Minho, by train and by bike
Put your bike on the Minho Line and ride from the station to river estuaries, Atlantic beaches and old fortified towns in Portugal's green north.
Portugal's green corner, one station at a time
The Minho is the country's far north-west: river estuaries, rocky Atlantic shoreline, farmland and historic towns, and the home of Vinho Verde. The Minho Line runs right through it, so you can reach towns like Valença, Vila Nova de Cerveira, Caminha, Viana do Castelo and Barcelos with your bike on board.
Bikes travel on CP's Intercidades, Regional and InterRegional trains. Before you set off, check the rules for carrying bikes on each type of train.
Valença
On the River Minho, facing Spain
Minho Cycle Path
15 kmBuilt on the route of the old Monção branch line, this path runs from Valença to Monção through vineyards and farmland beside the River Minho, with the wildlife of the Minho and Coura estuaries along the way.
Vila Nova de Cerveira
Riverside town with a castle and art biennial
Caminho do Rio Eco-trail
13 kmFollows the left bank of the Minho from Praia da Mota in Gondarém to the Montorros picnic area in Vila Meã, passing through the centre of Cerveira. Stops along the way include river beaches, the castle and old town, the Cerveira Biennial museum, the River Minho Aquamuseum and São Paio Convent.
Caminha
Where the Minho meets the Atlantic
Caminho das Camboas Cycle Path
under 1 kmA short seafront ride along Avenida do Campo do Castelo in Vila Praia de Âncora, with Atlantic views, the Lagarteira Fort and the fishing harbour. It links up with the Foz do Rio Âncora path.
Foz do Rio Âncora Cycle Path
about 1 kmStarts by the Vila Praia de Âncora fishing harbour and follows the river mouth up to the Minho Line viaduct, past the beach, a riverside picnic area and the Âncora estuary.
Cristelo Eco-trail
1.5 kmLinks Caminha and Moledo through the shade of the Camarido National Forest, with viewpoints at Monte de Santo Antão and Fraga and the beaches at Moledo and the river mouth.
Foz do Minho Beach Eco-trail
1 kmA riverside stretch along the mouth of the Minho to the edge of the Camarido forest, ending near the river beach. Look out for the Ínsua Fort offshore and Caminha's old fortifications.
Minho River – Lanhelas Eco-trail
just over 1 kmRuns along the riverbank through farmland at the northern edge of Caminha, where you can spot local wildlife and the traditional boats still used on the Minho.
Minho River – Seixas Eco-trail
about 2 kmConnects Seixas and Lanhelas along the river, with open views over the estuary, a riverside picnic spot at Cais de Seixas and a wildlife observation area.
Sargaceiro Trail Ecovia
almost 2 kmPart of the Atlantic Eco-trail, this seafront route joins Moledo do Minho and Vila Praia de Âncora, passing Moledo beach, the Chapel of Santo Isidoro and the Sino dos Mouros viewpoint.
Santo Isidoro Ecovia
about 2 kmRuns from Moledo beach to the Chapel of Santo Isidoro across dunes and rocky coastline, with views north to Monte Santa Tecla in Spain.
Viana do Castelo
Seafront city at the mouth of the River Lima
Viana do Castelo City Cycle Route
just over 4 kmFrom Praia Norte to Argaçosa, along the seafront and through the historic centre, past the city's forts, churches and squares, with Monte de Santa Luzia rising above. It ends near the urban park.
Lima River Eco-trail – Veigas Route
about 13 kmA longer ride up the left bank of the River Lima from the Deão leisure area to the Nossa Senhora da Guia bridge at Ponte do Lima, through riverside woodland with the granite Serra de Arga in the distance.
Northern Seaside Eco-trail – Cabedelo to Ribeira do Rodanho
2 kmBegins on Avenida do Cabedelo near the commercial port and runs beside the estuary and through dune woodland to Praia do Rodanho. Expect beaches, a surf centre, old salt pans and small chapels.
Northern Seaside Eco-trail – Carreço to Areosa
about 7 kmFrom Paçô beach in Carreço to the Areosa fort, switching between countryside and coast. Windmills, small anchorages and protected natural monuments such as the Montedor cliffs line the route.
Barcelos
Medieval town on the River Cávado
Riverside Eco-trail
just over 1 kmA short ride along the River Cávado in the middle of town, close to the medieval bridge and tower, the ruined palace of the Counts of Barcelos, the pottery museum and the historic centre.
Pack the bike and pick a station
Information based on CP – Comboios de Portugal. Timetables, fares and bike conditions are set by CP, so please confirm details on cp.pt before travelling.