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Author: Dominimix

Small circle in Lagoas Nature Reserve

Small circle in Lagoas Nature Reserve

#7

30 min 

The Bertiandos wetland is an important area for the conservation of nature and biodiversity, including hygrophilous forests, natural pastures and lagoon systems. 

Hiking in the nearest neighborhood
Very easy
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01

Parking

We recommend that you travel by car to the Lagoa Environmental Interpretation Centre and park your car near the office.

Lagoa is a chain of flooded lakes interspersed with streams, a nature reserve in a eucalyptus forest. A peaceful and easy walk, also possible with a pram. Forest paths with wooden decks over the water, lots of animals and corners to explore.

02

Wooden decks and viewpoints

From the office, turn left, then right up the wooden path and keep right. The walk only takes 30-40 minutes if you don’t get into birdwatching on the way.

A big lap around the reserve of the Lagoa

A big lap around the reserve of the Lagoa

#8

1 hour 30 min

Woodland paths and wooden boardwalks over wetlands take you around the reserve. You can swim in a stream and watch birds and hedgehogs.

Hiking in the nearest neighborhood
Circular route
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01

Starting point

We recommend that you travel by car to the Lagoas Environmental Interpretation Centre. Park your car near the office.

Start left again from the office and continue to the right along the wooden path over the creeks but take the next left  on this point and then follow the signs on the map. 

02

The path along the streams

When you reach the tarmac road, follow it to the right, cross the stream and continue left along the stream. There is a swimming spot along the way. The path then turns right, past another wooden plank, then right along the path to a meadow, left along the meadow and right back to the tarmac road.

03

Three thousand more steps to go

You don’t have to stay on the tarmac for long. Turn left at the first corner (onto the cobbled road) and soon you will see a right turn into the woods. The road is quite wide and runs alongside the pastures. Follow it to the last wooden walkway. Cross the Estorao River again and turn right, but not at the first bend, but at the second! This will take you back to the car.

Ecotrail from Ponte de Lima to the river Lima beach

Ecotrail from Ponte de Lima to the river Lima beach

#9

1 hour 10 min

Hiking and river swimming in one

Hiking in the nearest neighborhood
Easy
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01

To the beach

Just head to the Pilgrims Hostel in Ponte de Lima (you don’t need to cross the river) and start your journey up the river to the left of the Roman bridge. The well-marked path will lead you to a scenic and clean swimming spot, Cais da Garrida. We’d recommend taking hats as the path isn’t very shady.

02

Wine tasting or the way back?

After your swim, you can walk a little further to Quinta do Ameal and ask for the wine tasting (it’s best to book in advance).

You can either return the same way or use our shuttle service to the starting point. Call 913 90 2020. 

From Mediveal Bridge Ponte de Lima to Carvalhal Leisure Area

From Mediveal Bridge Ponte de Lima to Carvalhal Leisure Area

2 hours, tree-shaded eco-trail

A long but easy walk along the banks of the river

Hiking in the nearest neighborhood
Easy
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01

Along the Lima river

The route starts from the large car park at Ponte de Lima, on the opposite bank of the river. The ecotrail to the right of the river is very pleasant and shady and will take you to the Lazer do Carvalhal bathing and rest area in two hours. After a rest, you can return the same way or continue upriver for another 12 kilometres – two and a half hours – to the Bravães Kayak Park & Bar Water Sports Club, Lugar de Lavoeira.

02

How to get a better return

There is a very nice cafe in the shade of the trees, kayaks, trampolines and activities for children (you can climb ropes). 

But from there you should definitely give us a call on +351 913 90 2020 to arrange the transfer back to us!

Moledo-Caminha forest walk

Moledo-Caminha forest walk

30-minute pine-shaded leisure walk

Caminha is the last point of Portugal’s oceanic coastline to the north, and here you can swim in the border river Minho overlooking Spain.

Hiking half an hour's drive to the start
Easy
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01

Moledo beach

Park your car in the main square of Moledo near the beach and walk north along the road. In 2 minutes you will be on the beautiful forest road under the pine trees. Follow it to the mouth of the Minho river.

