Destination: Portugal

Cycling in Madeira, does that work? Of course you have concerns about this too, seeing that the island is of course a well-known walking paradise! We can however assure you that it works very well! On wonderful panoramic roads, you will cycle around pretty much all of the island. In the places where it is too mountainous, our transfers will help you out. You can enjoy a summer-like climate here all year around as well as the exotic flora and fauna. On your way, you will find wonderful parks and gardens, still bays and spectacular cliffs. But you don’t miss out on culture on this tour either! This Portuguese island was already settled in the 15th Century in the centre of the Atlantic and left behind magnificent quintas and monumental fortresses. Spend a wonderful week on this flowery island! World Cultural Heritage site landscape, old sailor culture and above all the hospitable Madeirans will delight you!

Explore the diverse and impressive island in the Atlantic Ocean. There are steep and rugged coastal lines, green hills and small bays great for swimming as well as cloud forests and sun-drenched banana plantations. The flower island, Madeira, offers a versatile scenery and a pleasant climate all year round. The dry east, the cool north, the barren mountains, the moist high plateaus and the sunny south all invite you to come and explore this wonderful island. At all times of the year, there are different flowers and trees blooming at different altitudes. The friendly and tradition-conscious locals invite you to get to know their country and their culture. Discover all sides of Madeira on this round trip!

On this walking tour you get the chance to explore the vast landscape of the Algarve region with its picturesque villages, art historical monuments and extensive nature reserves. The Algarve is famous for beautiful beaches and marvelous coastal scenery, next to all of that it is also a true walking tour paradise! Discover sleepy little villages surrounded by olive groves, come across an abundance of almond and fig trees during your walks through this placid landscape. Sheer nature awaits, fragrant lemon and orange groves, birds singing and the occasional bell-jingling from grazing goats and sheep. Each tour is packed full of a unique blast of color of the diverse fauna and flora.

Cycling the Portuguese Camino de Santiago allows you to appreciate the beauty of Portugal’s Minho region and Galicia in Spain. The scenery is a glorious blend of greenery with woodland, rivers, valleys, vineyards, fields and traditional villages with their architecture and age-old rural farming practices. Sections of the Portuguese Camino share the ancient Roman road and you’ll cross many a Roman bridge on your journey. You’ll also discover attractive towns and cities with stunning ancient architecture and fascinating histories. To keep your energy levels up along the Way, tuck into Portuguese and Spanish cheeses, traditional cured meats, the freshest of fish and seafood and vinho verde wines. Begin your incredible journey in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Porto. Learn how St. James and a cockerel saved a pilgrim’s life in Barcelos, why Roman soldiers were terrified of crossing the river at Ponte de Lima and appreciate the significant part Valença’s fortress played in defending Portugal’s borders. One the other side of the River Minho the stunning Tui Cathedral awaits, as do Redondela’s viaducts and the medieval center of Pontevedra. Riverside Caldas de Reis is famous for its soothing thermal waters while Padrón lays claim to St. James’ first burial spot. His remains have since been relocated to what is now a monumental cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.

Cycling the Portuguese Coastal Way to St. James (Santiago) is a sensational and unforgettable adventure. It is an invitation to discover the Atlantic’s sandy beaches, ancient customs and welcoming people. From plateaus to mountains, from fields to coasts, monumental sites, works of art in the way of cathedrals, bridges, roads and monasteries, the route is full of pleasant surprises. The Coastal Way to Santiago is a route habitually taken by pilgrims coming from Portugal and by those choosing to cross the River Miño through A Guarda. The route, which heads northwards very close to the riverbanks, connects to the classic route that comes from Tui in Redondela.

The Portuguese Camino de Santiago has been one of the main pilgrim routes to Santiago for centuries.  Set out on a journey of discovery, not only of the country but of yourself as you follow in the footsteps of countless pilgrims and walkers.  The long days of walking are physically and mentally challenging and rewarding but there’s no need to punish yourself by carrying all your gear or sleeping in overcrowded smelly dormitories.  Our way of doing the Portuguese Way of St. James on foot involves luggage transfers and comfortable beds in the best establishments along this historical route.  These carefully chosen fine hotels, charming country houses and historic buildings bring you closer to the history, culture and gastronomy of this region of Northern Portugal and Galicia.

Begin your Portuguese Way at the fortress town of Valenca in northern Portugal. From here you will cross the border formed by the River Minho and head north through Galicia to the ancient city of Santiago de Compostela.  Compare the river rival towns of Valenca and Tui before entering wooded countryside on your way to historical Galician towns and cities such as Redondela, Pontevedra, Caldas de Reis and Padron.  On the way, you will pass through countless hamlets and villages where time appears to have stood still and locals still use traditional methods to cultivate their crops. This route offers plenty of opportunities to taste fresh produce, including mussels from the Ria de Vigo and oysters in Arcade, and locally produced wine as you follow this well-worn pilgrim trail.

We have designed this walking and cycling tour to help you explore the highlights of both coastal and inland Minho region.  Few visitors get to fully appreciate this beautiful green landscape and the deeply ingrained and fascinating culture of the Costa Verde.  The Flavours of the Camino and Costa Verde walking tour begins in the charming riverside town of Ponte de Lima and ends in the fascinating coastal city of Viana do Castelo.  Be sure to arrive in enough time to roam its medieval center and make the journey to the hilltop basilica and Celtic settlement of Santa Luzia.  Crossing the old Roman bridge of Ponte de Lima, you will follow in the footsteps of thousands of pilgrims in the direction of the holy city of Santiago de Compostela as you walk part of the ancient Way of Saint James.  As well as glorious countryside, you’ll see plenty of shrines, chapels, ancient bridges and carved stone crosses.  Once you reach the northern border of Portugal at the fortress town of Valenca do Minho, it’s time to head west.  Follow the River Minho towards the coast, passing riverside towns such as Vila Nova de Cerveira to reach delightful Caminha.  Enjoy the outstanding natural beauty of white sandy beaches and the colourful activity of small fishing towns as you make your way south along the Green Coasta coast to Viana do Castelo.  Of course, you’ll have ample opportunity to taste crisp local wines and the freshest grilled fish and seafood throughout your journey.

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 tour, you will 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 will 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 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 holiday by beginning your walk from Porto or simply spend a few days there and/or continue north into Spain as far as the alluring seaside town of Baiona.

Before you begin your Portuguese Coastal Way to Santiago, pay a visit to the 12thcentury Porto Cathedral and take time to explore the city. Transfer to Matosinhos and walk alongside the ocean towards the pretty old town of Vila do Conde, with a lace making tradition and strong naval history. The coastal towns of Povoa da Varzim, Esposende and Vila Praia de Ancora offer particularly fresh seafood. Viana do Castelo gives you the chance to explore its medieval history and detour to visit Santa Luzia basilica for magnificent views. Then weave your way through the Portuguese countryside and back to the Atlantic Portuguese coast near Caminha, just across the river from Spain.A scenic ferry ride takes you to A Guarda for a beautiful stretch of unspoiled coastline towards the attractive town of Baiona and its tapas bars. Between Vigo and Redondela, you’ll be able to see the Ria de Vigo lagoon, dotted with the Cies islands and floating mussel farms. Meet fellow pilgrims as you merge with the Portuguese Central Way of St. James in Redondela. Take time to enjoy Pontevedra’s charming historical center and relax in one of its attractive squares. More forests, fields, rivers, villages and valleys lie between here and the spa town of Caldas de Reis. Explore Padron, its peppers and its links to the St. James before the final journey to Santiago de Compostela.