó, a charming village set among the renowned vineyards of the Douro Valley. Relax and settle into your hotel before beginning your walking holiday tomorrow. Alternatively, a private transfer from Porto Airport directly to Alijó can be arranged (supplement).

4* Hotel, Alijó (B&B plus packed lunch for the following day)

Your journey begins in the heart of the Douro Valley, in the small town of Alijó, surrounded by rolling vineyards and terraced hillsides. Accommodation will be in a 4-star hotel, such as Forrester Essence Douro or a similar property, offering stylish, comfortable rooms with a contemporary feel.

Breakfast is a generous buffet with fresh breads, pastries, fruit and regional produce. Before setting out, a packed lunch will be prepared for your day’s walk. This first evening is all about settling in — perhaps with a glass of local wine as you take in the peaceful vineyard setting.

Walk overview

Your first walk explores the peaceful landscapes surrounding Alijó. Quiet rural tracks lead through vineyards, woodlands and small farms typical of the Douro Valley, a Douro Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its centuries-old wine terraces. The trail gradually climbs towards the historic village of São Mamede de Ribatua, where sweeping views open across the tranquil Tua Reservoir and surrounding mountains. After enjoying the scenery and perhaps a leisurely lunch, you return along quiet countryside paths back to Alijó for a second night.

4* Hotel, Alijó (B&B plus packed lunch for the following day)

A second night in Alijó allows you to fully appreciate the rhythm of life in the Douro. Accommodation will again be in a comfortable 4-star hotel, such as Forrester Essence Douro or similar, where modern comfort meets a traditional wine-growing landscape.

After your day among the vineyards, the evening is yours to relax — whether enjoying the hotel’s facilities or heading into the town. Breakfast the following morning is buffet-style, and another packed lunch will be provided, ready for the next stage of your walk through this UNESCO-listed region.

Walk overview

Today’s walk takes you through gentle countryside on the outer edge of the famous Douro Valley. Quiet lanes and vineyard tracks gradually lead you onto a hilltop ridge overlooking the Pinhão Valley, revealing classic Douro landscapes of terraced vineyards cascading down to the Douro River. Passing the picturesque village of Casal de Loivos, often described as one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the region, the trail descends through vine-covered hillsides to the riverside village of Pinhão, where you stay overnight.

3* Hotel, Pinhão (B&B)

Walk overview

After breakfast, a private transfer takes you north to Castro Laboreiro (approx. 3 hours), a remote mountain village within Peneda-Gerês National Park, Portugal’s only national park. Surrounded by dramatic granite hills and ancient pastoral landscapes, the village retains a strong sense of tradition. In the afternoon you can enjoy a short circular walk exploring the surrounding countryside, passing woodland, open pasture and streams that eventually feed the Lima River. You spend the next two nights in this peaceful mountain setting.

3* Hotel, Castro Laboreiro (B&B plus packed lunch for the following day)

A change of scenery brings you north to the wild and lesser-visited landscapes of Castro Laboreiro. Accommodation will be in a 3-star hotel such as Hotel Miradouro do Castelo, Hotel Castrum Villae, Hotel Miracastro or similar, typically offering simple, comfortable rooms in a dramatic mountain setting.

Breakfast is a continental buffet, and a packed lunch will be prepared for the following day’s walk. With its granite houses and remote feel, this is a striking contrast to the Douro’s vineyard landscapes.

Walk overview

Today’s circular walk explores the rugged landscapes surrounding Castro Laboreiro. Leaving the village, the trail winds through granite hills dotted with striking rock formations before descending into a peaceful valley. Here, shady woodland and clear streams create a tranquil setting, and you may encounter traditional shepherd paths still used today. Crossing an ancient stone bridge, the route climbs steadily onto a high plateau scattered with smooth granite boulders and sweeping views across the mountains of Peneda-Gerês National Park. Eventually the trail returns to Castro Laboreiro.

