Self-Guided Douro International Natural Park Hiking Tour

Your journey begins with a transfer from Porto airport to Miranda do Douro, a historic town set high on a plateau above the Douro River and the Spanish border.

Surrounded by the dramatic cliffs of the Douro International Natural Park, the town welcomes you with breathtaking landscapes and a strong sense of heritage. Its cobbled streets, ancient monuments, and peaceful squares reflect a history preserved over centuries, while the Mirandês language, Portugal’s second official tongue, adds to its unique character.

Cultural pride is also seen in the traditional Pauliteiros de Miranda stick dance, performed in colorful costume and celebrated as a symbol of community spirit.

Your Douro International hiking adventure begins with a walk through Miranda do Douro, where the imposing cathedral, historic city walls, and viewpoints over rugged crags set the tone for the journey. From here, the trail enters the Douro International Natural Park, crossing charming villages, orchards, and traditional stone houses.

Along the way, you may encounter the gentle Mirandés donkey, a protected local breed that reflects the cultural heritage of the region. The path leads to the breathtaking São João das Arribas viewpoint, offering a panoramic view of the Douro River carving its way through towering cliffs. This area is a paradise for birdwatchers, with opportunities to see golden eagles, griffons, Egyptian vultures, black storks, and other rare species. An optional guided birdwatching experience or, between July and October, a canoe ride along the Douro cliffs adds even more excitement to the day.

You can choose between two walking options:

Option 1 – Moderate Route: 11.7 km (including a short transfer) | Altitude range: 636 m – 742 m | Elevation gain: 163 m.

Option 2 – Challenging Route: 18.2 km | Maximum altitude: 758 m | Elevation gain: 291 m.

Both routes immerse you in the natural beauty and wildlife of the park, ensuring an unforgettable experience filled with adventure and discovery.

Today you bid farewell to Miranda do Douro and head south, following trails through the International Douro Natural Park. Along the way, you’ll pass through Picote, a picturesque village with rustic stone houses and a stunning viewpoint over the Douro River, where it sharply bends south.

The route takes you across landscapes filled with native vegetation such as cedars, oaks, cork oaks, rosemary, and gorse, as well as open pastures with Mirandesa cattle. Your destination is Sendim, a charming village known for its farming traditions and handcrafts. Be sure to visit the local shop near the church to see regional costumes and crafts. You’ll spend the night in a cozy, typical local hotel.

Option 1 (Moderate): 10.8 km / 6.71 mi | Min. altitude: 616 m | Max. altitude: 719 m | Elevation gain: 199 m

Option 2 (Challenging): 21.7 km / 13.5 mi | Min. altitude: 616 m | Max. altitude: 735 m | Elevation gain: 402 m

Today’s circular hike takes you through the timeless landscapes surrounding Sendim, where vineyards, olive groves, and almond orchards stretch across the horizon. The trail meanders along soft earth paths, offering a gentle yet immersive walk amid nature. Along the way, you’ll pass extensive juniper plantations, whose aromatic berries are prized for seasoning and for producing gin.

Each season transforms the scenery like almond blossoms in early spring, tender vines budding in April, vibrant grape harvests in late summer, almonds in September, and the olive harvest in autumn. The locals here are always eager to share their stories, warm hospitality, and ancestral traditions. Your journey concludes back in Sendim, where a visit to a family-run winery awaits, complete with regional wines and delicious specialties.

Altitude (m): 650 m Elevation gain (m): +280 m / -280 m

The day begins with a transfer to Felgar, a charming village perched on the northern face of Roboredo Mountain overlooking the Sabor River valley. The town’s sunlit hillside is dotted with traditional houses, offering spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. From the center of Felgar, you will embark on a circular hike across small fields, olive groves and stands of broom. Along the trail, the intense blue waters of the Sabor River captivate the eye, while the sounds of nature and occasional calls of griffons create a sense of peace and serenity. Felgar is a true sanctuary of nature, and the area invites relaxation and reflection. Your accommodation is a recently restored 17th century manor house in the heart of the village, where you can unwind by the swimming pool. For those seeking adventure, there is an optional 4x4 program with a professional guide, offering the best spots for birdwatching and a walk along the scenic Apajares Way, one of Portugal’s finest trails.

Option 1 – Moderate Route: 8.9 km | Min altitude: 284 m | Max altitude: 598 m | Elevation gain: 323 m

Option 2 – Challenging Route: 13 km | Min altitude: 228 m | Max altitude: 598 m | Elevation gain: 456 m

Today you leave Felgar and follow local roads and scenic tracks along a greenway built on a disused railway line. The trail winds through lush olive and almond groves, and in February or March the flowering almond trees create one of the most spectacular natural displays in Portugal. Your destination is Torre de Moncorvo, a charming town that serves as the gateway to the Douro Wine Region, where world-famous Port and Douro wines are produced. The town center is full of character, with beautiful manor houses, the Railway Museum, and numerous small shops offering regional products such as olive oil, almonds, cheese, jams, smoked meats, and wine. You can also see the making of sugar-coated almonds, a local sweet recognized as one of Portugal’s Sweet Wonders. Accommodation for the night is in an elegant house, where a tasting of the homemade liqueurs perfectly complements the local almond specialties.

Option 1 – Moderate Route: 11.6 km | Min altitude: 396 m | Max altitude: 598 m | Elevation gain: 88 m

Option 2 – Challenging Route: 15 km | Min altitude: 396 m | Max altitude: 690 m | Elevation gain: 100 m

On the final day of your itinerary, you leave Torre de Moncorvo and continue along the greenway, a beaten earth track built on a disused railway line, towards Pocinho. The route offers stunning views over the Douro River, passing terraced vineyards and the lush green mouth of the Sabor River. Your hike concludes as you approach the majestic railway bridge and the Pocinho dam, signaling the end of this scenic journey.

From here, you take the train down to Porto (ticket not included), enjoying a memorable ride through hills covered with the iconic terraced vineyards of the Douro Wine Region, a UNESCO World Heritage Property.

Porto is famous for its Port Wine, historic streets, and vibrant culinary culture. Spend your last day exploring the city, visiting a historic Port Wine lodge, and soaking in the charm of one of Europe’s most beautiful cities.

Altitude (m): Min 72 | Max 310 Elevation gain (m): 95

On the final day of your journey, after soaking in the beauty, culture, and flavors of the Douro International Natural Park, a transfer will be arranged to take you to the airport according to your flight schedule. This marks the conclusion of an unforgettable hiking adventure through Portugal’s most remote mountains, spectacular cliffs, charming villages, and world-famous vineyards. As you depart, you carry with you memories of dramatic river landscapes, encounters with wildlife, local traditions, and the warmth of the people who make this region truly uniq