«Other times I hear the wind passing,
And I think that just to hear the wind pass is worth having been born.»
Alberto Caeiro

Northern Portugal is a vibrant and multifaceted destination for those seeking outdoor experiences. In addition to its stunning landscapes and modern infrastructure, you’ll find a rich cultural heritage that makes this region a unique place to explore on foot or by bike.

Whether along the coastal trails or the challenging mountain routes, Northern Portugal offers options for all tastes and levels of experience.

The network of walking paths and cycling routes has been carefully planned and structured to serve all types of users - from families looking for peaceful outings to experienced adventurers seeking more intense challenges. Here are some unmissable options.

The Minho River Ecotrail, awarded with several distinctions, follows the path of the former Monção railway branch, inviting visitors to explore unique rural landscapes. This route, which stretches for a total of 40 kilometers, runs between Caminha and Vila Nova de Cerveira, unveiling all the charm of the old railway section that once connected Monção to Valença.

Stop to observe and listen
As you travel along the Minho Ecotrail, you may spot birds such as the blackbird, chaffinch and nightingale, as well as reptiles like the grass snake and the Iberian emerald lizard. Keep your eyes open.

Along the way, an idyllic setting unfolds before your eyes, with vineyards and agricultural fields stretching along the banks of the Minho River. Enjoy the scenic viewpoints offering panoramic views of the river, as well as the traditional fishing platforms, river beaches, and islets included in the Natura 2000 Network. The region's built heritage is equally remarkable, from the walls of Monção to its historic center, as well as the Cerveira Castle and the Minho River Aquamuseum.
 

A highlight of this route is the "river path" between Caminha and Cerveira, where you can admire the carochos, the traditional boats of the Minho River.

Bridges, rivers and biodiversity

As you cross the metal bridge over the Gadanha River, take a moment to enjoy the panoramic view from the Troporiz Viewpoint. From this strategic spot, you can leisurely take in the Minho River and the Galician landscape.
 

The biodiversity of the Special Protection Zone of the Minho and Coura Rivers Estuaries further enhances this experience, allowing you to observe a wide variety of fauna and flora. The Minho River Ecotrail is an immersive journey that celebrates the natural, cultural, and historical beauty of this border region, awakening all your senses.

Along this route, the Tâmega River traces the path, surrounded by sprawling vineyards that breathe life into the land and by the iconic Alto da Senhora da Graça, a landmark for visitors. Don’t be surprised if you come across men and women working their fields, or hear roosters crowing in the distance, across a horizon dotted with chimneys exhaling smoke. These are signs that rural life here remains vibrant and thriving.

Pause to observe the fauna and flora
You may spot species such as the kingfisher and the grey heron, and admire the riverside vegetation made up of willows and poplars.

This ecotrail, built over the old Tâmega Railway Line, offers a predominantly flat and gently undulating route, ideal for both walkers and cyclists. Along the way, you’ll cross true masterpieces of railway engineering, such as the impressive Gatão Tunnel and the bridges of Santa Natália, Carvalhas and Barreirinho. Each of these structures offers a spectacular perspective over the Tâmega River, vineyards and farmlands that define this unique region, where Douro, Minho and Trás-os-Montes meet.
  

In Mondim de Basto, don’t miss the chance to explore the Alto da Senhora da Graça, a sacred site also known for hosting the queen stage of the Tour of Portugal cycling race. At the old railway station building, you’ll find traditional tile panels that tell stories of everyday life and the struggles of the people of this land.

The Lima River Ecotrail runs along both banks of the Lima River, covering approximately 70 km and connecting the coastline to the valleys of Alto Minho. The route begins near the river’s mouth in the municipality of Viana do Castelo and follows the river upstream through the municipalities of Ponte de Lima, Ponte da Barca, and Arcos de Valdevez.

This walking and cycling trail, mostly flat and without steep slopes, is ideal for light walks or bike rides. Much of the route follows old rural paths along the riverbanks, wooden boardwalks, and dirt roads, and it is well-marked and equipped with informative panels about the local nature and culture.

The entire territory is part of the Natura 2000 ecological network and protected areas, including classified Landscapes and even parts of the World Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO) and the Peneda-Gerês National Park. All this translates into the environmental richness of the trail, with well-preserved riparian ecosystems, diverse fauna and flora, and lush landscapes that accompany you along the river.

The Route of the Magic Mountains (GR60) is a circular trail extending for approximately 275 km, divided into 14 hiking stages and 8 mountain biking (MTB) stages, all clearly marked. This stunning route crosses the Freita, Arada, Arestal and Montemuro mountain ranges, as well as the valleys of the Douro, Vouga, Paiva, Bestança, Caima and Teixeira rivers.

In addition to the surrounding natural wealth, the GR60 stands out for its rich historical and cultural heritage, evident in monuments, traditional villages, legends, traditions, handicrafts, and the excellent local gastronomy.

For cycling enthusiasts, the Grande Travessia das Montanhas Mágicas offers a circular MTB route of 280 km, divided into 8 stages, which almost entirely overlaps with the hiking trail.

The EuroVelo 1 Atlantic Coast Route is one of the main routes of the Portuguese Trails project, which aims to position Portugal as an international destination for cycle tourism and hiking. The route runs along the entire Portuguese Atlantic coast, from Vila Real de Santo António to Caminha, and is divided into 18 stages.

Integrated into the EuroVelo Network, the Atlantic Coast Route is part of a project by the European Cyclist Federation (ECF), connecting the Nordkap region in Norway and crossing countries such as England, Ireland, France, and Spain, covering a total of 9,000 kilometres before reaching Portugal. In Portugal, the project is coordinated by the Federação Portuguesa de Cicloturismo e Utilizadores de Bicicleta (FPCUB) in collaboration with the ECF.

The EuroVelo Network includes around 90,000 km of cycle routes across 17 trails, linking 42 European countries. It is a transnational cycling network with safety requirements, logistical support, and integration of cultural heritage and landscapes.

MTB Centres
Check here the certified Cyclin'Portugal Centres.

The Peneda-Gerês Grand Route (GR50) is one of the most iconic long-distance hiking trails in Portugal. This trail crosses the Peneda-Gerês National Park, from Ameijoeira in Castro Laboreiro to Tourém in the northeast of the country. Along the way, hikers can explore stunning mountainous landscapes, including the Peneda, Soajo, Amarela and Gerês ranges, as well as the Mourela plateau.

The GR50 offers a truly unique and rich experience, allowing adventurers to discover medieval stone roads, historical paths once used for seasonal migrations, and old shepherd routes. In addition, the trail unveils pilgrimage routes, smuggling tracks and other vestiges of deeply rooted cultural traditions.

The natural diversity is equally remarkable: be amazed by the oak forests that serve as a refuge for rich biodiversity in both flora and fauna. Each stage of the trail offers a new discovery, making this the ideal choice for hiking enthusiasts eager to explore in depth the natural and cultural wealth of the Peneda-Gerês National Park.