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Duration
4 days
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 3 nights in comfortable hotels
Meals
  • 2 Dinners
  • 3 Breakfasts

Price

$690USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: PC6

Trip highlights


  • Enjoying a quieter pilgrimage route, following in the footsteps of Celtic, Roman and Christian wayfarers
  • Mix of scenery from coastal sand dunes to forests
  • Experiencing culinary delights, including the local port varieties in Porto
  • Arriving in Viana do Castelo with its lovely old centre

The Portuguese Coastal Route is one of the quieter Camino paths and it offers a wealth of history. From the lively city of Porto, set on the banks of the Douro River and famous for its port wine production, the journey north takes you along paths and boardwalks and through small seaside towns and fishing hamlets, largely following the coast. Throughout the journey there are ample reminders of past pilgrims and the route offers many insights into the religious significance of the Camino. Charming Viana do Castelo is your destination, located in stunning surroundings full of natural beauty.

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

Traveller Rating

 

Set on the banks of the Douro River, Porto’s historical centre was declared a World Heritage site in 1996 and in the 12th Century it was in Porto that the country took its name and became an independent nation. Its maritime legacies and importance as a new world trading port have shaped it into the proud city it has become, with its impressive cathedral and port wine lodges. After checking in to your hotel, take the time to explore the city with its many cultural sites. Overnight Porto. We can assist with booking pre-tour accommodation on request - highly recommended as Porto has much to offer.

Meals:  Nil

After breakfast, take the metro train to Matosinhos to avoid the urban sprawl of Porto. From the station you set out on foot across the lifting bridge Ponte Movel to start your walk. Following the shell signs, the route takes you along the coast, past seaside villages such as Leca da Palmeira, Labruge and Vila do Conde, before arriving at Povoa do Varzim. This beautiful city is home to an old town, the Cividade de Terrosso Fort, more than 3000 years old as well as an ancient aqueduct. Overnight in Povoa do Varzim. Distance 27km/16.8mi *It is possible to walk from Porto, in which case this is a long day - 40km/25mi.

Meals:  B,D

A fairly easy walk as you take the esplanade to the Chapel of San Andres before continuing into Litoral Norte Natural Park a protected natural area consisting of diverse habitats of imposing sand dunes, wetlands and estuaries, and home to many different wildlife habitats. You will reach Fao on the southern side of the Cavadoy river. Cross the iron bridge over the river before arriving in the city of Esposende. Overnight Esposende. Distance 20km/12.5mi

Meals:  B,D

Continue along the coastal plains to the town of Marinhas, and Church of San Bartolome do Mar. Head inland briefly before returing to the coast following a forest path to the port of Cabedelo. Cross the Eiffel Bridge, arriving into Viana do Castelo where your tour ends. Continue to Baiona or Santiago, or we can assist with booking the night in Viana do Castelo - please ask for our rates.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 3 breakfasts, 2 dinners. Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices. Dinner will consist of 3 courses, usually starting with a salad, followed by a chicken, red meat, fish or pasta dish & finishing with a dessert of fruit or cakes.
  • 3 nights in comfortable hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
  • Digital information pack with route notes, maps & GPX
  • Pilgrim Passport
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Porto and from Viana do Castelo
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Guide – this is a self guided walking holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Entrance fees not listed as included
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Excess luggage
  • Items of a personal nature

Grading

moderate  

Daily walks are between 20-27km (12.5-17mi) on well marked trails and boardwalks over diverse terrain – from flat to low hills. Route finding is straightforward following the yellow arrows and granite pillars (showing distance to Santiago) and keeping the ocean to your left, however you still need to be vigilant at times. The route will inevitably cross main roads close to cities and towns, although the majority is on side roads and walking trails. The main areas to concentrate on route finding are arriving and leaving towns and cities. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.


Departure dates

Daily from 1 Mar to 15 Oct

Notes

H
High Season
Note:
High season is from 7 to 21 Apr and 15 Jul to 15 Sep. Supplement applies to high season departures.
Note:
Other dates are available on request. Supplements may apply outside of the main season due to additional charges for luggage transfers and hotel closures (some transfers may be required to confirm your booking).

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$690USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Excess luggage (per piece, max 20kg in weight)USD$90
  • Single SupplementUSD$290
  • Solo traveller supplementUSD$320
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.  

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

Our Wide Range

With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love. 

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Porto and the North As Never Seen Before

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