Discover sustainable travel in Portugal! Explore responsible walking tours, cycling tours, and eco-friendly yoga retreats. Carbon removals included!

Sustainable Travel in Portugal | Yugen Earthside

Portugal, an alluring country in Western Europe, is an idyllic destination for travelers seeking serene nature, rich culture, and low carbon-impact travel experiences. Portugal is especially pleasant in the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and comfortable, and the trails and towns are less crowded.

We have two locally owned Portuguese partners that offer expertly curated packages. One partner specializes in self-guided walking and cycling tours (e-bikes available) in Northern Portugal and the other specializes in sustainable yoga retreats in Southern Portugal.

Explore the picturesque Douro Valley, known for its rolling vineyards; the Côa Valley and its incredible archaeological park; the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage routes; and the breathtaking Atlantic coastline dotted with charming fishing villages, golden beaches, and historic sites. These are some of the best places to visit in Portugal, and with our convenient self-guided itineraries, you remain in control of your pace each day.

If you're seeking stillness, our sustainable yoga retreats take place at an eco-friendly retreat center in the heart of the Alentejo region. It's the perfect backdrop to a peaceful and rejuvenating getaway. This incredible sustainable retreat space nestled within a fantastic wine region can be privatized for events like bachelorette parties, weddings, birthdays, or corporate team offsites.

Do you have a different Portugal walking or cycling trip in mind? Do you want to add some extra days at the beginning or end of one of our itineraries? Do you want to organize a private retreat? Contact us to create your ideal responsible travel experience!

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Yugen Earthside connects mindful travelers to responsible package trips around the world. CARBON REMOVALS INCLUDED WITH EACH BOOKING!

Connecting mindful travelers to responsible experiences around the world.

Prices exclude flights to/from the destination.

Prices are for double room occupancy unless indicated otherwise.

We proudly partner with wanderwell, a B-Corp-certified travel insurance agency and 1% for the Planet member.

Request a FREE quote for Trip Protection or Travel Medical coverage.

Discover self-guided, privately-guided, & small group tours around the world. Our sustainable adventures are customizable, and include carbon removals with each booking!

Trips | Yugen Earthside | Sustainable Adventures

Hone your camera skills and energize your mind and body on this unique retreat that combines photography workshops with daily yoga sessions. Carbon removals included!

[7 days] Unique Photography & Yoga Retreat | Yugen Earthside

Hone your camera skills on this unique photography retreat by practicing in natural settings under the guidance of a pro! When not behind your camera, energize your mind and body through daily yoga sessions.  

Learn expert tips from a pro to take your photos to the next level. Feel rejuvenated with daily yoga classes. Sustain your creative energy by delighting in leisurely home-cooked meals made of fresh, seasonal ingredients. End each day by sipping a complimentary glass of locally-produced, regional wine. Come and enjoy the good vibes!

Relax and disconnect from your busy day-to-day life as you unleash your creativity. The beauty and tranquility of rural Portugal will surely nourish your mind, body, and soul.

These laidback 7 days will fly by at this magical eco-retreat in southern Portugal's Alentejo region!

Daily yoga sessions in an open-air Shala in the woods

Healthy brunches and dinners; vegetarians happily accommodated

Plenty of optional activities (for an additional cost)

What will the photography program be like?

The photography workshop will be very practical and hands-on. Subjects will include landscapes, animals, and people. Previous experience in photography is not necessary; the program will be adapted to the skills and flow of the group. The workshops are accessible to all levels and will include both group and individual sessions. You will also have plenty of time to explore your creativity on your own. 

You must bring your own camera (a real one, not your phone).

Understanding your camera and shooting modes

Cam was born and raised in LA but lived most of his life in NYC, where he worked 20 years as a professional photographer and collaborated with some of the biggest names in the photography world. He worked for many international magazines, and worldwide advertising campaigns but his passion is portraits. Indeed he photographed many worldwide celebrities.  His shoots are always fun and full of good vibes!

Yoga: Find your sense of calm with daily yoga sessions in the open-air Shala in the woods. The 75-minute yoga sessions are led by Nina, a certified instructor who will tailor the classes to each person’s ability - so everybody is welcome, from beginners to pros! Classes will mix different yoga styles.

