[8 days] Walking Tour: Douro & the Côa Valley Northeast Portugal

Learn about local traditions and feel welcomed at cozy guesthouses on this 1-week self-guided walking holiday in northeast Portugal through the Douro International Natural Park and the Côa Valley. Journey through prehistoric lands to witness dramatic rock formations, endangered wildlife, historical villages, and ancient cultures.

Begin your holiday in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Porto, Portugal. You’ll be met by a private local driver and taken to your hotel for a full briefing. Then, depending on your arrival time, you can wander the streets of Porto to uncover its eclectic architecture, food scene, and dynamic nightlife. The next day, a scenic train ride along the Douro River and past remarkable UNESCO sites will bring you to the Spanish border, near the departure point for your walking tour.

Highlights:

• Enjoying a scenic train ride, passing through the Alto Douro wine region
• Walking through the Douro International Natural Park and the Côa Valley Archaeological Park
• Experiencing local culture and traditions, like visiting a cheese producer, and staying in a shepherding village and on a farm
• Passing by 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and visit the Côa Museum
• Visiting medieval villages and towns and see prehistoric rock artCalçada de Alpajares Roman road
• Seeing endangered birds of prey

About as far as you can get from the madding crowds, you’ll be staying on a working wine estate and olive farm for the first few days while you explore the Douro International Natural Park. In this wild, rocky landscape, endangered bird species such as the Egyptian vulture and the griffon vulture are protected, so keep your eyes peeled for these birds. The wonders of this area include prehistoric human activity. Your walk will take you past a 10,000-year-old rock engraving of a horse! To make your stay at the Douro International Natural Park even more memorable, you will rest at a beautifully converted stone farmhouse, where your host will prepare delicious meals from local produce.

In the Côa Valley Archaeological Park area, you’ll be staying in a quaint and charming shepherding village and get to visit a local cheese producer. The highlight of your journey will undoubtedly be the spectacular night visit to the Palaeolithic rock art site on the banks of the Côa River. Under the moonlight, your eyes will witness the ancient, breathtaking art that has survived for thousands of years.

Walking through the medieval village of Freixo de Espada à Cinta, you can marvel at the surprising amount of Manueline (Portuguese Gothic) architecture. You’ll pass through other smaller villages too as you make your way along trails that are over a thousand years old.

Walk through old paths to immerse into the Portuguese serene country life. As you hike, notice how the main crops of grapes, almonds, and olives are cultivated in this remote part of Portugal and learn about some traditional agricultural practices. Through the rocky plains local sheep graze, so, you may see local shepherds taking their flocks there.

If you’re lucky enough to do this walking tour of the Douro International Natural Park and the Côa Valley in late February or early March, you will see the countryside transformed by the pink and white puffs of almond trees in blossom. You may even catch a festival dedicated to the almond blossoms in Vila Nova de Foz Côa towards the end of your adventure. Wait a little later in the year and you’ll be surrounded by colorful spring flowers.

Are you ready to take the plunge and embark on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure? Book this incredible trip with a partner or a small group of walking buddies and leisurely walk through scenic landscapes where the magic of Portugal is vibrantly alive.

Like what you see but it is not quite a perfect fit?
Simply tell us what you’re looking for. We’ll happily adapt this itinerary to suit your personal interests, needs, and schedule to create your ideal holidays.

Related Trips:
[8 days] The Other Side of Douro
[8 days] Atlantic Route Coastal Walking Holiday
[9 days] Cycling the Portuguese Coastal Way to Santiago
[8 days] Heart & Soul of Douro Valley

Seasonal Notes:

Low season: March-April, and the second half of October

High season: May through mid-October

The end of winter through spring (late February through May) is a great time to do this trip if you enjoy cooler weather and blossoming landscapes. You’ll likely encounter blooming almond trees, wildflowers, and lush greenery during your walks. Days can be warm and sunny, and rainfall can be frequent during this season. So, come prepared for changeable conditions.

Summers in Portugal can be hot and dry, which might be challenging for long walks during the day. Summer coincides with the high season, meaning it is also likely to be the most crowded with tourists. We don’t recommend doing this Douro walking holiday in July and August, as temperatures regularly exceed 30°C (86°F). June can be a good balance of warmer weather and fewer visitors than in July and August.

Early fall (September and October) is also a very pleasant time to do this walking trip. Similar to the spring, days can be sunny and warm with chances of wind and rain. If your trip aligns with the grape harvest, which is usually in September, you will have the opportunity to experience the hustle and bustle of grape picking and transportation to the wineries. With a bit of luck, you can even participate in grape treading or harvest celebrations.

Traveling during the low or shoulder seasons is generally considered to be a sustainable tourism practice as it helps with tourism dispersal: spreading out where tourists go and how their money supports locals throughout the year.

Features

• Locally-Owned Company