If you haven't been in Porto yet we would suggest you plan for 1-2 pre-tour days here in order to explore its sites (walk along the Douro banks and taste the exquisite sweet wine that this charming city offers on one of the many terraces overlooking the river; and of course take one of the "6 bridges cruise" tours to get a different glimpse of the city). Arranged pick up from your hotel in Porto (or Porto Airport) and a 20-30min transfer to Póvoa de Varzim - a popular ocean resort with 12 km of sandy beaches, perfect for relaxation or water activities. Its historical center is also an attractive point of interest - the village has a turbulent past - from a fishing port and ship-building center, a place where a lot of artists met and inspire themselves with the natural beauty of the city, to the modern beach resort nowadays! Enjoy every minute of the beginning of your independent tour! Overnight in Póvoa de Varzim.

Today you start from Póvoa de Varzim and head off towards Apúlia. You will first walk over the soft white sand, passing between the awaking cafés from one side and the salty ocean from the other side. Soon you will veer away from the coast and your trail will continue through market gardens and small woodland. The trail is to its end and soon the first roofs of Apúlia will appear in front of you. Apúlia’s most iconic highlight is the numerous windmills set on the dunes in the northern part of its beach.

Awaken from the noise of seagulls and the fresh Atlantic air, get ready for today’s walk. It will be short and pleasant under the blazing sun so make sure you always wear a hat and put sunscreen on. Most of the time you will walk along cobblestone roads with some sections of wooden boardwalk. The trail does not enter directly into the historical center of Esposende but makes byway near the Cávado Estuary and the nature reserve. The soft, harmonious colors of the dunes and the lush vegetation take on warm hues at dusk. This is definitely one of the most beautiful Portuguese seasides also home to numerous birds and other animal species. Take your time for swimming or just lying on the warm sand enjoying a refreshing beverage from the nearby beach cafés. Think also about a short stroll around in the old town of Esposende - it hides tiny pretty churches and chapels, green gardens, and open squares. It’s hard to believe that such a small village offers a range variety of activities but besides the cultural exploration, if you have energy, you may try also kite surf, kayaking, rafting or just rent a bike.

Today’s self-guided walk leaves Esposende and continues north towards Castelo Do Neiva. It is a region inhabited since the Iron Ages and it keeps many stories and legends about its vivid past. The hiking trail will be mottled by a variety of landscapes - small villages and pebbled beaches, also the lush valley when crossing the Nevia River peacefully purling towards the ocean. Along the route, there would be fewer options to buy a snack or take a coffee so make sure you prepare your backpack with enough supplies for the trek. Soon you will reach Castelo do Neiva and your accommodation - a magnificent old house where options for relaxing are countless - from just drinking fragrant wine, to reading books in the library, swimming in the pool or you can even challenge your companions for a tennis game.

Continue walking North to explore bit by bit the beautiful Atlantic coast in this part of Portugal. Leaving Castelo do Neiva, your first stop will be in Amorosa from where you enter an enchanting section of pine trees and your trail is towering above the ocean so you could admire the splendid turquoise view! Soon the first buildings of Viana Do Castelo will appear and you will be rewarded with stunning vistas from Eiffel Pont (Eiffel Bridge). Castelo do Neiva deserves your time and attention. There is plenty to be discovered and here are just a few suggestions - Paços do Conselho (The Town Hall), Praça da República (Republic Square), also the majestic The Santuário de Santa Luzia (The Temple of Santa Luzia). Besides being an architectural masterpiece, this big cathedral is towering over the city, offering a jaw-dropping panorama towards the Atlantic Ocean, mouth of the River Lima and the city. The ambiance in the city is magnificent and you will completely plunge in it.

It is hard to leave this charming city so your daily walk leads you again through the historical center of Viana Do Castelo and then veer away towards the shoreline. Many windmills will wave you goodbye as you are going north on your way. The trail will wind between the coast and the inland forests. This change of the scenery every now and then will fulfill your eyes with picturesque views. Although you will pass some forested areas, do not forget to put your hat and sunscreen. This will be the longest trek of your independent coastal walking trip, however, do not hurry but take as much time as you need to relax on sandy beaches or refresh your energy by quick swimming session! The last effort you have to put is when crossing the infinite white beach of Vila Praia de Âncora. And you just arrived! The village does not have some special points of interest to show to its visitors but the atmosphere is harmonious and you can get your well-deserved rest with local marine cuisine and glass of fresh wine. N.B.: If you wish to cut the mileage short you can take a train from Carreço to Vila Praia de Âncora.

This will be the last day of your self-guided walking tour along the Atlantic coast. Most of the time you will walk over a new pedestrian path (ecovia). The short but pleasant trail will wind among pine trees and of course, the endless sandy beaches. There will be plenty of time to stop and swim in the salty ocean waters. Enjoy some time spent on the charming beach of Moledo after which you will enter the dense coniferous forest which will suddenly end up in the riverside city of Caminha. From there you will be rewarded with marvelous views not only of the Portuguese mountains but also the Spanish ridges. The river Minho is the natural border between these two stunning countries. Caminha offers a huge variety of options on how to spend your time there. Take time to visit the clock tower. If you found it, then you are in the heart of the city! Like many of the Portuguese cities, Caminha is also dotted by several churches and chapels among which is the Gothic parish church Igreja Matriz which definitely merits a visit. And probably one unusual proposal for a visit but your attention deserves also the train station - a colorful glimpse into the history of Caminha depicted in hand-painted tiles.

In case you require private transfer from Caminha to Porto Airport please contact us for details (train connections are also easy to use).