Food and wine play an important role in this unique photography and yoga retreat!

Great food: You will enjoy healthy meals onsite, freshly prepared using exclusively fresh, local, organic, and seasonal products (most meals are vegetarian, too!). Menus change with each retreat, but here’s a sneak peek of what you might be served. Feel free to also drool over the French Toast brunch or the vegetarian frittata. At each meal, you'll learn about the origins of the food and its correlation with the local environment and culture. You may also visit the onsite garden if you wish.

Wine: With each dinner, you'll sip a different natural, regional wine sourced by local, small producers.
What is it Really Like?

Check out our blog post on Sustainable Retreats in Portugal for an even deeper look into what to expect. Or, watch these three (20-second video) clips to get a sense of a typical day at this beautiful eco-retreat center. Note that your photography workshops will replace some of the activities in these clips.

Yoga, brunch, visiting a small coastal town

Brunch, coastal hike, market visit, early evening yoga

Free time, afternoon yoga, family-owned winery visit

If you want to bring your own group, we recommend avoiding the crowded high season and coming in spring (April to June) or fall (September to November). The beaches are deserted, and the days are mostly sunny and warm (you’ll need a cardigan for the evenings though).

This unique photography and yoga retreat is typically organized in the late fall and early winter part of the season (November & December). Coming in these low-season months fosters tourism dispersal (the antidote to "overtourism") and helps to bolster the local economy of the region year-round. 

The weather can vary, but generally, you'll get a mixture of sunny and partly-sunny days, and temperatures will be mild to cool.

November: In November, the average daytime temperature in the Alentejo region ranges from 13°C to 18°C (55°F to 64°F). Nights can be cooler, with temperatures dropping to around 7°C to 12°C (45°F to 54°F). It's a transition period, so you may experience some rainfall.

December: December tends to be slightly cooler than November. Daytime temperatures average between 11°C and 16°C (52°F to 61°F), while nights can be colder, ranging from 5°C to 9°C (41°F to 48°F). Rainfall may increase during this month.

Airport transfer to the retreat center (but we can coordinate this)

Surf lessons (~40 € pp, excluding rental material & transportation)

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) (~35 € pp, excluding rental material & transportation)

Kayaking (~25 € for 1 person / ~35 € for 2 people)

Horseback riding (~60 € for 1 person / ~100 € for 2 people; 1h30 guided ride)

Many 'excluded' activities (not included in the trip price) can be optionally added to your experience. Guests can decide on most optional activities once at the retreat center, and payment can be made on-site.

Surfing, SUP, and kayaking are dependent on weather, tides, and currents.

For the massage, it is better to book in advance to ensure we get the best masseuses, so please notify us when your booking is confirmed if you would like to schedule a massage.

Our View on Sustainability
Sustainability is a way of life here. Our family has a deep respect and love for the region of Alentejo and we are passionately committed to protecting and preserving her to the best of our ability. Gratefully, we are able to plant our roots here and carry a strong sense of social responsibility to our community.

Our experiences are all based on the amazing nature of this place and our incredible community and we put a lot of effort to protect both. We love to share it with our guests and try to involve them as much as possible. This includes making them aware of our challenges and how can they further help. This is a truly authentic experience composed of small local and sustainable entrepreneurs only.

We make a big effort to maintain and increase the amazing biodiversity among us through the diverse activities explained during the trip. Our eco-retreat center uses solar panels, LED lamps, and local, organic soaps and ecological detersives. We work a lot to reduce waste, reuse as much as we can, and recycle the rest. We have clear waste sorting systems in place for guests, serve mostly vegetarian meals, compost leftover food, and implement organic farming and regenerative forestry practices. The whole trip happens in a short circuit of 20 kilometers, and we are lucky to have nature, beaches, and historic towns all nearby to reduce this trip's footprint. We don't sell or use single-use plastic items. You will see our animals wandering free and happy along our property and the surrounding area.

Accommodation
Being the trip organizers, and the host of the accommodations ourselves, sustainability is part of our lives and business. Guests are welcome to explore every corner of the property and question any concerns they may have. As a small family business, we work very hard to improve every day and create a more positive impact on our environment and in our community.

