Night 1
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHotel 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.
Walking the Atlantic Coast and Lima Valley
Prices
Highlights
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!
Walking the Atlantic Coast and Lima Valley
Day 1 Arrive in Porto and Travel to Esposende
To begin your tour, you will be picked up from the Porto Airport and transported to the seaside village of Esposende. Enjoy the afternoon exploring the small fishing port, watch the colourful boats, or stroll the seemingly endless sandy beaches.
- 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 Long option: 5 hours, 19.5 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, 14.7 km, 205m of ascent and 595m of descent
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 8 Return to Porto
This morning, you’ll be brought back to Porto Airport for your flight home. Have a safe flight!
- Overnight Location
- None
- Distance
- None
- Meals
- Breakfast
Walking the Atlantic Coast and Lima Valley Price and Dates
This self-guided walking tour of the coast of Portugal is always run as a private tour for your group only and the price depends on the size of your group and time of the year. Please note that the prices might increase during public holidays.
Have your own private tour with just your group! The standard departure day is Sunday, but you can pay a supplement of $150USD per person to depart a different day of the week. This surcharge only applies to groups of 2-3 people. Larger groups can depart any day of the without any additional costs. Prices below are per person:
- Self-guided groups of 2+: from $775USD per person*
Please note that the prices depend on the size of your group, as well as the travelling season. Please enquire to get the exact pricing.
Accommodation 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 of $275USD - $295USD (depending on the season) to have a private room.
Night 2
See Tripadvisor ReviewsCasa 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!
Night 3-4
See Tripadvisor ReviewsRali 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.
Night 5-7
See Tripadvisor ReviewsQuinta 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.
Hotels on Standard Tour
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
This tour includes shared transfers from Porto Airport to your first hotel and from your final hotel back to the Porto Airport. The transfer of your luggage from one hotel to the next is also included.
Shared transfers between specified destinations are also included as per your itinerary. This includes the transfer between Antas to Chafé on Day 2 and Viana do Castelo to Lagoas de Bertiandos on Day 5.
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
Optional Extras
- Guide
- Wine & Specialties:
Visit to local olive oil producer and tasting, Day 2
Visit and tasting at family-run Douro and port winery, Day 3
Visit and tasting at a famous high-end winery in Pinhão, Day 4
Visit and tasting at a sparkling wine winery in Lamego, Day 6
Tasting of port, Douro wine, and olive oil at a family-run winery in Cambres, Day 7 - Picnic lunch
- Half Board upgrade
- Private transfers between Porto Airport and city center
Frequenty Asked Questions about Walking the Atlantic Coast and Lima Valley
How hard is the Walking the Atlantic Coast and Lima Valley Tour?
We rate this tour as a 2 / 5. This tour has the option for you to choose between two levels of difficulty for some of your walks, but you will still be walking 10-15 km each day. The walking is mostly on comfortable paths with few hills or elevation changes. No technical skills are required.
Will I have internet access for the app during my hikes on the Walking the Atlantic Coast and Lima Valley tour?
You will need to download the guide app included in this trip before you begin any of your hikes. This way you will be able to access the maps and route guides on your device when it’s offline.
Do I need a visa to travel to Portugal?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the Walking the Atlantic Coast and Lima Valley tour?
7 breakfasts are included. Additional meal packages may be added in advance.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to Porto to start this tour?
You can fly into Porto Airport (OPO), where you will be picked up and taken to your hotel.
Is the Walking the Atlantic Coast and Lima Valley tour guided?
No, this is a self-guided tour. You will have access to a route guide on an included app. Please let us know if you would like to book this as a guided tour, as this is a possibility.
Where does the Walking the Atlantic Coast and Lima Valley tour end?
This tour begins and ends at the Porto Airport.
Are equipment rentals included?
No, there is no equipment included. Please bring any equipment desired.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Portugal?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Portugal?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
When is the best time to travel to Portugal for this tour?
The best time to visit Portugal for this tour is June-September. Coastal Portugal enjoys pleasant weather nearly year-round, but this period offers warm temperatures and sunny skies.
Reviews
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Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.
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Stephen L.
I’ve been using 10Adventures route guides for a while, but had never booked a tour. My wife and I booked a self-guided hike in Greece and were so impressed with how we were able navigate the route without a guide with the detailed and easy to follow itinerary. We enjoy travelling independently, and 10Adventures made that happen.
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I was going through a tough time and really needed a getaway so I decided to book a tour through 10Adventures. My trip to Peru changed my life in so many positive and eye-opening ways. I am so thankful for the kind, empathetic team at 10Adventures.
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Gabriela H.
Travel companies have had to go through a lot during the pandemic but 10Adventures were super flexible and accommodating nonetheless. I had to cancel my tour in France due to the pandemic. 10Adventures was great and let me reschedule for a later date!
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Communicating with 10Adventures feels like talking with a family-run business. I love to explore and travel, and exploring with the comfort of knowing I can talk to the team at 10Adventures with almost immediate feedback helps to ease any stress that comes with adventuring!
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Whenever I’m looking for my next adventure 10Adventures never fails. Their routes all over England are my main go to for exploring and I have only had great experiences booking both guided and self-guided trips in Europe and South America with them. I am looking into Africa next.
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Erika S.
I just got back from backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, and WOW. What an unreal journey! The alpine meadows, waterfalls, and the lakeside camping spot were memorable highlights! I wonder what other tours 10Adventures has to offer. That one went so well that I am now convinced I need to book another!
Robert D.
I'm not a big fan of traveling because of my fear of flying, but my girlfriend convinced me to go on the Aurora Borealis Tour in the Yukon. I will never forget the mesmerizing northern lights. Such a romantic (and cold) getaway. I would highly recommend it.
Monica L.
Wow! I am so happy with the experience I had with booking through 10Adventures for my tour in Italy! I worked with Nadine and she was super easy-going and helpful when it came to tweaking the itinerary provided on the website. 10/10 would book through 10Adventures again.
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Why 10Adventures?
Rated 4.9 on Google Reviews
Tour Difficulty
We rate this tour as a 2 / 5. This tour has the option for you to choose between two levels of difficulty for some of your walks, but you will still be walking 10-15 km each day. The walking is mostly on comfortable paths with few hills or elevation changes. No technical skills are required.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
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