The Atlantic Route Coastal Walking Vacation

Tour Number 18

The Atlantic Route Coastal Walking Vacation

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 head inland at times 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 more time to spare, you can extend this coastal walking holiday by beginning your walk from Porto or simply spend a few days there and/or continue north into Spain as far as the alluring seaside town of Baiona.

 

 

Highlights

The highlights of this tour are the Atlantic Ocean, Costa Verde, unspoiled 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.

Availability 

March 1 – October 31

      Itinerary

      Day 1

      Arrival in Porto (not included) and transfer to Póvoa de Varzim

      • A member of our team will meet you at Porto airport or your Porto 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, explore the small historical center, relax on the beach or try your luck at the casino.

      Accommodation in a 4* hotel 

      Day 2

      Walk from Póvoa de Varzim to Apúlia – 14.4km (8.9 miles)

      • 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 in a 3* Hotel

      Meals: Breakfast

      Day 3

      Walk from Apúlia to Esposende – 8.3km (5.1 miles)

      • 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 center with attractive squares and churches.
      • If you’re feeling energetic, you could hire a bike or even try kitesurfing.

      Accommodation: 3* Hotel

      Meals: Breakfast

      Day 4

      Walk from Esposende to Castelo de Neiva – 12.8km (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: Charming Hotel

      Meals: Breakfast

      Day 5

      Walk from Castelo de Neiva to Viana do Castelo – 14.1km (8.7miles)

      • 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* Hotel

      Meals: Breakfast 

      Day 6

      Walk from Viana do Castelo to Vila Praia de Âncora – 19.4km (12 miles)

      • Stroll through the beautiful historical center of Viana do Castelo and then follow the coast and its stone windmills.
      • Head inland through patches of forest and fields.
      • Cross the wide 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* Hotel

      Meals: Breakfast

      Day 7

      Walk from Vila Praia de Âncora to Caminha – 9.5km (5.9 miles)

      • 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* Hotel

      Meals: Breakfast 

      Day 8

      Departure

      • Check out of the hotel in time for your homeward journey
      • End of our services

      Meals:  Breakfast

      The Tour At A Glance

       

      Duration of Tour 8 days, 7 nights
      Activity Type 6 walking days
      Type of Tour Self-Guided
      Walking Distance 47.75 miles/77km
      Fitness Level Easy to Moderate
      Availability Mar 1 – Oct 31
      Meals Breakfast (7) 
      No of Persons From 1

       

      What’s Included

      • 7 nights of accommodation with breakfast included
      • GPS track using the app “Ride with GPS” (you will need a smartphone)
      • Detailed route notes
      • In-person welcome briefing on day 1
      • Private transfer from Porto airport to Póvoa de Varzim (day 1)
      • Luggage transfers between accommodations – 1 bag per person – up to 15kg/33lbs per bag 
      • 24/7 Emergency support

      What’s Not Included

      • Flights
      • Lunches and Dinners
      • Insurance
      • Personal expenses and gratuities
      • All items not mentioned in the “What’s Included” section

      What You Should Bring

       

      • There is little shade so adequate weather protection is vital.
      • We recommend you bring walking poles.

      Like what you see but it’s not quite the perfect fit?

      Just give us a call and tell us what you are looking for.  We can adapt this itinerary to fit your interests, needs, and schedule to create your ideal trip.

      Sign Up For This Tour or Ask Us Questions

      Send us an email using the form

      or give us a telephone call at +1.201.805.5570

      We will be glad to help you with any questions you may have or to tailor this trip to your desires.

      Payment Methods We Accept

      Credit Card Payment through PayPal ~ make payment to :  chadventures@outlook.com

      Zelle ~ make payment to :  201.805.5570

      Venmo ~ make payment to :  Arlena Mourier

      Cancellation Policy: 

      A $500 deposit is required at the time of registration.   Full payment must be received by 90 days prior to leaving for your tour or retreat.

      • Any cancellation will result in a total loss of your deposit.
      • If you must cancel your reservation, your money will be refunded minus the deposit up until 90 days prior to the beginning of the tour or retreat. 
      • After 90 days prior to the beginning of the tour or retreat, no refunds will be made. 

      We reserve the right to cancel the trip, should we do so your deposit and all monies paid will be refunded in full.

      Trip cancellation insurance is always recommended when making travel plans.  We suggest Travel Guard Insurance which can be found online.