Sustainable Economic Initiatives
We are a small start-up that works very closely with the local community that depends mostly on tourism and agriculture. The timing of our programs year-round, and especially out of high season, helps the community to guarantee their income all year round. By working directly with local farmers and small food/wine producers, we help them to maintain their projects of family-owned, completely organic productions.

Being part of the local community ourselves, it's in our own interest to protect it and ensure it develops in a sustainable way. One of the high points of the trip is the visit to the sustainable farm where the grapes are grown before the winery and wine tasting. The tour is guided by the owner himself, a true expert that carries the work of five generations. The whole experience is very much community-oriented and we are very much actively involved in projects that protect it. Our other activities visiting local artisans, teaching guests about our cultural heritage, prioritizing small, local, and sustainable suppliers, and inclusive practices also support our efforts to be socially sustainable. We also discuss with travelers how to act responsibly in this destination and make donations to local organizations.

We are a pet-friendly site, prefer cruelty-free products, source meat and fish from trusted local suppliers, and support local pro-animal projects.

With a capacity of only 12 guests, plus its remote location, this eco-retreat is a safe way to enjoy Portugal. We follow special cleaning protocols adhering to European regulations.

A classic surf and yoga retreat with a sustainable twist! Hosted at an eco-retreat center, it includes a massage and an organic winery visit.

[7 days] Sustainable Surf, Yoga, & Wine Retreat | Yugen Earthside

A classic surf and yoga retreat, but with a sustainable twist! This experience is for people that want to do a little bit of yoga, a little bit of surfing, and then relax with a little bit of wine. 

Enjoy daily surf lessons and yoga classes accessible to all levels. Then, indulge yourself with delicious healthy food, local wine from a different small producer each night with dinner, and a deep healing massage on the welcomed rest day!

Come join us on this active nature escape and have fun! You'll unwind in a beautiful natural setting and learn about the local culture, all while getting to know new, fun people throughout your stay.

An hourlong massage with our Goddess Masseuse, Jana

This sustainable surf and yoga retreat is nestled in a historical rural village off the beaten path, yet located only a 15-minute drive away from the beach. You will stay at a beautiful property surrounded by nature where the hosts will welcome you like old friends. They will tell you about the history, traditions, and local culture of the area while taking you through the beautiful landscapes of the countryside and coast.

Get out of the city and feed your adventurous side by learning to surf (or improving your surfing skills!), and then find your sense of calm with daily yoga sessions. You will be delighted at how well yoga and surfing go together to strengthen and relax your muscles, improve your balance and focus, and, most importantly, make you feel great!

Yoga: The five, 75-minute yoga sessions take place in an open-air Shala in the woods. You'll be taught by Nina, a certified instructor who will tailor the classes to each person’s ability. There will be modifications suitable for beginners as well as those looking to challenge and advance their yoga practice.

Surfing: First-timers, beginners, and pros are all welcome. During your four surf classes on the beach, the group will be divided into beginners and those who already have some surfing experience, so you'll be in good company no matter what!

Rest Day: Near the end of the retreat, you'll have a rest day where you can completely relax with an hour-long outdoor massage by our Goddess Masseuse, Jana. In addition to giving your muscles some TLC, you can lounge by the pool, rest in a hammock, meander around the serene garden, or visit the secluded meditation platform.

Wine: The visit to a local winery is a real treat! You will learn about the producer's sustainable and artisanal wine-making practices before savoring wine and tapas during a paired tasting. See what the winery tour is like. Plus, with each dinner, you'll sip a different natural, regional wine sourced by local, small producers.

So come! Stay amongst the pine and oak trees, enjoy the delicious food and wine (again, it’s a big part of this trip!), and relax at this laidback retreat.

What is it Really Like?

Check out our blog post on Sustainable Retreats in Portugal for an even deeper look into what to expect. Or, watch these three 20-second video clips to get a sense of a typical day at this beautiful eco-retreat center.

Group Privatization:
If you want to bring your own group for a birthday, bachelor(ette) party, wedding, special celebration, or corporate retreat, it's possible! We recommend avoiding the crowded high season and coming in spring (April to June) or fall (September to November). The beaches are deserted, and the days are mostly sunny and warm (you’ll need a cardigan for the evenings though).


