Hello,
I’m planning for a group of senior ladies who would like to stay in pre- booked small hotels. Can anyone suggest a rough itinerary from Porto or Ponte de Lima with stages of around 15. K. Many thanks
Good morning auburnfive.
As we have walked other sections of the Caminho Portuguese and Senda Littoral in the past couple of years, this May we walked from Porto to A Guarda. Our itinerary this was as follows -
We has two nights in Porto befor we set off.
Day 1. Porto – Matoshinos (Hotel Porto Mar) – 14kms.
Walked out of Porto along the River Douro to and then along the Atlantic Coast.
Day 2. Matoshinos – Vila Cha/Angeiras (Campismo Orbitur Angeiras) - 15kms
Day 3. Vila Cha – Povoa de Varzim (Grande Hotel) – 19kms
If you walk around the headland after crossing the bridge into Vila do Conde, you will add on another 5kms, but it's a really lovely walk.
Day 4. P do V – Estella/Criaz(Hotel Contriz) – 15kms
Although this little hotel is a about 4kms off the Senda Littoral, it has such a great feel and the staff are wonderful! They don't serve evening meals but there is a fantastic little restaurant just down the road - superb food and lots of locals!
Day 5. Estella – Esposende (Soave Mar)- 14kms
Day 6. Esposende – O. Castelo do Neiva (Qunita do Monteverde) - 14kms
This is a special treat!
Day 7. C do N – Viana do Castelo (Hotel Laranjeira) – 16kms
Day 8. V do C – Vila Praia de Ancora(Hotel Meira) – 23kms.
Day 9. VP do A – Caminha – 6kms, then take the ferry across river.
This ferry doesn't sail on Mondays or at low tides, so you have to plan carefully!
You can then get to A Guarda by two routes.
Around the headland to A Guarda (8kms ish) but there is a shorter more direct route cutting across the headland.
Stayed at the Hotel Eli Mar in A Guarda for two nights. Comfortable enough but very basic breakfast.
Day 10. Day free to explore Santa de Tecla and the mountain.
If you have time this is a lovely walk and you're in for a treat with the Celtic Settlement part way up, a beautiful little chapel at the top of the hill. There are a couple of cafes to replenish your energy before the walk down! Did I mention the superb views back down the Portuguese coast!
Day 11. A Guarda – Vigo by bus.
Staying for a very special early birthday treat at the NH Collection, Vigo for two nights.
Day 12. Free to explore Vigo.
Maybe this will help in your planning!
Bom Caminho ladies!
Sheena