The Coastal route as its name suggests, takes you up the coastline of the north west Portugal crossing the border into the coastal region of Galicia. This first section from Porto to Oia takes you along the Portuguese coastline pass beaches, on boardwalks and provides you with some spectacular oceanic views.
Highlights:
♦ Porto - The “Historic Center of Porto” along with Luiz l bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar have been deemed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1996.
♦ Viana do Castelo - with its many cafes’, ornate religious buildings and narrow shopping streets.
Itinerary:
Day 1. Arrive to Porto
The entire old city of Porto became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996 and there’s plenty going on here. Set on the bank of the Douro River near the Atlantic Ocean, the city is perhaps best known internationally for its famous Port wine. A wine that goes down very well on the countless terraces and restaurants in Porto. (-/-/-/)
Day 2. Porto - Povoa de Varzim
From the city centre of Porto you will head out along the Douro River to the Atlantic coastline which you will follow north. Passing by beach resorts you may be tempted more than once to dip your toes in the sea today. To shorten the day you can take the metro to the coast to start from there. The end of today will have you in the linked coastal villages of Vila do Conde and Povoa de Varzim. (B/-/-)
Walking distance: approx.36.58 km
Day 3. Povoa de Varzim - Esposende
Continuing to follow the coast line today, you will pass by beaches and through coastal towns. The second part of today will see you move ever so slightly in land but also has an option to go back along the coast for a section rather than through the Parque Natural do Litoral Norte. Crossing the Cavado River you will arrive into the city of Esposende. (B/-/D)
Walking distance: approx.20.9 km
Day 4. Esposende - Viana do Castelo
Passing by some lighthouses whilst leaving Esposende you will continue along an inland route today that has some gentle climbs. Today will see you on a combination of dirt paths, forest tracks and some tarmac roads as you weave your way around some hills pass beautiful churches to the River Lima. Crossing on the main bridge over the river you will arrive into Viano do Castelo and your stop for the night. (B/-/D)
Walking distance: 25.39km
Day 5. Viana do Castelo - Vila Praia de Ancora
A gentle walk along the coast today will take you to Villa Praia de Ancora. Here you can relax and if you haven’t already been tempted today dip your toes in the cool Atlantic Ocean and sample some fresh seafood. (B/-/-)
Walking distance: 18.3 km
Day 6. Vila Praia de Ancora - Oia
Continuing onto the beach Paria de Moledo, then walking through a forest you will come back to a boardwalk before arriving into Caminha. This is the last town before crossing the border to Spain via a ferry to A Guardia. On your arrival you can walk around the peninsula and then stop for a coffee or lunch with magnificent beach scenery before heading to the lovely small village of Oia. The walk is easy along the coast line. (B/-/-)
Walking distance: 27.8 km
Day 7. Oia
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure. (B/-/-)