The surf and yoga retreats are organized throughout the year, mostly around the fall (September to November) and in the spring (April and May). These retreats are based on when the waves will be best and the temperatures will be comfortable for learning to surf.

As the best months for the surf and yoga retreat are outside of Portugal's high season (July & August), participating in this retreat will foster tourism dispersal (the antidote to "overtourism") and contribute to the local economy of the region anytime you join. If you're looking to explore Portugal further either before or after the retreat, you will avoid overcrowding.

Spring/early summer (March to June) and late summer/early fall (September to October) are really lovely times to visit Portugal. The weather is pleasant yet mild, making the outdoor yoga sessions, pool time, and short nature hikes very comfortable.

Photography session (~50 € pp or per couple)

SUP and kayaking are dependent on weather, tides, and currents.

Walk from Porto to Santiago on this 3-week, easy Coastal Camino. Leisurely cover 4-11 miles/day as you pass by stunning beaches & traverse peaceful countryside.

[21 days] Camino: Easy Coastal Walk from Porto | Yugen Earthside

Walk from Porto to Santiago on this 3-week, easy Coastal Camino. Leisurely cover 4-11 miles per day as you pass by stunning beaches and traverse peaceful countryside. 

Over 21 days, you can sustainably enjoy the coastal scenery, gorgeous countryside, and charming towns and villages of northern Portugal and Spain with minimal carbon impact. The relaxed pace of this slow-travel Camino allows you the time and energy to appreciate your surroundings along this ancient pilgrimage trail.

Starting in Porto, Portugal, this easy Coastal Camino route divides the walking days over shorter distances, ranging from 4 miles (7 km) to a maximum of 11 miles (18 km). If you prefer to take your time, or simply aren’t as fit as you used to be, this itinerary is manageable and rewarding for most people.

This self-guided 21-day trip provides more free time to explore the charms of northern Portugal and Galicia, Spain. You'll have countless stops for refreshments and to soak up the local atmosphere as you immerse yourself into a mixture of seafaring and rural communities, thriving towns and cities. You will discover breathtaking landscapes and taste numerous traditional delicacies in the Minho and Galicia regions!

Blend a classic Camino walk with time for sightseeing

Stroll along coastal trails next to breathtaking gorgeous and varied beaches

Meander inland for picturesque nature, forests, and farmland

Stay in comfortable accommodations close to the ancient pilgrim trail

See iconic bridges, beautiful churches, and roadside shrines

Admire a 12th-century monastery and stunning views overlooking the bay in Oia

Learn the important history of a Romanesque church in Iria Flavia 

Rest your feet in the thermal springs in the spa town of Caldas de Reis 

Experience the magical atmosphere of Santiago de Compostela

Enjoy authentic villages, regional dishes, fantastic seafood, and great wine

This wonderful trip starts along the northwest coast of Portugal, known as the Costa Verde, or Green Coast. This name is thanks to the abundance of lush vegetation between the coast and the nearby mountains of the Minho countryside.

Over the three weeks, you will pass by stunning beaches (from Vila do Conde to Esposende, from Vila Praia de Âncora to Baiona), lush forest areas, and cultivated fields with picturesque landscapes.

You’ll also visit charming seaside towns and villages like Castelo de Neiva or Arcade with wonderful opportunities to taste the local cuisine, especially seafood.

This route passes through the coastal cities of Viana do Castelo, A Guarda, Vigo, and Pontevedra, where you can admire incredible monasteries, Romanesque Churches, gorgeous medieval architecture, and ancient bridges with interesting legends.

The route ends in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, whose famous, namesake cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Whether you're interested in the landscapes, history, or architecture, this sustainable Camino itinerary has something for everyone and plenty of time to see it all!

You can book this itinerary from March 1st through October 31st each year.

The low season is in March, April, May, and October.

April, May, June, September, and October are ideal for a walking adventure through northern Portugal. Days are generally warm and sunny but can be chilly and possibly windy, especially on the coast. There is always a chance of experiencing some rain, so please 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 86° F (30° C). Additionally, the last two weeks of July are especially exciting in Santiago de Compostela. The city celebrates the "Feast of Saint James" or the "Apostle Festival" to honor the patron saint known to be laid to rest in the Cathedral. The city is overtaken by a magical mix of culture, religion, and celebrations during July with costumes, music, activities, and a famously stunning fireworks display.

