Why Northern Portugal is Europe’s hidden gem for outdoor adventure
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From mountains to wild coastlines, culture and food, Northern Portugal is a place where adventure lovers can find a perfect escape - away from the crowds
The other day, I switched on the tv and came across Portugal with Michael Portillo on Channel 5. It was covering some of the lesser known parts of the country, in search of Portugal’s heart and soul.
I already knew he wouldn’t have to go far to find it, and settled down for some vicarious travel and reminiscing.
Porto and Northern Portugal were covered in the first two episodes. This northern part of the country is lesser known than the Algarve in the south, but many people tell me it’s on their bucket list. Rightly so 😉
Before spending a week cycling in the Douro region, I knew very little about Portugal’s north. I’d been to the Algarve many years earlier on a beach holiday, remembering the fabulous food and friendly welcome. But the north could have been a desolate wasteland for all I knew.
It turns out Northern Portugal has an awful lot for those of us who love the outdoors. You just have to dig a little to uncover it, which means it’s less commercialised.
Map of Northern Portugal: source link
An overview of outdoor adventure in Northern Portugal
Northern Portugal shares a border with Galicia in Spain, famous for Santiago de Compostela, the final stop on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. But Portugal also has its own routes to Santiago.
The Camino Portuguese traditionally starts in Lisbon but many walkers and cyclists begin in Porto to make the journey more manageable. It passes through the Minho region before reaching Spain. The Portuguese Coastal Route to Santiago also starts in Porto. It’s a quieter and scenic alternative, hugging the Atlantic Ocean for much of the way.
Portugal’s only national park , Peneda-Gerês, is in the northwest corner of the country. It’s a protected area with mountains, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. The national park receives the highest level of protection but Portugal also has several protected natural parks, perfect for exploring.
Northern Portugal has all kinds of outdoor activities. From surfing and kayaking, to hiking and mountain biking, there’s something for everyone. For anyone wanting help to explore and plan activities, there’s a thriving network of travel companies offering self-guided walking and cycling holidays.
Northern Portugal’s four main regions
Looking at the map above, you can see the Camino Portuguese running through Northern Portugal, marked by a yellow line. It also shows the four main regions which I’ll explore one by one below:
Minho (and Peneda-Gerês National Park)
Trás-os-Montes
Porto
Douro
1. Minho
This is Portugal’s greenest area, tucked away in the northwest. The River Minho is a natural border with Spain and the region is full of incredible scenery and wildlife.
The Lima Valley stretches from Peneda-Gerês National Park to the Atlantic at Viana do Castelo. The coastline here is called the Costa Verde (Green Coast) and it’s full of quiet, unspoilt beaches and traditional fishing villages.
The Minho is a peaceful and natural region. The west has low lying land, old port towns, and rivers popular with canoeists. Inland, the terrain becomes more mountainous, with the Peneda-Gerês National Park.
The regional wine here is called Vinho Verde, or Green Wine. It’s light and refreshing, slightly sparkling, and lower in alcohol. Perfect after a day outdoors!
Ideas for outdoor adventures in the Minho
There are walking and hiking trails for all levels, from gentle riverside paths to mountainous routes. Highlights include:
Rio Minho Trail is an ecotrail along the Minho River following an old railway line.
Grande Rota Peneda-Gerês is a more adventurous long-distance mountain trail.
Passadiços do Sistelo is a boardwalk section along part of Vez River and through forests.
The Minho region has sport climbing, bouldering, and trad routes. More details here: TheCrag - Minho.
Mountain biking (or BTT) is a popular activity with a mix of trails from flat ecopistas, to more challenging mountainous terrain. Self-guided cycling holidays are very popular in this region with tour companies taking care of all the arrangements.
The northern coast may be cooler than the southern Algarve but surfing is still popular. Check Praia do Cabedelo, Praia de Afife, and Praia de Moledo.
The rivers in the Minho region have lots of opportunities for SUP, canoeing, kayaking, and even white water rafting at Melgaço Radical.
Peneda-Gerês National Park
Portugal’s only National Park is in the far northeast, along the border with Galicia in Spain. It has stunning landscapes, with mountains, forests, and waterfalls.
