Adventure in Northern Portugal
Northern Portugal is a region of rugged beauty, rich history and superb walking trails.
From the dramatic mountains of Peneda-Gerês National Park to the lush Costa Verde, you can find it in our guidebook to walking in Northern Portugal.
Below we have described some of our favourite walks in the region.
Serra de Arga (Walk 1)
The Serra de Arga is a small but striking range of mountains on the north side of the river Lima between Viana do Castelo and Ponte de Lima.
Composed of granite, and with a treeless summit reaching almost 800m, it looks like a huge barren flat-topped mound. But it has the distinction of being highly visible for miles around.
This walk will show you that the Serra de Arga is not as barren as it appears from a distance. Right from the start, you climb through woods, and further on encounter old watermills dotted along the streams.
As you climb higher the landscape becomes harsher, with granite peaks and tors providing a natural exhibition of surreal sculptures. At the highest point on the main walk you will get extensive views down to the coast.
From here you could take a detour to an interesting old monastery, São João d’Arga, before returning and rejoining the main route.
The last stretch takes you alongside a beautiful gorge on the river Âncora.
São Miguel circuit (Walk 3)
The route follows São Miguel – Sobredo – Germil – Froufe – São Miguel
Sobredo, Germil, São Miguel are names that roll easily off the tongue, and the images that spring to mind become magical with the passage of time.
Time is the key, for these villages seem to have settled for an existence in an age long since past. Their granite houses, their farming methods, and their mode of life have changed little with the passing of years.
But these villages are just an added bonus to a walk which explores a very scenic region. The route is partially waymarked red/white beyond Germil (GR34).
Brufe circuit (Walk 6)
The route follows Brufe – Casarotas – Chã do Sagueiral – Marco de Anta – Cortinhas – Brufe
Just in front of the Artesanato shop (closed at present, soon to reopen) there is a sign. It reads ‘In 1706 Brufe did not send men to fight in the war, but defended the homeland from here.’
This walk will take you up to the ‘front line’ of defence that the men from this village patrolled in their constant vigil against their Galician neighbours.
You can also explore further on the high ground reached and see an example of a wolf trap.
Bouças Donas circuit (Walk 8)
The route follows Bouças Donas – Branda de Bostejões – Vitoreira – Bostelinhos – Bouças Donas
Variety and points of interest are the highlights of this walk. After an initial climb of almost 200m, you head along the northwest side of a long ridge, before dropping down 450m into the village of Vitoreira.
Climbing steadily, the route then follows a line of old villages, as you circle the ridge to return to the start. Vitoreira is typical of many of the isolated villages of the region which rely solely on their own farming for survival.
Vines for vinho verde are an important crop, as they are throughout the region. In springtime it is always pleasing to see the vines breaking into new leaf. This gives a fresh green look to brighten up the sombre granite houses and give anticipation for the fruit to come.
Saojo – Murça – Saojo (Walk 10)
Soajo is a fascinating and thriving village which attracts visitors. They’re particularly here to see the espigueiros, the granite-built grain stores. These are imposingly grouped together around an open area of rock (used as a threshing and drying floor). It is worth a stop as you drive past to see them.
This circular walk explores the steep valley running north from where the car is parked and down which flows the river Adrão. Scenic interest is not lacking at any stage.
Heading first up the left bank, the river is crossed on stepping-stones by old farm buildings. There is a long climb up the other side of the valley to the farming community of Murça.
Careful navigation through the maze of trails surrounding Soajo is needed to get back to the car.
The best time of year for walking in Northern Portugal
Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) are generally considered the best times to walk in northern Portugal.
In spring you can enjoy mild temperatures, blooming wildflowers, and lush green landscapes.
During the autumn, experience the vibrant fall foliage, crisp air, and fewer walkers.
Getting around the region
There is a good express bus system in Northern Portugal, with frequent services to the major towns. This is useful if you want to travel from Viana down to Porto, for example. However, the limitations of the railways (slow) and local bus service are soon realised when you want to explore the countryside.
Buses do run along the Lima Valley as far as Arcos de Valdevez, but beyond that you need private transport.
Taxis are available in the major centres, but the distances involved to get you to the start of a walk could be long. In some cases, taxis could be used in conjunction with buses, but you must arrange to be met for the return. Sharing a taxi with friends will obviously reduce the cost.
Car hire, or taking your own car is, however, by far the best option for convenience.
In summary
Walking in northern Portugal is an unforgettable experience. With its stunning scenery, friendly locals, and rich culture, this region offers a truly unique walking adventure. Buy our guidebook to walking in Northern Portugal.
More Articles
Walking in Umbria and the Marche: through Italy’s green heart Umbria and the Marche, [...]
Walking in Tuscany: rolling hills and Medieval towns Tuscany, with its rolling hills, vineyards, [...]
Walking in Slovenia: a land of diverse beauty Slovenia, a small country nestled in [...]
The Scottish Highlands: a journey through wild landscapes The Scottish Highlands, a vast and [...]
Adventure in Northern Portugal Northern Portugal is a region of rugged beauty, rich history [...]
Walking on the Channel Island of Jersey The Channel Island of Jersey, located just [...]