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

Arrival & departure transfers (between airport-hotel)

All items not mentioned in the "included"

20 Nights of accommodation with breakfast included

Luggage transfer between accommodations (1 bag per person – maximum 33 lbs/15 kg per bag)

Private transfer from Porto to Labruje on Day 2

Private transfer Corujo – Baiona on Day 11

Private transfer Baiona – Corujo on Day 12

Private transfer San Mauro – Pontevedra on Day 16

Private transfer Pontevedra – San Mauro on Day 17

Roadbook with tips, maps, and detailed information about the walk (in English)

Pilgrim Kit: Credencial (passport) and Vieira (shell)

Welcome Kit and pre-departure information

Extra nights in Porto or Santiago (3-star hotel): On request.

Transfer from hotel to airport in Santiago de Compostela:
$60 for up to 3 people, $80 for 4-7 people

Transfer from Santiago de Compostela to Porto city/airport:
$385 for up to 3 people, $45 for 4-7 people

Transfer from hotel to airport in Porto:
$55 for up to 3 people, $85 for 4-7 people

Price varies between high, mid, and low seasons.

Low season: March, April, May and October

We firmly believe that travel should be a safe and rewarding experience for all concerned, including the destinations that you visit and the people you meet. Using our own extensive local knowledge, we carefully design our tours to respect the way of life of local populations as well as the environment and provide our clients with a genuine experience that leads to meaningful interactions with another culture. In turn, we make sure that money stays within the small local communities that they spend time in.

The historical and spiritual Portuguese Coastal Camino de Santiago offers a wide range of scenery and gastronomic experiences. The unspoiled coastal landscapes in Northern Portugal and Galicia in Spain are varied and beautiful, as are the inland stretches through woodland, farmland, country villages, and historical towns.

We take into consideration environmental issues when planning new programs within Northern Portugal and design them to have negligible harmful impact. To achieve this, we follow the guidelines laid out by the Portuguese Nature Conservation and Forestry Institute (ICNF), which protect and preserve the areas of natural beauty and environmental significance in which we operate.

We provide our self-guided clients with a full briefing and detailed instructions on their route, which includes a traveler’s code of conduct. This includes guidelines for avoiding damage to the landscape and advice on minimizing waste as well as preventing forest fires.

We also recommend that our clients bring refillable water bottles (use code YUGEN10 for 10% off) and encourage them to use local tap water or approved water fountains along the Camino. We explain how they can tell when water is safe to drink. We stress the importance of leaving no trace, which includes not following the popular practice of adding stones to cairns to mark their passage.

For luggage transfers, we usually have more than one client undertaking the route at any given time so we arrange bulk delivery and collection with local drivers to reduce carbon emissions.

Our preferred accommodation and catering partners are those who make effective use of eco-friendly practices to save water, utilize solar power, and promote recycling.

This program follows an ancient pilgrim route that passes through non-touristed villages and small towns that depend on the revenue generated by the pilgrims for their survival and development.

For this reason, we encourage our clients to use local cafés, traditional non-chain restaurants, markets, and grocery stores, not only to support the local economy but also to maximize their opportunities to interact with local people. If there is a local delicacy worth trying, such as octopus in Esposende or the renowned oysters in Arcade, we point this out in the roadbook (info pack).

Our ‘roadbooks’ contain information about the destination and advice for clients on respecting local cultures and interacting without inadvertently causing offense, as well as some helpful phrases in Portuguese and Spanish.

One thing that every pilgrim will agree with is the helpfulness of local people. They are used to seeing pilgrims and are pleased to see and support them where possible. If a pilgrim appears to be in any doubt as to which way to go and there is a local nearby, they will point the traveler in the right direction without them even having to ask.

Our office is in northern Portugal, close to Porto, the usual starting point for this program, and a few days’ walk along the Camino. Our staff live locally and have in-depth knowledge of the route, so they are able to help out rapidly and effectively, mobilizing local resources where necessary to help clients if they encounter any difficulties.

We ensure our staff and those who work for us are treated with respect and have fair working conditions. As such, we are directly supporting the local economy and communities in which we operate.

