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Viana do Castelo City, Beach & Sports

Some places just got it all! Surrounded by mountains, unspoilt beaches of the Atlantic and by the River Lima, the charming town of Viana do Castelo is able to provide a wide range of experiences. It is the perfect add-on to any of our suggested tours or a perfect holiday getaway by itself.

The ocean and its breeze, deliver great waves for all kinds of active water sports. The river provides a more calm environment for SUP, kayak or easy biking and the mountains are perfect for the more demanding hikers and bikers in search of an amazing view.

The city itself offers a unique culture, history, architecture and food, as well as a wide range of possible day trips. Various accommodation types are offered. Click on the green link to find out more about our favorite one.

Country: 

Portugal

Highlights

  • Viana do Castelo historical city center
  • Gil Eannes ship
  • Lima River
  • Monte de Santa Luzia
  • Unspoilt beaches
  • Water sports (Kitesurf, SUP, surf, bodyboard, windsurf, sailing)
  • Land sports (Bike, hike, trail running - by the ocean or in the mountains)
  • Great base place for day tours in Northern Portugal & along the coast

 

Important information

Best time to travel

This tour is available from March to October. 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 aways 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.

Drive and self-drive tours

If you do not have the Belgian nationality, you should inquire in your country of nationality. Travelers from the Netherlands can consult the website of ANWB. The following is valid for people with Belgian nationality:

  • Your identity card and drivers license should be sufficient. In case of renting a car, do check the specific regulations of the rental company. Often a credit card is required to be able to rent a car and you need to be in possession of a drivers license during a certain amount of time already and/or a minimum age may apply.
  • More information on driving in Portugal and regulations can be found here: www.vab.be/nl/info-en-diensten/wegeninfo/europa/portugal
  • Please note that there are several toll roads in Portugal. Rental companies offer different solutions. On some highways you can pay in cash, but some are fully electronic and you need a special device to use them. Car rental companies can provide the device against an additional cost. Dutch speaking travelers can consult https://www.vab.be/nl/info-en-diensten/wegeninfo/europa/portugal. In case of renting a car always consult the car rental company.
  • Several car rental companies are present at Porto Airport. Cars can also be rented in Viana do Castelo, according to availability.

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