Peneda-Gerês is a haven for hiking, mountain biking, swimming, canoeing, fishing, wildlife spotting, and more.
The National Park includes the Peneda, Soajo, Amarela, and Gerês mountain ranges, reaching 1,545m at it’s highest point. The Mourela Plateau (1,000m ) is a birdwatching hotspot.
For visitor information, head to one of the five ‘gates’ to the park, where you’ll find hiking maps and details on outdoor activities.
Soajo mountain village is a great base for hikes, and known for its unique historic stone granaries.
Extreme sports enthusiasts will be interested in canyoning and cliff jumping trips at Arado Waterfall.
For a treat, head for Caldas do Gerês famous for its natural thermal waters.
Image courtesy of: visit.altominho.pt
2. Trás os Montes
Trás os Montes literally means beyond the mountains. It’s a rugged, remote region with medieval villages and wild landscapes. The southern part borders the Douro with its terraced vineyards, olive groves, and orchards. The north is a dark granite landscape, remote and wild, with cooler winter temperatures earning it the nickname Terra Fria (Cold Land).
The Parque Natural do Alvão is Portugal’s smallest natural park. It’s part of the Marão mountain range forming a boundary between the Minho and Trás os Montes. It’s a dramatic area with rare species, including wolves, wild cats, and golden eagles.
The Parque Natural do Montesinho is in the far northeast, against the Spanish border. The terrain here is completely different with heather hills, grasslands, and oak forests.
Trás os Montes is full of history, with prehistoric rock art in the Côa Valley and medieval towns like Bragança, home to a 13th century castle.
Ideas for outdoor adventures in Trás os Montes
There are well-marked hiking and walking trails in the region:
Parque Natural do Alvão walking routes.
Parque Natural do Montesinho has waymarked trails near Bragança. Walking leaflets are available at park information offices, and boards at starting points (usually in village centres). Montesinho trail information.
Find more walks and hikes on Komoot - Trás os Montes.
Sport climbing at Serra dos Passos, a mountain top, bolted quartzite crag. More information: UK Climbing - Serra dos Passos. Other climbing in formation in the region: TheCrag - Trás os Montes
Azibo reservoir is great for birdwatching, swimming, watersports, hiking, and cycling.
Lorga de Dine is a natural limestone cave in the Montesinho Nature Park.
Image courtesy of: Natural.pt
3. Porto
Porto may be famous for its historic old town and port wine, but it’s also a great base for outdoor adventures. Whether you want to hike along the coast, climb granite boulders, or take on white water rapids, there’s plenty to explore just beyond the city.
The Arouca Geopoark is a UNESCO Global Geopark known for its Giant Trilobites of Canelas and the Castanheira birthing stones. It’s a heathland area surrounded by the Freita, Montemuro, and Arada mountains, and full of hiking and walking trails. The River Paiva is an adventure sports enthusiasts dream, with rafting rapids, kayaking, and the Paiva walkways.
Ideas for outdoor adventures in Porto
There’s lots of hiking and walking in the area, from wandering along the Douro River and Atlantic beaches, to exploring the Arouca Geopark.
The Passadiços do Paiva (Paiva Walkways) are an 8km wooden boardwalk, steeply zig-zagging along the Paiva River, passing waterfalls and steep cliffs.
The 516 Arouca is the world’s longest suspended footbridge and 175m (574ft) above the Paiva River. It stretches for 516m (1,693ft) across the gorge.
Take gentle stroll from the Dom Luís 1 Bridge to the Felgueiras lighthouse in Foz where the Douro River meets the Atlantic.
Less than an hour from Porto, the Santo Tirso granite bouders have technical routes with crimps and slopers. More information on ClimbEurope - Santo Tirso.
Matosinhos, just outside Porto, is a great place for beginner surfers with lower tides, gentle waves, and local surf schools offering lessons.
The Paiva River is on of Portugal’s best places for white water rafting. For a more relaxed experience, paddle along the Douro River which flows right through Porto.
Image courtesy of: AroucaGeopark.pt
4. Douro
The Douro region is one of the most scenic in Portugal. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, well-known for steeply terraced vineyards, port wine, and incredible views. From my own experience of cycling there, it’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and wine lovers alike!
