Hiking in Northeast of Portugal

A wonderful hike in the Douro natural park
Walking tour
Walking Tour
Difficulty level 2,5
Individual tour
Self guided tour
code: PT01W
Portugal

Prices

from 1.050€

The magnificence of the most remote mountainous regio.

Miranda do Douro – Sendim – Felgar – Torre de Moncorvo – Porto

This amazing hiking tour will give you the possibility to enjoy the magnificence of the most remote mountainous region in Portugal and the wildest trail along the Douro River. It is a stunning walk through a wildlife reserve, enjoying impressive cliffs and ancient traditions of the Douro International Natural Park!

On your way, you will be accompanied by the rippling of the river, the singing of beautiful birds and, if you are lucky, you might even see and picture them. Then the route continue past natural sanctuaries, monumental cliffs of rare beauty, ancient towns vineyards, olive and almond groves.

We are along the Spanish border, in a huge natural park of about 86,500 hectares, where the Douro River has created stunning canyons with its wild waters that wind their way between spectacular cliffs reaching a height of about 350 metres. This is one of Europe’s most important wildlife reserves: in this protected area, you will find forests of juniper, beech, cork and holm oaks. In the woods of the park live hawks, buzzards and a great diversity of other kind of birds, such as blackbirds and woodcocks. But there are also cultivated areas: vineyards on the slopes of the hills that provide the grapes for the production of the excellent Port wine, the most famous of Portuguese wines.

The tranquillity in the park is an attraction for birds who choose its gorges for their nest. Here we find also some endangered species, which can easily find the food they need to survive. Your hiking tour will start in Miranda do Douro, a historic, monumental and cultural town, then you will walk through the Natural Park up to the heights of the spectacular cliffs and to typical villages such as Picote and Sendim.

Along the way, you will observe the agricultural activities of this enchanting region: olive oil, almonds, wine, figs, Mirandesa cattle, and Miranda donkeys. You will also come across the largest plantation of juniper trees in Europe. Then you will go past Felgar, a charming, peaceful village, and Torre de Moncorvo, the capital of almond trees.

At the end of your walking tour, you will enjoy an outstanding view over the Douro River and the majestic metal bridge at Pocinho. A train ride will finally take you downriver to your final destination, Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage City.

Majestic landscapes, delicious food, and wine, spectacular flora, and fauna, ancient little villages rich in history and tradition: what else could we ask for?
If you love nature, try this tour and you will not be disappointed.

The daily program of the 8-day tour

On day 1 you will be transferred from Porto airport to Miranda do Douro, a fortified frontier town nestled in a stunning gorge formed by the river Douro, which has long been the bulwark of Portugal’s “wild east“.
This small city is immersed in a stunning landscape and is located on a plateau above the Douro River and the Spanish border, surrounded by the International Douro Natural Park and its majestic cliffs. Miranda do Douro boasts its own regional language, the Mirandês, developed in the area over the long centuries of isolation from the rest of Portugal. It is also famous for the colourful typical dance of the Pauliteiros de Miranda.

Overnight with breakfast in Miranda do Douro.

Today, start with a walk around Miranda do Douro and its imposing cathedral, surrounded by historic city walls and spectacular views of crags and precipices. You can also visit the ethnographic museum, showcasing the culture of this border region. Throughout the day, follow trails and tracks inside the International Douro Natural Park, passing small villages and the surrounding natural environment. Along the way, you may encounter a gentle wild Mirandés donkey and spot some of the park’s wild birds, including golden eagles, griffons, Egyptian vultures, or black storks. A birdwatching experience with a professional guide is also available. The highest point of the day is the São João das Arribas viewpoint, offering one of the most exceptional views over the Douro River as it winds between the high cliffs. From July to October, you may also enjoy a canoe ride along the Douro River.

The shorter route includes a transfer.
Overnight stay with breakfast in Miranda do Douro.
Distance: short route 11,7 km / 7,2 mi – long route 18,2 km / 11,3 mi
Altitude: min. 636/ max. 758 m

Today you will say goodbye to Miranda do Douro and start travelling south. Walk along trails and paths through the International Douro Natural Park and arrive at Picote, a picturesque village with typical stone houses and a spectacular view over the Douro River. A lush vegetation of cedars, oaks, cork oaks, gorse, and rosemary surrounds the area. Your destination is Sendim, a friendly village whose population mostly lives from farming and handcrafts. Take the opportunity to visit the handcraft shop next to the church and discover local costumes. Your accommodation is in a small, typical local hotel.

The shorter route includes a transfer.

Overnight stay with breakfast in Sendim.
Distance: short route 10,8 km / 6,7 mi – long route 21,7 km / 13,5 mi
Altitude route: min. 616/ max. 735 m.

