Explore the spectacular Atlantic Coast of Portugal on foot
Portugal’s Atlantic Coast features miles of sparkling ocean and sandy beaches, but what’s even more incredible is the historical past of the region. This self-guided walking tour will show you the best of Portugal’s iconic coastline and Lima Valley while revealing the deeply-rooted history of the towns, cities, and trails you’ll explore.
Take the time to breathe in the fresh ocean air as you walk alongside the ocean, through rural communities, and into bustling cities. Explore friendly fishing villages and imposing fortresses, then check out the medieval strongholds of Viana do Castelo and Ponte de Lima. Between kilometres, feast on fresh fish, special Portuguese desserts, locally produced olive oil, and Vinho Verde Wine.
You’ll trek along diverse trails, even taking a few steps on the historic and well-travelled Camino de Santiago. Upon arrival at the final vineyard manor house, you’ll celebrate the Walking the Atlantic Coast and Lima Valley tour with a glass of delicious local wine. What a journey!
Highlights of the Walking the Atlantic Coast and Lima Valley
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Walking the Atlantic Coast and Lima Valley
Day 1 Arrive to Esposende
Arrive at the seaside village of Esposende. Enjoy the afternoon exploring the small fishing port, watch the colourful boats, or stroll the seemingly endless sandy beaches. Please inquire about scheduled shared transfers or private transfers from the Porto Airport.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Esposende
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Seaside Bluffs and Vinho Verde Vineyards
Today you’ll start your walking adventure by leaving Esposende along the beachside trail. Your path will wind inland for your first look at the beautiful Vinho Verde vineyards.
You’ll pass a tall lighthouse and follow the wooden walkway to Belinho beach. This is a great spot for birdwatching from the observation tower. Then, follow your trail along the Neiva River, where you’ll be picked up and driven to the rural family home where you’ll be welcomed for the night.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Chafé
Distance: Short option: 2 hours, 10.4 km, 12m of ascent and 12m of descent
Long option: 4 hours, 17.6 km, 13m of ascent and 7m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Trek the Coast to Viana do Castelo
This morning, you’ll continue hiking north along the rugged coastline, crossing in and out of pine and eucalyptus woods. When you reach Cabedelo Beach, you’ll want to stop and watch the surfers and kitesurfers dancing across the water.
When you resume your walk, you’ll cross the bridge across the Lima river into Viana do Castelo. This ancient city was a port during the Roman Empire and was built up by wealthy merchants who made their fortunes sailing to the Indies and the Americas. Explore the medieval city center, which has been frozen in time and represents architecture through the ages.
Make the steep climb up the steep Santa Luzia Hill, or take the cable car for a more leisurely trip. Either way, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view from the top.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Viana do Castelo
Distance: 2 hours, 10.5 km, 42m of ascent and 44m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Fishing Villages and Historic Forts
Bright and early, you’ll take the train to the fishing village of Vila Praia de Ancora. A 17th-century military fort overlooks this bustling port at the mouth of the Ancora River.
Your path will lead you along beaches and through pine forests until you pass another ancient fortress. You’ll pass by the historic Montedor Lighthouse as well as picturesque windmills on your way back to Viana.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Viana do Castelo
Distance: Short option: 4 hours, 14.7 km, 45m of ascent and 36m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Ponte de Lima and the Lagoas Protected Area
After breakfast, you’ll take an included transfer into the Lagoas Protected Area. Here you’ll explore the 350 hectares of park, home to over 500 species of different plants and animals. Look for deer, otters, Iberian toads, water lizards, and falcons, to name a few!
Your trail will follow the Lima riverside, where you’ll be able to view the landscapes from the International Gardens Festival. Finally, you’ll arrive in Ponte de Lima, which is the oldest town in Portugal. Explore the medieval streets, shops, and cafes before heading to the outskirts of town for the night.
Overnight Location: Guest House in Ponte de Lima
Distance: Short option: 3 hours, 11.8 km, 64m of ascent and 23m of descent
Long option: 4 hours, 15.1 km, 64m of ascent and 44m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Wine Estate Walking
Today you’ll be walking through the serene countryside, full of pastures, maize fields, and vineyards. You’ll visit the church of Nossa Senhora da Boa Morte, which is perched atop a hill with stunning views over the valley.