In our office, we recycle as much as possible and do our best to minimize printing and waste in general, e.g., by using washable crockery and cutlery and providing a 20-litre water cooler for staff to refill.

This sustainable yoga retreat includes daily sessions in a gorgeous open-air Shala, mouthwatering organic meals, & local wine! Carbon removals included.

[5-7 days] Sustainable Yoga & Wine Retreat | Yugen Earthside

Not your average yoga retreat! This is a sustainable retreat for people that want to do some yoga, and don’t want to take it too seriously. Here, you will have a good time while immersing yourself in nature and culture, exploring the Alentejo region, and enjoying local food and wine.

When was the last time you felt at one with your inner self? Or nurtured your body and mind?

Wait. Is that too zen for you? Let’s try again.

When was the last time you had some good glasses of wine with a cool group of people just after doing the tree pose? Sound better? We’ve got just the thing for you…

These laidback 5 or 7 days will fly by at this magical eco-retreat in southern Portugal's Alentejo region!

This sustainable yoga retreat is nestled in a historical rural village off the beaten path, yet located only a 15-minute drive away from the beach. You will stay at a beautiful property surrounded by nature where the hosts will welcome you like old friends. They will tell you about the history, traditions, and local culture of the area while taking you through the beautiful landscapes of the countryside and coast.

Get out of the city, explore a new setting, and unwind with yoga, wine, nature, and friends. This “kinda” retreat is for people who practice and love yoga, and those who are simply curious about yoga and -- cliché alert -- all the amazing benefits it brings to your body and mind. But it’s true! And also fun.

When not practicing yoga or partaking in a glass of wine, you'll be taken to visit a local artisan to see their creativity in progress, and/or a market bustling with great food and local products. Wild beaches and nearby trails for hiking or biking also await. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can even try a surf class or horseback riding (for an additional cost). Or, lean into the pampering vibe and schedule an onsite massage (for an additional cost).

Group Privatization:
If you want to bring your own group for a birthday, bachelor(ette) party, wedding, special celebration, or corporate retreat, it's possible! We recommend avoiding the crowded high season and coming in spring (April to June) or fall (September to November). The beaches are deserted, and the days are mostly sunny and warm (you’ll need a cardigan for the evenings though).

The yoga retreats are organized year-round. Due to the nature of the eco-retreat center being located in a rural area, this trip will foster tourism dispersal (the antidote to "overtourism") and contribute to the local economy of the region anytime you join. However, if you're looking to explore Portugal further either before or after the retreat, avoiding the high season months (July & August) will help avoid overcrowding.

Spring/early summer (March to June) and late summer/early fall (September to October) are really lovely times to visit Portugal. The weather is pleasant yet mild, making the outdoor yoga sessions, pool time, and short nature hikes very comfortable. Coming in the peak summer months of July and August will be perfect if you love hot weather - and the pool and nearby ocean will help you stay cool!

4 (or 6) night stay at the eco-retreat center

Choose between the 5 and 7-day packages. Note: There is a special 7-day New Year's retreat.

Contact us for discounted pricing on 2024 trips.

A coastal Camino adventure where you'll walk alongside beautiful beaches & through historical towns, resting in luxury stays in between. Carbon removals included!

[15 days] Camino: Luxury Coastal Walk from Porto | Yugen Earthside

A coastal Camino adventure where you'll walk alongside beautiful beaches and through historical towns, resting in luxury stays in between.

The Camino de Santiago is an ancient pilgrimage walking trail comprised of a vast network of caminos, or paths, all culminating at Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The Portuguese Camino has been one of these main routes to Santiago for centuries.

On this trip, you'll start partway through the Portuguese Way, in Porto, and complete 13 walking days before arriving at your final destination in Spain. You'll follow in the footsteps of countless pilgrims and walkers as you embark on a journey of discovery, not only of the country but also of yourself.

After a full day of walking beside the ocean and through forests, fields, and villages, you can look forward to quality linens, a dreamily comfortable bed, and all the expected comforts in luxury accommodations along the way. 

🚴 The cycling version of this route is here!