The Douro River is the third longest in the Iberian Peninsula. It covers 556 miles from its source in Spain to Porto where it joins the Atlantic Ocean.
The Douro train line, which opened in 1887, follows the river and is one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. It starts in Porto and ends in Pocinho, close to the Cão Valley rock art.
Ideas for outdoor adventures in the Douro
The Douro Valley is a walking and hiking paradise, with incredible scenery across mountains and the Douro River below.
The Douro International Natural Park along the western bank of the Douro River has hiking trails through dramatic landscapes.
In the Alto Douro Wine Region you can hike through vineyards and peaceful villages.
Examples of walking routes in the Douro from Komoot.
Cyclists will love the Douro’s mix of gentle river trails and tough climbs out of the valley. Cycle through vineyards, orchards, and mountain scenery, passing through beautiful traditional villages. The hills here are steep though - if you’re not used to cycling hills, I’d recommend using an e-bike, it will take care of all the hard work! Read more on my blog post: Cycling holiday in the Douro Valley, Portugal.
The Douro River is slow-flowing and perfect for kayaking and canoeing. Paddle past cliffs and terraced vineyards, stopping along the way for local food and wine.
The Douro Internacional Natural Park is great for nature lovers and bird watching. Keep an eye out for griffon vultures, eagles, and falcons.
The Douro, Portugal
What’s the weather like for outdoor activities in Northern Portugal?
Northern Portugal is cooler than the south, making it ideal for outdoor adventure.
The Costa Verde (Porto and Minho) is mild all year, but wetter than the rest of Portugal keeping it lush and green. Summer is warm, but the Atlantic breeze helps keep it from getting too hot.
Inland areas have more extreme weather than the coast, with hotter summers and cooler winters. The Douro Valley has hot, dry summers and colder winters with the occasional frost, making spring and autumn the best times to visit.
Weather through the year
Spring is a fantastic time for outdoor adventures. The days are mild with temperatures ranging from 15-22c. Rain is still common in early spring but the flowers and vineyards come to life.
In summer, coastal areas tend to stay comfortable with highs between 22-28c. Inland areas like the Douro Valley can get much hotter, with temperatures reaching 35-40c. It’s mostly dry but with higher temperatures, early mornings can be more comfortable for activities.
Autumn is when the vineyards turn golden and the temperature is still pleasant, between 18-28c. Evenings can be much cooler by late autumn, with rainfall increasing especially along the coast. The Douro Valley grape harvest is around September.
Winters are cooler and wetter along the coast, with temperatures between 8-15c. Be prepared for rain on the Costa Verde and occasional snowfall inland and in mountainous regions.
Check the latest weather conditions in Portugal on the IPMA (Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera) website: https://www.ipma.pt/en/
Further reading and guidebook ideas for outdoor activities in Northern Portugal
Visit Alto Minho
Tourist information site
>> Visit the website
Peneda-Gerês National Park
Tourist information site
>> Visit the website
Natural.PT
Tourist information site covering National and Natural Parks
>> Visit the website
Arouca Geopark
Tourist information site
>> Visit the website
Northern Portugal Walking Guide:
30 long and short walks | Sunflower Guides
>> See it on Amazon *
The Wild Guide to Portugal:
Hidden Places, Great Adventures and the Good Life | Wild Guides
>> See it on Amazon *
Walking in Portugal:
40 graded short and multi-day walks, including Peneda-Gerês National Park | Cicerone
>> See it on Amazon *
The Camino Portugues:
From Lisbon and Porto to Santiago | Cicerone
>> See it on Amazon *
Portuguese climbing guide:
Interview with the author, Carlos Simes
>> See it here
TheCrag - climbing in Portugal:
Information on the different areas, split by region
>> Visit the website here
Want someone else to do the planning for you?
Complete the form below, and I’ll put you in touch with the local tour operator for a quote.
Disclosure: I may receive a small referral commission if you make a booking, but the price you pay will be the same as going direct.
Northern Portugal outdoor adventure enquiry form
You may also be interested in reading:
Cycling holiday in the Douro Valley, Portugal
Guide to outdoor adventure activities in England: A-D
(you can pick up links to other counties from there)
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