Wild Encounter in the Cradle of Alvarinho Wine

Day 1

On May 1st, the group will be welcomed at the old primary school in Ceivães, Monção, by a local and incredible host: “Salgadinho”. This primary school will be our “home” for this weekend of hiking and socializing. After settling in, we will share a small welcome picnic while we begin to prepare for the first adventure: The Five Chapels Trail of Mouro and Minho! It will be a scenic and historical route that takes us through landscapes marked by the mountain environment, the verdant valley of the Mouro River, and the proximity of the Minho River. Throughout the afternoon we will walk along old rural paths, between agricultural fields and small native forests, following the banks of the Mouro River with large dams, crossing bridges and water channels, and passing through small villages where mills, fountains, famous fishing spots, and chapels that give the trail its name can still be found. Returning to our "home," after a refreshing bath, a traditional dinner prepared by locals awaits us, followed by a lively evening of socializing with stories, songs, and good cheer.

Five Chapels Trail Moro and Minho; 15 km; 360 m Accumulated, 6 hours of walking

Day 2

After breakfast, we set off for the most challenging trail of the weekend, in the heart of the Serra da Peneda, where the mountain imposes itself in wide and silent landscapes. We begin the hike at the Batateiro crossroads, towards São Bento do Cando, continue to the Pomba River and then climb to the Meadinha lagoon, entering a granite landscape of great beauty, until Bouça dos Homens, following the Fraga da Peneda trail. The approach to the Peneda Sanctuary is made through striking trails, where the force of nature intersects with the human mark. It will be in this sanctuary that we will have our picnic lunch, lulled by the sound of the Peneda River's waters comforting body and soul. For the afternoon, we have reserved the challenging climb up the Peneda mountain range, passing by its beautiful lagoon, from where we continue to the starting point of the route, closing this intense day in the mountains. To reward us, a regional dinner awaits us, with an evening of local tales and legends before a well-deserved rest.

Peneda Mountain Range Trail; 25km; 900m Accumulated; 10 hours of hiking

Day 3

This is the departure day, and after packing our bags, we slow down for a decompression program that combines culture, history, and well-being, without leaving the hike out. Let's go to Monção for a leisurely walk through the streets and walls of the village, exploring its heritage and the views over the Minho region. We'll then visit the Alvarinho Museum, where we'll taste the nectar of this region, Alvarinho wine, and learn more about this emblematic wine. We'll end the morning with a relaxing moment in the thermal baths to give our legs a rest, the perfect ending to a weekend of trails, landscapes and good memories, crowned with the irresistible bifanas (pork sandwiches) from "Salgadinho".

Monção Walls Trail; 5 km; 40 m Accumulated Elevation Gain; 2 hours Hike