Today, enjoy a spectacular circular hike through a natural landscape of rare beauty. Walk past vineyards, olive groves, and almond orchards and take time to stop and interact with local inhabitants, who are always happy to share their traditions. Observe extensive plantations of junipers, flowering almond trees in February and March, budding vines from April, grape harvests in August or September, almond harvests in September, and olive harvests in October or November. Once back in Sendim, you can visit a small local winery and taste its wines, accompanied by local food specialties.

Overnight stay with breakfast in Sendim.
Distance: 11,8 km / 7,3 mi
Altitude: min. 417/ max. 719 m.

Today you have a transfer to Felgar, a beautiful charming village on the northern face of the Roboredo Mountain and the Sabor River valley. Start your walk from the centre of the village and follow a circular trail through small fields, olive groves, and stances of broom. Enjoy the intense blue waters of the Sabor River. Today’s walk is particularly peaceful and quiet, surrounded by nature, with occasional birdsong creating a heavenly atmosphere.

Your accommodation is in the centre of Felgar in an elegant 17th century manor house, recently restored. If you wish, you can relax by the swimming pool. Alternatively, you can join a professional guide on a 4×4 vehicle to explore the best birdwatching spots or walk along the spectacular Apajares Way, one of the finest trails in Portugal.

Overnight with breakfast in Felgar.

Distance: short route 8,9 km / 5,5 mi – long route 13 km / 8,1 mi
Altitude short route: min. 228/ max. 598 m.
Altitude long route: min. 626/ max. 739 m.

Another day of stunning views: leave Felgar on small roads and tracks and walk along the scenic greenway built on a former railway line. You will be accompanied by lush olive and almond groves. In February or March, enjoy the blooming almond trees, an enchanting natural spectacle. Today’s destination is Torre de Moncorvo, the gate to the Douro Wine Region where the world-famous Port and Douro wines are produced. The town centre is rich in manor houses, the Railway Museum, and numerous small shops selling local specialties. In one of these shops, see how sugar-covered almonds, a local sweet and Portuguese Sweet Wonder, are made. You will stay in an elegant house and have the chance to taste local liqueurs, perfectly paired with the famous Moncorvo almonds

Overnight stay with breakfast in Torre de Moncorvo.

Distance: short route 11,6 km / 7,2 mi – long route 15 km / 9,3 mi
Altitude short route: min. 396/ max. 598 m.
Altitude long route: min. 496/ max. 690 m.

This is the last day of your itinerary and also an exciting day. You will leave Torre de Moncorvo, continuing along the greenway towards Pocinho, a scenic trail on a disused railway line. Enjoy breathtaking views over the Douro River, terraced vineyards, and the beautiful Sabor River valley. Near the end of your walk, you will spot the majestic railway bridge and Pocinho dam. Here, take the train to Porto (ticket not included) and enjoy the views of the iconic Douro vineyards, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Douro Wine Region. Your journey concludes at São Bento station, in the centre of Porto.

Your hotel is close to the station, within walking distance or reachable by taxi. Explore Porto, famous for Port Wine, considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage City. Admire the Avenida dos Aliados, the gardens of Palacio de Cristal, the Romanesque churches, and the myriad of azulejos adorning São Bento station and the Santo Ildefonso church.

Overnight with breakfast in Porto.

Distance: 13,5 km / 8,4 mi

Altitude: min. 120/ max. 421 m.

After breakfast you have a transfer to Porto airport. Your trip through a impressive Natural park of  Portugal is ended!

Impressions of a hike in Portugal

Hiking in Northeast of Portugal
Self guided tour
Difficulty level 2,5
A wonderful hike in the Douro natural park

Miranda do Douro – Sendim – Felgar – Torre de Moncorvo – Porto

Code | PT01W
LEVEL 2 – 2,5

Your level is from easy to medium. On some days, you have an average walking time of 3 to 4 hours per day: you have a leisurely, relaxed time, learn about the local culture and meet people, enjoy the landscape, the seaside, take photographs, taste wines etc. On some days the level is medium and walking time is mostly average between 4 to 5 hours per day, still depending of your pace. Most days you can choose between a short or long walk.

Daily distance: min. 8,9 km / 5,5 mi – max. 21,7 km / 13,5 mi

Total km: short route 68,2 km / 42,4 miles;  long route 92,6 km / 57,5 miles

 
DEPARTURES:

Every Saturday from 1st March to 30th November 2026. Upon request and with
supplement (minimum 2-3 people) it is possible to start on another day

 
PARTICIPANTS:

2 or more people (solo traveller on request).

 
START / FINISH:

Miranda do Douro / Porto

You might be interested in ...
walking tour

Walking in green Istria

Walking in Istria (Croatia) through a green countryside full of vineyards, olive trees, rivers and forests, authentic farmer villages, and medieval towns.

View Tour »

Information / quotation request

Hiking in Northeast of Portugal

Something isn’t clear or you would like to receive more information ?

Feel free to contact us, and we will be more than happy to help you.

Read our Privacy Policy.