02

Return path

Before you head back, do three things: swim in the Minho River, walk along the beach from the river to the ocean, and have a cup of mint tea at a café near the mouth of the river. After that, walk around the nearby campsite and find an equally beautiful road through the pines leading south to Moledo.

Vila Praia d’Âncora to Caminha and back

Vila Praia d’Âncora to Caminha and back

The round trip takes about two hours, but if you stop at a bar or restaurant along the way, it can take longer.

The walk is suitable for parents with children in a pram. There are great views and the opportunity to take a break midway through.

Hiking half an hour's drive to the start
Easy
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01

Way to

We’ll be starting at the north end of Villa Praia d’Âncora. You’ll have a well-paved path along the rocky shore, which is very scenic and easy to walk. After about half an hour, you’ll reach the village of Moledo. Walk along the entire embankment and then continue on through the pine forest towards the town of Caminha.

02

Way back

Just up the road from the river Minho, there’s a little café where you can stop for a coffee or go for a swim. We suggest you go a little deeper from the coast into the forest. There is a forest road right along the campsite back to Moledo. From there, you’ll need to start your route again in the opposite direction.

From Vila Praia d’Âncora to Carreço beach and back

From Vila Praia d’Âncora to Carreço beach and back

5 hours

Exploring the oceanic littoral protected area

On the way, you’ll find huge sand dunes and the most beautiful beaches of Afife, Arda and Carreço.

Hiking half an hour's drive to the start
Moderate
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01

To Afife

Starting point – at the southern end of Vila Praia d’Âncora

From the southern seafront of the town, cross a bridge that leads to a wide sandy beach, continue along the sandy shore to the beach of Afife and Arda (about one and a half hours). 

02

Two options

If you are very brave, you can continue as far as Carreço beach. These are deserted natural beaches full of charm, huge sand dunes and coastal vegetation. The path will be partly on sand and partly on wooden decks and forest roads, part of the Northern Littoral National Park Eco-path.

You will return the same way and have lunch at the Fortaleza Restaurant on the promenade of Vila Praia d’Âncora.

Corno de Bico viewpoint

Panoramic walk around the mountain village

Panoramic walk around the mountain village

A less strenuous walk in the National Park Peneda Gerês offers breathtaking views, shady paths along streams and waterfalls, and pleasant breaks on warm boulders.

Discover the park of the Peneda Gerês
Circular route
Moderate
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01

Ermida village looking point

Branda is the name of a summer village in Portugal where people used to take their cattle and move during the hot season – it was cooler and the grass was denser.  

You will first walk to Branda de Bilhares. Then you return to the village on a long traverse along the mountain with stunning views.

The starting point is a 45-minute drive from Vintequinta. Park your car at the viewpoint and walk towards the village of Ermida, turning right at the fork (signpost: Branda de Bilhares).

Follow the cobblestone road uphill and you will reach Branda in 35 minutes.

02

Walk back to Ermida and enjoy the panoramic view

Enjoy the ancient site and go back 400 m to the crossroads with a sign ERMIDA on the right.

From here, just follow the signs and enjoy the terrific views.

There will be a long traverse back to the village of Ermida and the viewpoint.

Enchanted forest near Miranda

Enchanted forest near Miranda

This trail takes you through a unique indigenous forest with native huge oaks, cedars, and aders, as well as many animals, including the rare Garrano horse breed and cachena cows.

 
Hiking half an hour's drive to the start
Circular route
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01

Mills and waterfalls

It will start and finish at the picnic area of Poça do Couto near Miranda village and will take you to rivers, mills and green pastures.

At the beginning of the route, you will cross the river areas full of beautiful waterfalls and water mills (the so-called Barns of Alto Minho), which are no longer active. You will arrive at the Miranda Monastery, probably from the 12th century.

02

The wonder of the way

The most magnificent part is a protected forest with ancient, magical, majestic trees. Wild boars and wild horses roam in silence.