Walking Holiday in Portugal - Minho

Our Minho Short Break begins in the historic village of Ponte de Lima, known as the oldest village in Portugal. From here you stroll alongside the shimmering Rio Lima to the attractive, historical town of Viana do Castelo. Next you enjoy a coastal walk on the attractive ‘Green Coast’ passing traditional windmills with some opportunities to walk on the beach before arriving at Vila Praia de Âncora.

The Area

Marked by the intense green of its fields and vineyards, the Minho regions’ natural landscape is one of enormous beauty and biodiversity. Not yet well known as a ‘walkers paradise’, it is safe to say the Minho is reasonably ‘less trodden’ than other regions of Portugal such as the Southern Algarve or the autonomous islands of Madeira.  

Day 1: You will be collected from Porto airport and transferred to your first hotel in Ponte de Lima (included). Overnight Ponte de Lima.

Day 2: Today is relatively easy, as you walk along the valley of the Rio Lima from Ponte de Lima. Most of the route is level and much of it is traffic-free. You leave Ponte de Lima along the magnificent avenue of plane trees by the river then mainly walk on tracks or rural roads, through fertile agricultural land and woodland. At Passagem, where there used to be a ferry across the river, you turn south towards the hills and into an area of intensive grape growing and wine production where you can enjoy a pre-booked wine tasting (enquire when booking). We also have a selection of walks available from Viana do Castelo should you wish to do more walking today. Overnight Viana do Castelo.

Ascent: 80m. Descent: 30m. Distance: 8.75 miles. Time: 3 hours.

Day 3: After a day along the valley of the Rio Lima, today’s walk is a complete contrast, as you walk along the ‘Green Coast’ northwards from Viana to Vila Praia de Âncora. Apart from one modest hill at Montedor mid-way along the route (and occasional sand-dunes) the walking feels more or less level. Some of the time you have the option to walk along the beach. Overnight Vila Praia de Âncora.

Ascent: 150m. Descent: 150m. Distance: 12 miles. Time: 4.15 hours.

Day 4: You will be collected from your last hotel in Vila Praia de Âncora and transferred back to Porto airport (included) or to Porto City if you are opting for extra nights in this beautiful city.

Extra Nights

Why not add an extra night or two in the bustling, riverside city of Porto. Or perhaps an extra night in Viana do Castelo to enjoy more of our documented walks.

Price in GBP£ Price in USD$

Minho – Short Break Walks

All prices valid for 2022 - Prices are per person in GBP / UK  

POA - Prices on application

Extra nights in Viana do Castelo (based on two people in a shared twin/double room including breakfast):

3* hotel in Viana do Castelo for £35 per person

4* hotel in Viana do Castelo for £120 per person

Extra nights in Porto (based on two people in a shared twin/double room including breakfast):

Boutique hotel in Porto for £70 per person

Price in GBP£ Price in USD$

Hotel Mercearia de Vila 3*, Ponte de Lima

This small 3* hotel used to house a grocery store; the comfortable rooms are themed around the buildings history. You enter through the old shop, now a quirky cafe where you have your breakfast.

All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, television, tea/coffee making facilities and private bathroom with WC, shower and hairdryer.

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Hotel InLima 4*, Ponte de Lima

Located next to the historical centre of Ponte de Lima, this 4* hotel is also very close to the towns beautiful river. It features a small spa area with lush gardens where you can enjoy a peaceful evening. A lovely buffet breakfast is served consisting of dishes made with seasonal ingredients.

All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, television, air conditioning, private balcony and private bathroom with WC, shower/bath and hairdryer.

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Hotel Rali 3*, Viana do Castelo

Located just a few minutes’ walk from the town centre, this welcoming hotel is modern and comfortable with a lovely indoor pool to relax in. Breakfast is a buffet with plenty of choice and dinner is served in the hotel restaurant Ralenti Pizzeria which is open every day with a three-course set menu. 

All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, television, air conditioning, safe and private bathroom with WC, shower/bath and hairdryer.

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Hotel Casa Melo Alvim 4*, Viana do Castelo

Set in a 16th century manor house, conveniently located near the railway station, this is a very atmospheric place to stay. It has a lovely piano bar and beautiful garden with cascade. An excellent breakfast is provided with both hot and cold buffet choices. Dinner is included and taken at the hotel restaurant. 

All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, television, air con, safe and private bathroom with WC, shower/bath and hairdryer.

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Hotel Meira 4*, Vila Praia de Âncora

Located near a lovely seaside resort, this 4* hotel may look small from the outside but it is surprisingly large inside. It has a bar/lounge and an outdoor pool. Breakfast is an excellent buffet with lots of choice.

All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, television and private bathroom with WC, shower/bath and hairdryer.

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Availability Information

Late Spring is the best time to visit Portugal, particularly if you want to see the beautiful array of flowers in bloom, although February to March is when the almond blossom decorates the landscape. Early Autumn is also a good time when it's still warm but not too hot. July and August will most likely be too hot for walking and there is a chance of snow from November to January.

Please note our best to go information is generally referring to the walking which may fall in the early or late season in some places. This may mean that not all tourist facilities will be open at the time you visit.