Portuguese magical northern Coast

Walk along the ocean on parts of the Portuguese Camino to Santiago. Discover coastal villages, small seaports, traditional working techniques and local life while we transfer your luggage for you!

Duration:

5 days/4 nights

Country:

Portugal

Activity:

Hiking

Type:

Self-guided

Self guided along the most beautiful parts of the St. James' Way
Local accommodation and luggage transfers
Coastal villages and local life
Small seaports and beaches
Viana do Castelo town
Fresh fish and seafood
Atlantic Coastal landscapes with ancient buildings

Walk the most beautiful parts of the Portuguese Camino de Santiago on this self-guided walking trip. A short getaway for everyone who likes to experience local life and admire a fantastic coastline!

DAY 1 Arrival day & transfer to Castelo de Neiva

After a meet & great we will head to a small fishing village, called Castelo de Neiva which is just a 30 minutes' transfer away from Porto. A member of our team will join you for a guided walk between sand dunes and pine tree forests. Take your time to enjoy the diversity of the local flora. Cross the beautiful centenary Eiffel iron bridge over the Lima River to the harbour town of Viana do Castelo. Overnight at the old town center of Viana do Castelo. In the area, you can find nice restaurants to enjoy grilled fresh fish.

Walk approx. 12km | Local Accommodation Viana do Castelo

DAY 2 Viana do Castelo

In the morning, enjoy a guided tour in the old town center and the fishing port area. Lunchtime at one of the local restaurants. Free afternoon to explore a little bit more of the city or take a surf lesson.

Local Accommodation in Viana do Castelo

DAY 3 Viana do Castelo to Vila Praia de Âncora

Today you will walk further north, always along the ocean. The centenary lighthouse, on the top of the promontory is one of the day highlights. Pre-historical rock engravings, old boat shelters and the coastal landscapes make this one of the most diverse walks of the tour. Overnight at Vila Praia de Âncora, a small charming coastal village.

Approx. 19 km | Accommodation in Âncora

DAY 4 Villa praia de Âncora to Caminha

Start walking along the rocky coastline following the Camino de Santiago footpath. With Ínsua fortress in sight, Spain is getting closer. Continue through the centenary coastal pine tree forest and Minho’s riverside until you reach Caminha, the port town for boat transfers to Spain. Arriving at the Minho river, it is time to enjoy a scenic boat tour. Depending on the tide and the weather conditions, you can go up river or to the oceanfront.

Morning walk approx. 10 km | Accommodation in Caminha

DAY 5 Departure day

After breakfast, we will transfer you back to Porto or Viana do Castelo. Let us know your personal travel plans. We will be happy to customize the itinerary.

Pricing and options

The price for this sample itinerary, VAT included, and based on 2 persons in a double room, depends on the amount of travelers as the costs for transfers of the luggage between stages stays the same. For example:

For 2 persons in a double room with breakfast, the price per person is 495 EUR.
For 4 persons in 2 double rooms, with breakfast, the price per person is 495 EUR.
For 6 persons in 3 double rooms, with breakfast, the price per person is 450 EUR.

This price is indicative and subject to availability. It can also vary according to personal wishes, extra services, changes in the itinerary, amount of participants, accommodation and so on. Only the confirmed price on your definite order form is valid. Please contact YŪGEN tours to request a personalized itinerary and quote according to your personal wishes.

Included

Roadbook, topographic map and GPS tracks
Meet & greet and 1 guided walk
Half day guided tour in Viana do Castelo
1 pic nic lunch
24/7 phone support
4 nights accommodation with breakfast
Luggage transfers between stages
Boat tour Minho river
Transfers Porto to Neiva and transfer back on day 5

Not included

Personal expenses and insurance
International flights
All items not mentioned as "Included"

Possible options:

Our tours in Northern Portugal are very flexible and can be customized in any way. Let us know if you like to adapt the schedule or extend it with a few days at the beach, a city trip or any other wishes you may have. We are more than happy to assist in putting together your personalized itinerary. Feel free to also have a look at other biking tours we offer. Here are also some suggestions:

Braga walking city tour | Guided | Half day

Braga is a 2000 year old city with ancient narrow streets, closed for traffic. Sprinkled with plazas and baroque churches it is a must-see for culture-lovers. The constant chiming of bells is a reminder of Braga's devotion to the spiritual world. The upscale historical center is filled with lively cafes, boutiques and excellent restaurants. Travel back to Roman times in Braga!

Guimarães & Braga day tour | Local guide | Lunch

The historic town of Guimarães is associated with the emergence of the Portuguese national identity in the 12th century. An exceptionally well-preserved medieval city center with picturesque plazas framed by 14th-century edifices, a 1000-year-old castle on an adjacent hill and the massive Palace dos Duques have led to Guimarães' recognition in 2001 as World Heritage Site.

Douro valley tour | Local guide | River cruise & Port wine tasting

The Douro valley, famous for its Port wine, is the oldest demarcated wine region in the world. First, the river carved deep valleys out of the land and then man transformed the mountains into soil and walls, planted the vines which are green in summer, flame-colored in autumn. This is a very unique and special region worth exploring.

Important information

Best time to travel

Best time to travel is spring and September as the weather is normally excellent. During summer months it may get hot and crowdy, especially in August.

Travel insurance

It is always recommend to take out a travel insurance, covering for cancellation and curtailment, medical situations, baggage, emergency evacuation. Always check the specific conditions and coverage of your insurance policy, especially when participating in more adventurous activities.
YŪGEN tours does not provide travel insurance.

Medical Precautions

Check with your local immunization authority, travel clinic, public health facility or personal physician.
Visit the WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION website for up to date information www.who.int

Travel documentation

If you do not have the Belgian nationality, you should inquire at the embassy in your country. The following is valid for people with Belgian nationality:

A valid Belgian identity card or an international passport.
A visa is not required.
Children need their own identity card. Within the Schengen Zone it is recommended to bring a copy of the passport of the parent which does not accompany the other parent and the minor during the trip, as well as a document of consent of the non-traveling parent. This can prevent delays.
Belgian citizens should consult the website of the Federal government for all travel related advise: diplomatie.belgium.be/nl/Diensten/Op_reis_in_het_buitenland/reisadviezen/portugal

Flights

Flights are not included in the price of the tour. You are free to choose your flight dates, route, price and airline company if you wish to fly to Portugal.
If you opt for flights with a stopover or transfer in the United States of America, please note that you must complete a VISA WAIVER. You can do this up to a minimum of 72 hours before arrival, and this on the website of ESTA (link is external). The permission is valid for 2 years and costs approximately 14 USD per person.
Before booking your flights, please contact YŪGEN tours first to check if our local partners are not fully booked on the desired dates.
The closest international airport to our suggested trips is Porto's Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport.

Feel free to contact YŪGEN tours for more information and assistance. We will be more than happy to assist.