Minho & North Portugal
Portugal Hiking + Walking Tours
Explore the Minho & Lima River
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Tour Type
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Skill Level
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Length8 days
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Prices from€1168 Rates
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Overview
Considered one of Portugal's best-kept secrets, Minho is a surprising and unique destination with a heritage older than the country itself. It is said that Portugal was born here.
It is a lush, green landscape of vineyards, picturesque river valleys, and farmlands, encompassing all that is Portugal.
You will explore Alto Minho on foot, walking through its most prominent towns. As you follow the water both of rivers and sea, your route leads towards the romantic Ponte de Lima on the banks of the Rio Lima.
Delve into the rich tapestry of Alto Minho, where nature, heritage, and history converge to create an unforgettable experience.
Highlights
- Minho River Valley
- Melgaço, the northernmost town in Portugal
- The routes of vinho verde
- Historic Valença do Minho
- Minho gastronomy and Portuguese wine
- Beautiful Viana do Castelo
- Ponte de Lima
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Itinerary
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: DepartureDay 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
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Map
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Accommodation
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.
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Inclusions
What’s Included
Self Guided:
- Accommodation for 7 nights
- Breakfast
- 6 light picnics
- Airport transfers from/to Porto Airport
- Train or bus tickets back to Porto
- GPS (one per booking) or GPS tracks
- Route descriptions & maps
- Bag & water bottle
- Luggage transfer (leave luggage at hotel reception between 8:00 am and 8:30 am to ensure delivery at 2 pm to the next accommodation)
- Accommodation for 7 nights
- Breakfast
- 6 light picnics
- Airport transfers from/to Porto
- Train or bus tickets back to Porto
- Van support
- Route descriptions
- Bag & water bottle
- Complimentary tee shirt
- Luggage transfer (leave luggage at hotel reception between 8:00 am and 8:30 am to ensure delivery at 2 pm to the next accommodation)
- Accommodation for 7 nights
- Breakfast
- 6 lunches
- 6 dinners
- Airport transfers from/to Porto
- Train or bus tickets back to Porto
- Van support
- Route descriptions
- Bag & water bottle
- Complimentary tee shirt
- Luggage transfer (leave luggage at hotel reception between 8:00 am and 8:30 am to ensure delivery at 2 pm to the next accommodation)
Guided
Guided Plus
What’s Not Included
- Gratuities for the guide if applicable
- Meals not indicated as included
- Travel Insurance
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Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
Questions about dates or pricing? We’re here to help! Call 800-951-4384 to talk to a Tour Specialist now.
Apr 2–30 (Daily)Apr 2–30 (Daily) Self-Guided € 1268 Book Apr 2–30 (Daily)Apr 2–30 (Daily) Self-Guided € 1597 Book Apr 2–30 (Daily)Apr 2–30 (Daily) Guided € 1742 Book Apr 2–30 (Daily)Apr 2–30 (Daily) Guided € 2071 Book Apr 2–30 (Daily)Apr 2–30 (Daily) Premium Guided € 2396 Book Apr 2–30 (Daily)Apr 2–30 (Daily) Premium Guided € 2725 Book May 1–31 (Daily)May 1–31 (Daily) Self-Guided € 1268 Book May 1–31 (Daily)May 1–31 (Daily) Self-Guided € 1597 Book May 1–31 (Daily)May 1–31 (Daily) Guided € 1742 Book May 1–31 (Daily)May 1–31 (Daily) Guided € 2071 Book May 1–31 (Daily)May 1–31 (Daily) Premium Guided € 2396 Book May 1–31 (Daily)May 1–31 (Daily) Premium Guided € 2725 Book Jun 1–24 (Daily)Jun 1–24 (Daily) Self-Guided € 1268 Book Jun 1–24 (Daily)Jun 1–24 (Daily) Self-Guided € 1597 Book Jun 1–24 (Daily)Jun 1–24 (Daily) Guided € 1742 Book Jun 1–24 (Daily)Jun 1–24 (Daily) Guided € 2071 Book Jun 1–24 (Daily)Jun 1–24 (Daily) Premium Guided € 2396 Book Jun 1–24 (Daily)Jun 1–24 (Daily) Premium Guided € 2725 Book Jun 26–30 (Daily)Jun 26–30 (Daily) Self-Guided € 1418 Book Jun 26–30 (Daily)Jun 26–30 (Daily) Self-Guided € 1808 Book Jun 26–30 (Daily)Jun 26–30 (Daily) Guided € 1892 Book Jun 26–30 (Daily)Jun 26–30 (Daily) Guided € 2282 Book Jun 26–30 (Daily)Jun 26–30 (Daily) Premium Guided € 2546 Book Jun 26–30 (Daily)Jun 26–30 (Daily) Premium Guided € 2936 Book Jul 1–31 (Daily)Jul 1–31 (Daily) Self-Guided € 1418 Book Jul 1–31 (Daily)Jul 1–31 (Daily) Self-Guided € 1808 Book Jul 1–31 (Daily)Jul 1–31 (Daily) Guided € 1892 Book Jul 1–31 (Daily)Jul 1–31 (Daily) Guided € 2282 Book Jul 1–31 (Daily)Jul 1–31 (Daily) Premium Guided € 2546 Book Jul 1–31 (Daily)Jul 1–31 (Daily) Premium Guided € 2936 Book Aug 1–30 (Daily)Aug 1–30 (Daily) Self-Guided € 1418 Book Aug 1–30 (Daily)Aug 1–30 (Daily) Self-Guided € 1808 Book Aug 1–30 (Daily)Aug 1–30 (Daily) Guided € 1892 Book Aug 1–30 (Daily)Aug 1–30 (Daily) Guided € 2282 Book Aug 1–30 (Daily)Aug 1–30 (Daily) Premium Guided € 2546 Book Aug 1–30 (Daily)Aug 1–30 (Daily) Premium Guided € 2936 Book Sep 1–25 (Daily)Sep 1–25 (Daily) Self-Guided € 1368 Book Sep 1–25 (Daily)Sep 1–25 (Daily) Self-Guided € 1728 Book Sep 1–25 (Daily)Sep 1–25 (Daily) Guided € 1842 Book Sep 1–25 (Daily)Sep 1–25 (Daily) Guided € 2202 Book Sep 1–25 (Daily)Sep 1–25 (Daily) Premium Guided € 2496 Book Sep 1–25 (Daily)Sep 1–25 (Daily) Premium Guided € 2856 Book Nov 1–30 (Daily)Nov 1–30 (Daily) Self-Guided € 1168 Book Nov 1–30 (Daily)Nov 1–30 (Daily) Self-Guided € 1468 Book Nov 1–30 (Daily)Nov 1–30 (Daily) Guided € 1642 Book Nov 1–30 (Daily)Nov 1–30 (Daily) Guided € 1942 Book Nov 1–30 (Daily)Nov 1–30 (Daily) Premium Guided € 2296 Book Nov 1–30 (Daily)Nov 1–30 (Daily) Premium Guided € 2596 Book Dec 1–31 (Daily)Dec 1–31 (Daily) Self-Guided € 1168 Book Dec 1–31 (Daily)Dec 1–31 (Daily) Self-Guided € 1468 Book Dec 1–31 (Daily)Dec 1–31 (Daily) Guided € 1642 Book Dec 1–31 (Daily)Dec 1–31 (Daily) Guided € 1942 Book Dec 1–31 (Daily)Dec 1–31 (Daily) Premium Guided € 2296 Book Dec 1–31 (Daily)Dec 1–31 (Daily) Premium Guided € 2596 Book Show pricing details and extra options →
Pricing details and extra options
Confirmed guided departure: August 17, 2025
- Low Season 2025 Daily Nov 1–Dec 31 from € 11682025 departures: Daily Nov 1–Dec 31
2025 November Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 December Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour Package Double occupancy € 1168 Single occupancy € 1468 Solo traveler € 1668 - Regular Season 2025 Daily Mar 26–Jun 25 from € 12682025 departures: Daily Mar 26–Jun 25
2025 March Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 May Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 June Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour Package Double occupancy € 1268 Single occupancy € 1597 Solo traveler € 1797 - High Season 2025 Daily Sep 1–25 from € 13682025 departures: Daily Sep 1–25
2025 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour Package Double occupancy € 1368 Single occupancy € 1728 Solo traveler € 1928 - Summer Season 2025 Daily Jun 26–Aug 30 from € 14182025 departures: Daily Jun 26–Aug 30
2025 June Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 July Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 August Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour Package Double occupancy € 1418 Single occupancy € 1808 Solo traveler € 2008
- Low Season 2025 Daily Nov 1–Dec 31 from € 16422025 departures: Daily Nov 1–Dec 31
2025 November Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 December Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour Package Double occupancy € 1642 Single occupancy € 1942 Solo traveler € 2142 - Regular Season 2025 Daily Mar 26–Jun 25 from € 17422025 departures: Daily Mar 26–Jun 25