Walk along peaceful coastal trails alongside gorgeous and varied beaches

Discover scenic woodland, farmland, & authentic country villages inland

Visit historical cities, and see iconic bridges, rivers, and valleys

Pass by beautiful churches, chapels, and roadside shrines

Keep an eye out for flora & fauna as you cross the Cavado Estuary

Admire the Eiffel Bridge and magnificent architecture in Viana de Castelo 

Learn the history of a 12th Century Monastery in Oia

Savor amazing, fresh seafood, regional dishes, and great local wines

Rejuvenate sore muscles in the thermal springs of the spa town, Caldas de Reis

Stay in picturesque, dreamy luxury accommodations and historical hotels 

The landscapes you’ll encounter in Portugal and Spain are varied and beautiful, as are the inland stretches where you will wind your way through woodland, farmland, country villages, and historical towns through Northern Portugal and Galicia.

You’ll witness the cultural contrast between seafaring people, traditional village life, and the comparative bustle of the ancient towns and cities along the Camino.

Some of the luxury accommodations include Pousadas and Paradores, which are usually historical buildings such as palaces, fortresses, and monasteries that have been converted into luxury hotels. Others are stylish, modern hotels in excellent locations, so you can dine onsite or walk to a nearby restaurant.

The historical trail offers a wide range of scenery, experiences, and flavors; it is sure to satisfy you on many different levels! 

The low season is in March, April, May, and October

Ground transfers from and to Porto airport

14 nights of luxury accommodation with breakfast included

Private transfer from Porto to Matosinhos on Day 2

Extra nights in Porto or Santiago (4/5-star hotel): On request.

We provide our self-guided clients with a full briefing and detailed instructions on their route, which includes a traveler’s code of conduct. This includes guidelines for avoiding damage to the landscape and advice on minimizing waste as well as preventing forest fires. 

A leisurely walking tour along Portugal's Costa Verde rewards you with Atlantic Coast views to your left, the Minho countryside to your right, & ample time to explore both.

[8 days] Walking Tour: Portugal's Costa Verde | Yugen Earthside

A leisurely walking tour along Portugal's Costa Verde rewards you with Atlantic Coast views to your left, the Minho countryside to your right, and ample time to explore both.

The northwest coast of Portugal is known as the Costa Verde, or Green Coast, thanks to the abundance of lush 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 have time to relax and spend time in the small historical city of Viana do Castelo, rich with culture and tradition. You'll end up in the charming town of Caminha at the very top of Portugal, just across the river from Spain.

Stunning views of the Costa Verde (Green Coast) and unspoiled beaches along boardwalks

Inland walks through pine forests and fields

Plenty of time to relax in small villages or swim at the beaches

Fresh wine, including vinho verde, and fresh seafood in fishing villages

Opportunities to bike, SUP, or kitesurf (additional cost)

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.

As well as the fruits of the sea, this region of Northern Portugal is famous for its vinho verde, also known as green or young wine.  This is usually slightly effervescent and a little lighter in terms of alcohol level than a mature white wine, making a white vinho verde a very refreshing beverage in warmer months. The range of grapes and flavors in vinho verde is surprising so we recommend tasting several varieties to understand why it is the second most produced wine in Portugal after red wine.  

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 trip.

The low season is from March 1st to April 30th & from September 16th to October 31st.

The high season is from May 1st to September 15th.

Spring, early summer, and fall are ideal for walking holidays in northern Portugal. Days are generally warm and sunny but can be chilly and possibly windy, especially on the coast. There is always a chance of experiencing some rain, so please 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 (86 degrees Fahrenheit).

Traveling during the low season is generally considered a sustainable tourism practice as it helps with tourism dispersal – spreading out where tourists go and how their money supports locals throughout the year.

Transfer from Caminha to Porto city/airport at the end of the program

Portugal

Unique Photography & Yoga Retreat

Sustainable Surf, Yoga, & Wine Retreat

Camino: Easy Coastal Walk from Porto

Sustainable Yoga & Wine Retreat

Camino: Luxury Coastal Walk from Porto

Walking Tour: Portugal's Costa Verde

Walking Tour: Heart & Soul of Douro Valley

Walking Tour: Douro & the Côa Valley

Camino: Cycling the Portuguese Coastal Way

Cycling Tour: Alto Minho to Porto

Walking Tour: On the Other Side of Douro

Unique Stone Sculpting & Yoga Retreat

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