An adventure in the Bernese Oberland & Valais The Bernese Oberland and Valais regions [...]
Adventures at the Italian Lakes The Italian Lakes, a shimmering necklace of emerald and [...]
Walking on the island of Guernsey The island of Guernsey, located in the English [...]
Walking on the Emerald Isle Ireland, with its rolling hills, rugged coastlines and charming [...]
Discover the hidden gems of Lesvos Lesvos, a picturesque Greek island in the Aegean [...]
Island walking and cycling on Ibiza and Formentera Ibiza and Formentera, two stunning islands [...]
Discover Eastern Provence Eastern Provence, a sun-kissed region in southeastern France, offers a diverse [...]
Discover Croatia’s hidden gems on foot Croatia, a stunning country with a diverse landscape, [...]
Discover the coastal charms of Cinque Terre and the Riviera di Levante The stunning [...]
Wanderlust in Western Provence Western Provence, a region of sun-drenched landscapes, historic villages, and [...]
Walking on the Costa Blanca – a Mediterranean delight The Costa Blanca, Spain’s sun-kissed [...]
Walking in Eastern Crete – a journey through time Eastern Crete, a land of [...]
The Pyrenees – a mountainous adventure The Pyrenees, a majestic mountain range that forms [...]
Discovering the walking trails of Sicily Sicily, a sun-kissed island off the southern tip [...]
Discovering the landscape of Menorca on foot Menorca, a tranquil Balearic island off the [...]
The Algarve – a coastal paradise for walkers The Algarve, Portugal’s sun-drenched southern coast, [...]
Discover the Costa Brava The Costa Brava, a stunning stretch of coastline in northeastern [...]
Western Crete – an unspoiled haven for walkers Western Crete, a rugged and unspoiled [...]
The diverse landscapes of Corfu Corfu, a jewel in the Ionian Sea, is not [...]
Conquer the Picos de Europa! The Picos de Europa, a dramatic mountain range in [...]
Discover the best walking trails in the Azores The Azores, a stunning archipelago in [...]
Discover the magic of the Basque Country The Basque Country, a captivating region nestled [...]
Fuerteventura: a walker’s paradise Fuerteventura, the second-largest of the Canary Islands, is a hiker’s [...]
Walking in Tenerife: a paradise for hikers Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, [...]
Conquering Tenerife’s Teide: a guide to summiting Spain’s highest peak Tenerife, the largest of [...]
The islands of Malta and Gozo Malta and Gozo, two small islands in the [...]
A hidden gem in the Balearics The Balearic island of Mallorca, often associated with [...]
Walking through Andalucía Andalucía, with its rich history, culture, and diverse landscapes, is a [...]
Walking in the Dolomites The Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are a mountain [...]
Walking on Paxos: a guide to the Green Island Paxos, a small island in [...]
Hiking the mountains and coastline of Southern Cyprus Southern Cyprus, with its diverse landscapes, [...]
An introduction to walking in Sorrento, Amalfi, and Capri The Amalfi coast, a UNESCO [...]
The underwater beauty of Zákynthos In our guidebook Zákynthos, A Complete Guide with Walks, [...]
Walking on Zákynthos in the summer Sometimes the summer heat on Zákynthos makes walking [...]
Sardinia: a hiker’s paradise Sardinia, a Mediterranean island known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear [...]
Corsica: a walker’s paradise Corsica, a Mediterranean island known for its rugged beauty and [...]
Exploring Lanzarote’s volcanic landscape: the Timanfaya guided walk Lanzarote, one of the Canary Islands, [...]
A walking odyssey in the Greece The southern Peloponnese, in Greece, is a hidden [...]
Nice: a perfect destination for winter walking Nice, a vibrant city on the French [...]
Sagardotegiak – Basque cider houses The beautiful Basque coastal city of San Sebastián (or [...]
Discovering the flysch rock formations When walking in the Basque Country, don’t miss the [...]
Glanum – a Roman town in Provence If you are walking in Provence you [...]
Gran Canaria: a continent in miniature Gran Canaria, the third-largest of the Canary Islands, [...]
La Gomera: a walking wonderland La Gomera, one of the smaller Canary Islands, is [...]
La Palma and El Hierro: hiking havens in the Canary Islands La Palma and [...]
Lanzarote: a volcanic paradise for walkers Lanzarote, the easternmost of the Canary Islands, is [...]
Over 40 years of experience in each guide Sunflower has been producing guides for [...]
Madeira: a stunning destination for walkers Madeira lies in the Atlantic Ocean off the [...]
The Canary Islands: a paradise for hikers The Canary Islands are a volcanic archipelago [...]
Navigating Tenerife: a guide to the Titsa bus service Tenerife, the largest of the [...]
A culinary and walking adventure in Provence Provence, a region in southern France renowned [...]
A walking adventure in the Tatra Mountains The Tatra Mountains, straddling the border between [...]
Eastern Crete in October: a walker’s paradise Eastern Crete, with its rugged mountains, pristine [...]
A Walking Odyssey in the Southern Peloponnese The southern Peloponnese, Greece, is a hidden [...]