Walking routes and tours in Viana do Castelo and Alto Minho
Viana do Castelo and the Alto Minho region have unrivalled natural beauty and one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the world. The sea, the river and nature fit together in idyllic settings of unspeakable natural beauty. And there’s nothing better than getting to know this beauty on a guided tour.
More than just a series of sea, river and mountain trails, these are paths and experiences where you can connect with nature.
Find out in this article about the most famous excursions in Alto Minho and start planning your routes now.
Best of all, you can book your tour at the hotel reception during your stay at AP Dona Aninhas.
Take a look at the tours below, choose your favourite and book it at the AP Dona Aninhas reception.
- Hiking in the Peneda Mountains
- Castro Laboreiro Viewpoint
- Viana do Castelo Coastal Geopark
- Serra de Arga
- Sistelo
- Wildlife Watching in the Peneda-Gerês National Park
- Birdwatching in the Peneda-Gerês National Park
- Soajo Ceramics Workshop and Inspiration Walk through the Peneda-Gerês National Park
- Vinho Verde Wine Tasting
- Private Tours
Hiking in the Peneda Mountains
Discover the Serra Peneda in the Peneda-Gerês National Park, where unique ecosystems and landscapes come together to create an unforgettable experience.
On this tour you’ll have the chance to walk along ancient mountain paths, enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery and explore the fascinating world of the Iberian wolf in its natural habitat.
Among the highlights of the park are the majestic vultures, the wild horses, the granite landscapes sculpted by glaciers and the rich variety of local flora.
Tour length: Full day
Route: 10 KM
Difficulty: Moderate
Price: Between 2 and 6 people – 80€ / per person
What’s included: Local guide, guided tour of Soajo or Lindoso, Map of the National Park, Picnic lunch with local products, 5€ contribution to conservation project, insurance.
Castro Laboreiro Viewpoint
The variety of landscapes, the rich history and the unique ecosystems are just some of the reasons why we want to share with you this one-day experience at the Castro Laboreiro viewpoint in the Peneda-Gerês National Park.
During this tour, you’ll have the opportunity to follow the paths used by ancient shepherds and hike along centuries-old granite trails, while admiring the stunning mountain scenery and getting to know the local way of life.
What’s more, on this tour you’ll have the chance to taste local products during a picnic specially prepared by our guide to enrich this tour of the Castro Laboreiro viewpoint.
Tour length: Full day
Route: 10 KM
Difficulty: Moderate
Price: Between 2 and 6 people – €80 per person
What’s included: Local guide, guided visit to Castro Laboreiro, map of the National Park, picnic lunch with local products, 5€ contribution to the conservation project, insurance.
Viana do Castelo Coastal Geopark
Located just a few kilometres north of Viana do Castelo, this trail offers a diverse and easily accessible experience.
This trail runs through the recent Litoral Norte Geopark and features a wealth of attractions, from rock engravings to windmills, Iron Age remains, ancient boat shelters and coastal ecosystems.
All these highlights make this one of the favourite walks in Viana do Castelo.
Tour duration: Half a day
Route: 6 KM
Level of difficulty Easy
Price: Between 2 and 6 people – 30€ / per person
What’s included: Local guide, guided tour of the windmills, €2 contribution to the conservation project, insurance.
Serra de Arga
Near Viana do Castelo and Caminha is the Serra de Arga, a hidden treasure.
Less than 10km from the sea, this majestic mountain reaches an altitude of 825 metres, offering spectacular views and a remarkable variety of rural heritage to explore.
While the rocky slopes at the top provide a contrast, at the foot of the mountain we find charming villages, forests, waterfalls and the distinctive agricultural terraces.
Anyone wishing to visit the Serra de Arga will find a very varied itinerary.
Tour length: Half day
Route: 7 KM
Level of difficulty Easy
Price: Between 2 and 6 people – 30€ / per person
What’s included: Local guide, €2 conservation project contribution, insurance.
Sistelo
Sistelo hides an incredible rural and natural heritage.
Famous for its “solcalcos”, built into the slopes of the mountains, the landscape is unique. The brandas, the granaries, the pavements, the levadas, the alminhas, the banks of the river Vez and, of course, the local way of life are also special features of this route.
Tour duration: Full day.
Route: 10 KM
Difficulty: Moderate
Price: Between 2 and 6 people – €80 per person
What’s included: Local guide, guided tour of Arcos de Valdevez and Sistelo, picnic with local products, €5 contribution to the conservation project, insurance.
Wildlife Watching in the Peneda-Gerês National Park
Join this tour to experience a unique moment in the mountains of the Peneda-Gerês National Park. Embark on a journey through the territory of the Iberian wolf. Following its tracks and footprints, you will immerse yourself in the fascinating world of this animal and understand the vital importance of its conservation.
Another reason not to miss this fantastic tour is the unique ecosystems you will see and the possibility of spotting wild horses and Iberian ibex.
Duration of the tour: Half a day.
Price: Between 2 and 4 people – 90€ / per person
What’s included: Local guide, binoculars, telescope, national park map, welcome coffee or tea, €5 conservation project contribution, insurance.
Birdwatching in the Peneda-Gerês National Park
The Alto Minho region is a truly diverse mosaic of ecosystems, including rivers, valleys, mountains and coastal areas. This wide range of habitats is spectacular for bird lovers and birdwatching tours.
Birdwatching tours are available all year round and vary according to the season.
Duration of the tour: Half a day.
Price: Between 2 and 4 people – €80 per person
What’s included: Local guide, binoculars, telescope, welcome coffee or tea, €5 conservation project contribution, insurance.
Soajo Ceramics Workshop and Inspiration Walk through the Peneda-Gerês National Park
Under the guidance of a local craftsman, immerse yourself in the creative process of working with clay and other materials. After the workshop, explore Soajo, one of the oldest and most charming villages in the Peneda-Gerês National Park.
Duration of the tour: Half a day.
Price: Between 2 and 8 people – 60€ / per person
What’s included: Local guide, pottery workshop with local artisan, welcome coffee or tea, €2 conservation project contribution, insurance.
Vinho Verde Wine Tasting
The Vinho Verde region is recognised as the birthplace of exceptional wines, renowned for their freshness and lightness. On this tour you will have the opportunity to explore a local winery and deepen your knowledge of these wines and their production process.
After the visit to the winery, there will be time to taste some of Loureiro’s best wines, accompanied by typical local products.
Duration of the tour: Half a day.
Price: Between 2 and 4 people – 50€ / per person
What’s included: Local guide, visit to local winery with wine tasting and tapas, €2 contribution to conservation project, insurance.
Private Tours
There is also the possibility of organising private tours of the Alto Minho and local Vinho Verde wineries, with prices starting from €120 per person for groups of 2 to 6 people.
The Alto Minho Private Tour includes:
- Historic Centre of Ponte de Lima
- Historic Centre of Viana do Castelo
- Santa Luzia
- Caminha
- Vila Nova de Cerveira
- Valença do Minho
The private tour of local Vinho Verde wineries passes through:
- Vale do Lima
- Brejoeira Palace
- Minho Valley
The Private Tour of Local Wineries also includes a wine tasting at each location.
Where to stay?
If you want to go on one of these tours, you need to rest well and in the best comfort.
That’s why we recommend you stay at the AP Dona Aninhas Hotel, the ideal place to recharge your batteries.
Located in the centre of Viana do Castelo, the hotel offers spa services, a bar and a restaurant.
You can also book your favourite tours at the hotel reception.