3* Hotel, Castro Laboreiro (B&B plus packed lunch for the following day)

Spending a second night in Castro Laboreiro allows time to appreciate this rugged corner of northern Portugal. Accommodation will again be in a welcoming 3-star hotel such as Hotel Castrum Villae or similar.

After a day exploring the surrounding hills and valleys, the evening is quiet and atmospheric, with the mountains never far from view. Breakfast is served buffet-style, and a packed lunch will be provided for your onward walk, ensuring you’re well prepared for another day in this remote and beautiful region.

Walk overview

Today’s walk crosses the wild upland landscapes of Peneda-Gerês National Park, following ancient paths once used by shepherds and pilgrims. High, rocky terrain offers magnificent views across remote mountains before reaching Lamas de Mouro, one of the park’s main visitor gateways. From here the route enters peaceful forest, where old stone paths lead towards the spectacular Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Peneda, a remarkable pilgrimage site set dramatically beneath towering cliffs. After reaching the sanctuary, a private transfer takes you to the charming riverside town of Vila Nova de Cerveira.

Country ‘casa’ – Vila Nova de Cerveira (B&B)

Descending towards the coast, you arrive in Vila Nova de Cerveira, a charming riverside town on the border with Spain. Tonight’s accommodation is in a traditional country house, such as Quinta de São Roque or similar, offering a peaceful and characterful stay.

Set within gardens or vineyard surroundings, these ‘casas rurais’ provide a more intimate and relaxed experience. Breakfast is typically homemade, with fresh breads, local produce and regional specialities, served in a welcoming, informal setting.

Walk overview

Leaving Vila Nova de Cerveira, today’s walk follows the peaceful banks of the Minho River, which forms the natural border between Portugal and Spain. The route leads to the historic riverside town of Caminha, where you may wish to explore the Gothic parish church, remnants of the old fortress, and the lively square centred around a 16th-century fountain. From Caminha the trail continues through fragrant pine forest before joining an easy coastal path leading to Vila Praia de Âncora, a traditional fishing town beside a wide sandy beach.

3* or 4* Hotel, Vila Praia de Âncora (B&B)

Reaching the Atlantic coast, you stay in Vila Praia de Âncora, a laid-back seaside town known for its long sandy beach and relaxed atmosphere. Accommodation will be in a 3 or 4-star hotel such as Hotel Meira or similar, located within easy reach of the promenade and local restaurants.

The evening is perfect for a walk along the seafront or dining on freshly caught seafood. Breakfast the next morning includes a buffet of breads, pastries, fruit and local products, setting you up for your final day.

Walk overview

Your final walk follows the Atlantic coastline south towards Viana do Castelo, one of the most attractive cities in northern Portugal. Leaving the expansive beach at Vila Praia de Âncora, the route passes through quiet farmland and coastal woodland before reaching historic windmills and old coastal fortifications. The trail then leads into Viana do Castelo, a city shaped by Portugal’s maritime heritage during the Age of Discoveries. Its elegant architecture and artisan traditions — particularly the region’s famous filigree jewellery — reflect centuries of seafaring history.

4* Hotel, Viana do Castelo (B&B)

Your journey ends in the historic coastal town of Viana do Castelo, known for its elegant architecture and maritime heritage. Accommodation will be in a 4-star hotel such as AP Dona Aninhas Hotel or similar, offering stylish rooms in a central location close to shops, cafés and key sights.

Breakfast is a generous buffet with fresh breads, pastries, fruit and regional produce. With time to explore the town’s historic centre or riverside setting, it’s a fitting and relaxed conclusion to your journey from vineyard-clad valleys to the Atlantic coast.

Travel overview

After breakfast, begin your onward journey from Viana do Castelo. Regular train services run south to Porto, providing an easy connection back to Porto Airport. Alternatively, a private transfer can be arranged (see optional extras in the ‘at a glance’ section), or you may choose to extend your stay in northern Portugal to explore more of the region’s historic towns, coastline and vineyards.