This trip is a 1-week, self-guided, leisurely coastal walk along Portugal’s Costa Verde in the Minho region. It offers ample time to explore and relax.

The northwest coast of Portugal is known as the Costa Verde or Green Coast thanks to the abundance of vegetation that backs onto it and the not-so-distant mountains of the Minho countryside. As you head north from Porto on this 8-day self-guided coastal walk, you’ll experience the ever-changing coastal landscape of wide sandy beaches, rocky coves, pebble beaches, pleasant seaside towns, and fishing villages. You’ll also spend time in the small historical city of Viana do Castelo and end up in the charming town of Caminha at the very top of Portugal, just across the river from Spain.

While much of the route hugs the coast, you’ll head inland at times to walk through fields, forests, and villages to get a deeper insight into the lifestyle of rural Portuguese communities and small-scale farming practices.

With relatively short, leisurely walking days, you’ll have plenty of time and energy to explore the towns and villages you stay in and to take breaks en route for a swim or to spend time on the beach.

Make the most of the ample opportunities to sample the freshest catch of the day and other delicious Portuguese fares from the Minho region.

If you have more time to spare, you can extend this coastal walking holiday by adding a night in Porto.

Seasonal Notes: This itinerary can be booked from March 1st through October 31st each year, with the low season being from March 1st to April 30th & from October 16th to 31st, and the high season being from May 1st to October 15th.

In terms of weather, April, May, June, September and October are the ideal months for a walking holiday to northern Portugal. In spring and autumn, there is always a chance of experiencing some rain. Days can be warm and sunny or chilly and possibly windy, especially on the coast, so come prepared for changeable conditions. May, June and September tend to be warmer with less chance of rain. July and August are usually the hottest months, with temperatures regularly exceeding 30 degrees Celsius.

Traveling during the low season 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.