2025 March Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 May Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 June Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour Package Double occupancy € 1742 Single occupancy € 2071 Solo traveler € 2271 - High Season 2025 Daily Sep 1–25 from € 18422025 departures: Daily Sep 1–25
2025 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour Package Double occupancy € 1842 Single occupancy € 2202 Solo traveler € 2402 - Summer Season 2025 Daily Jun 26–Aug 30 from € 18922025 departures: Daily Jun 26–Aug 30
2025 June Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 July Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 August Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour Package Double occupancy € 1892 Single occupancy € 2282 Solo traveler € 2482
- Low Season 2025 Daily Nov 1–Dec 31 from € 22962025 departures: Daily Nov 1–Dec 31
2025 November Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 December Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour Package Double occupancy € 2296 Single occupancy € 2596 - Regular Season 2025 Daily Mar 26–Jun 25 from € 23962025 departures: Daily Mar 26–Jun 25
2025 March Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 May Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 June Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour Package Double occupancy € 2396 Single occupancy € 2725 - High Season 2025 Daily Sep 1–25 from € 24962025 departures: Daily Sep 1–25
2025 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour Package Double occupancy € 2496 Single occupancy € 2856 - Summer Season 2025 Daily Jun 26–Aug 30 from € 25462025 departures: Daily Jun 26–Aug 30
2025 June Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 July Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 August Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour Package Double occupancy € 2546 Single occupancy € 2936
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
- Low Season 2025 Daily Nov 1–Dec 31 from € 1168
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Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy–Moderate
The majority of the tour is on flat terrain on a mix of paved and dirt roads. 1st, 2nd, and 4th days have between 190 meters and 170 meters of uphill hiking.
Airport Info
Fly to Porto International Airport (OPO)
Local Travel
Airport transfers from Porto are included in your tour price. You will be met at the airport by our local representative.
Climate
Portugal’s climate is influenced by both its position at the south-western tip of Europe and its proximity to the Atlantic and Mediterranean. There is some variation between regions. In general, this means warm to hot, dry summers and mild to cool, wet winters. Be sure to check regional weather forecasts before your arrival.
Important to know
Travel Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements, and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and entry into other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU and EU residents: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and your destination country or countries.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.Tour types
Self-guided: You hike on your own without a guide or van support and are provided maps, route descriptions, and pre-loaded GPS device or GPS tracks to upload to your own personal device. Assistance is a phone call away.
Guided: You hike in a group with a guide and with van support. Light picnics are provided.
Guided plus: You hike in a group with a guide and support vehicle. Six lunches and six dinners are also included in your tour price.Tour Operator
This tour is run by Top Bike Tours Portugal.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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Photos
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Reviews
Tripsite Customer Reviews
June S.
2 years ago
Verified Reviewer