< Day # 4 Coastal – Viana do Castelo to Caminha / Day # 2 Coastal – Povoa da Varzim to Marinhas >

Coastal route

Marinhas to Viana do Castelo

Distance 21 kms Difficulty 5/10

Today we leave Marinhas and arrive at the village of Viana do Castelo. We leave the coast and hike some of the interior. The trail takes you through a forest at Castelo do Neiva. The terrain is irregular at the forest. There will be several forests until you reach Santiago de Compostela, so if you want to skip this forest then take a taxi before Castelo do Neiva & arrive at Vila Nova de Anha. Complete the hike at Viana do Castelo after you cross the bridge. There are several albergues, hotels & restaurants at Viana do Castelo.

Interior route

Barcelos to Ponte de Lima

Distance 33 kms Difficulty 7 / 10. Best to split this hike into 2 days.

Today we leave Barcelos and arrive at the village of Ponte de Lima. The terrain is irregular, there are roads, hills, some forests. Some locations lack services like restaurants & bars. A distance of 33 kms is exhausting & considerable with a steep climb before reaching Ponte de Lima. An alternative is to stop at Tamel – Albergue Sao Pedro Fins a very good Municipal Albergue (hint). There is also a private albergue another 9 kms further – Albergue Casa Fernanda.

You can then start the journey the following day to Ponte de Lima. Other villages are Arcozelo, Vila Boa, Baluges, Vitorino dos Piaes – Portela , Facha, Correlha and Ponte de Lima. The main albergue at Ponte de Lima opens late so you may have to search for other albergues or stay at a hotel or simply wait. Ponte de Lima is a medieval village. It has good albergues, hotels and restaurants. Ponte de Lima is an interesting village to spend the day and walk around.

Coastal & Interior Hiking Maps

Elevation Chart – Coastal

Elevation Chart – Interior