At the end of the day, relax by the pool or enjoy a glass of Vinho Verde at your accommodations.
Overnight Location: Guest House in Ponte de Lima
Distance: 4 hours, 14.2 km, 377m of ascent and 356m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Walk the Famous Camino de Santiago
Today you’ll be following the path of the famous pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela along the Camino de Santiago. Pilgrims have been trekking this route for ages, believing that they will be forgiven of their sins upon arrival at Santiago de Compostela.
Take in the scenic pathways through the farmlands and back along the Lima riverbanks. Celebrate your final evening by indulging in the local cuisine and wines!
Overnight Location: Guest House in Ponte de Lima
Distance: 4 hours, 14.9 km, 116m of ascent and 111m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Departure day
This morning, your tour concludes after breakfast.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
This self-guided tour is always run as a private tour for your group only.
2024 Departures
The departures are available every Sunday, from March 1st to November 30th.
- Solo traveller: on request
- Single room (2+ travellers): from $1,325 USD*
- Sharing a double room: from $875 USD*
*-Pricing for this tour depends on the dates of your trip and all the prices are per person. Please click the booking button below to get the exact pricing for your trip dates.
Book NowAccommodation on Walking the Atlantic Coast and Lima Valley
The accommodations on this tour are 3-star hotels and guesthouses. All accommodations are private rooms with their own bathrooms. Rooms are double occupancy and single travellers will pay a supplement.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement to have a private room.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel Suave Mar in Esposende ★★★
Facing the Cávado River and steps away from the ocean, this comfortable hotel is perfectly situated. Take advantage of the pool and tennis courts.
Casa da Reina in Chafé
Enjoy a warm welcome from the family that ruins this rural guesthouse in the Minho region. Be sure to explore the vineyard and wine cellar!
Rali Hotel in Viana do Castelo ★★★
This city center hotel was recently renovated and has an indoor heated pool to enjoy. It is an easy walk to the train station and is just 3 kilometres from the beach.
Quinta da Agra, Ponte de Lima
This manor house is full of rustic charm and is surrounded by a beautiful farm. Enjoy the peaceful valley views and explore the nearby vineyards.
What’s Included in the Walking the Atlantic Coast and Lima Valley Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Your luggage transfer from one hotel to the next is also included. The transfer between Antas to Chafé on Day 2 is included too.
Also Included
- Welcome meeting
- Emergency support between 8 am and 8 pm
- Access to mobile app for digital trip support including maps, points of interest, and route details
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Flights to and from Porto
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Tourist taxes if applicable
- Visas if required
- Personal equipment
- Fees not mentioned as ‘included’
- Gratuities for hotel staff, servers, or drivers
- Guide
- Train Ticket Viana do Castelo – Vila Praia de Âncora
Optional Extras
- Guide
- Wine tasting experiences (day 2 and day 5)
- Picnic lunches
- Half Board upgrade
- Private transfers between Porto Airport and city center
- Shared departure and arrival transfers to and from Porto Airport
Frequently Asked Questions about Walking the Atlantic Coast and Lima Valley
VINITUR is a full-service tour operator providing fine customized programs about wine, food, and culture in Portugal and Spain. VINITUR has dedicated itself to special groups, corporate travellers, and gourmet and luxury-focused visitors for leisure travel since 1998. VINITUR’s innovative approach and unique services include wine, food, and culinary itineraries, gourmet experiences, meetings, and conferences. The company has provided self-guided bike tours since 2014 alongside other self-guided tours by car since 2005. VINITUR is the Portuguese travelling agency endorsed by the world-famous Great Wine Capitals network.
In 2014, Vinitur launched the Portugal Biking Experiences, a new offering linked to active tourism and nature. This new service was the result of an intense year of exploration of new concepts, selection of the best bicycle routes, new partnerships, and the creation of innovative cycling products. Relying on their many years of experience, Portugal Biking Experiences combines the best that nature has to offer in a beautiful, authentic experience.
Learn MoreWalking the Atlantic Coast and Lima Valley
Walking the Atlantic Coast and Lima Valley
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