Family Active Portugal

Our journey kicks off in the adventurous Arcos de Valdevez, nestled in the lush wilderness of northern Portugal. This charming town is an outdoor enthusiast's paradis thanks to the rugged terrain. The verdant landscapes and winding riverbanks set the stage for an active escape, with trails that lead through the breathtaking Peneda-Ger\'eas National Park. Our trip leader will meet us at the hotel reception at 6pm for a welcome meeting, followed by a wander to get acquainted with the town's scenic surroundings. Whether you're scaling the hills, our heading down the Vez River, or simply soaking in the natural beauty, Arcos de Valdevez is the perfect launchpad for our northern Portugal adventure. If you would like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive at Porto airport by 4pm. There are no activities included on this first day, so you are free to make your own way to Arcos de Valdevez should you wish. There is a regular bus service from the airport. The journey is approximately 1.5hrs, 100km.

After a hearty breakfast at our hotel we set out into the National Park. Far from the mass tourism and crowded beaches of the Algarve, this undiscovered part of Portugal is a hidden treasure. We start by driving to a viewpoint over Sistelo for fine views looking back down the valley, a view that has hardly changed at all over the past two hundred years, this is rural Portugal at its very best; the terraced plots wouldn't look out of place in the Himalaya. Look out for the distinguished looking prized Cachena breed of cow that originate from the region, easily recognized by their elegant lyre-shaped long horns. Heading back down the valley, there is time to take a look round the village of Sistelo, get a coffee and use the facilities before we set off on our 8km hike. The hike itself follows the river down the valley. Most of the path is on newly constructed board walk with a short steep section at the start on a cobbled path. The scenery is beautiful and as we descend further into the valley below the tree lined river banks provide welcomed shade, indeed the area has been recognized as one of the seven wonders of Portugal. At the end of our hike, enjoy a picnic lunch by the river with ample time for wild swimming in the natural rock pools; a welcome refreshing dip in the hot summer months, before we return to our hotel mid

Adventure is very much on the menu today! We take a short transfer to Entre Ambos os Rios Adventure Centre where we have a briefing before getting into our kit and heading to the start of the canyon. The rock formations, rivers and waterfalls here make for a fantastic experience clambering, jumping, sliding and floating our way down the canyon. Once back at the base we tuck into a late lunch before driving back to our hotel.

After the exertions of the day before we change pace. Heading back towards Entre Ambos os Rios we instead focus our attention on the fun, but a bit more sedate, sport of paddle boarding that has taken the world by storm from the Thames to the Tiber. We'll have a 2 hour lesson with a local instructor, plenty of time to grasp the basics, and will soon be gliding across the water, though the odd drop into the drink can't be ruled out! We aim to be back at the hotel just after 1pm with an afternoon free to relax, explore the local town and area and get our gear packed for the beachside leg of our adventure.

Heading further north, our destination is the small town of Melgaco situated on the border between Portugal and Spain. We will meet our rafting guides just outside of town and get changed into wet suits. Changing rooms and showers are available, a towel and swimming costume is recommended as are wet shoes or an old pair of trainers which will get wet. There are secure facilities to leave personal effects on site. Transferring into a four wheel drive vehicle, take a short drive with our raft to the launch point. After a safety briefing we climb into our raft and float downstream. The waters and currents of the rivers in Minho are perfect for water sports, especially rafting in an inflatable raft. Paddle around natural obstacles alongside the green banks in the heart of the Minho province. This activity is ideal for newcomers to rafting, covering between 10 to 14 kilometres depending on the river conditions, this part of the river features both rapids and stretches of calmer waters providing ample opportunity to appreciate the setting and nature all around us. While out on the river, watch out for the local fishing traps lying in wait for eels and other freshwater species in a tradition dating back centuries. The level of difficulty of this descent is rated 'low' and is graded two to three. We are met at the end of the rafting expedition with a light snack of a sandwich and a bottle of water before we are driven back to base in our 4 wheel drive off terrain vehicle. After lunch (not included on this day) we continue to Vila Praia de Ancora on the Atlantic coast and check-in to the family run Meira Hotel, set just one road back from the beach front. The hotel features a swimming pool and sun terrace and the beach is a very short walk away.

This morning head to the beach after breakfast for a two hour surfing lesson. Praia de Ancora is an ideal location to learn to surf; this stretch of Portugal's Atlantic coast is well known amongst the surfing community as offering some of the best surfing conditions in Europe, Praia de Ancora offers a sheltered section of beach protected by its harbour walls allowing a safe environment to learn the basics. For those who feel more confident and have more experience the conditions further along the beach offer more challenging waves. A wetsuit is provided, please bring a towel, swimming suit and sunscreen. Our instructors know the conditions extremely well, Fabio who runs the surf school has lived in Praia de Ancora all his life and is a beach lifeguard in his spare time. After our surfing lesson the rest of the day is free to enjoy the beach or head back to the hotel for a dip in the pool. There are several dining options in town for lunch dinner. For those looking to be more active there is an excellent coastal walk to the nearby village of Afife with a famous tavern-style restaurant Mariana. Continuing to the next village of Carreco with its ancient lighthouse of Montedor and the old windmills and fortress in Paco are well worth a visit.

The small town of Arcos de Valdevez is well worth exploring, alternatively Ponte de Lima, the oldest village of Portugal, is just twenty minutes drive away. With its medieval heritage, narrow streets and lovely squares, enjoy sitting down for refreshments in one of the many outdoor cafés facing the river and the bridge. There is a traditional craft market held every Thursday in Barcelos, the town is an hours bus ride away. For lunch or dinner there are plenty of restaurants and cafés. Take advantage of your visit to discover the celebrated local cuisine, especially the famous rojoes and arroz de sarrabulho, a pork and savoury rice dish. Today is a free day. Kayaks are available to hire at the hotel, why not explore the river that runs through the town, cruise past the wooded gardens and relax on the small summer beach. Alternatively spend time in the hotel spa and indoor pool or relax on the sun terrace. The small town of Arcos de Valdevez is well worth exploring, alternatively Ponte de Lima, the oldest village of Portugal, is just twenty minutes drive away. With its medieval heritage, narrow streets and lovely squares, enjoy sitting down for refreshments in one of the many outdoor cafés facing the river and the bridge. There is a traditional craft market held every Thursday in Barcelos, the town is an hours bus ride away. For lunch or dinner there are plenty of restaurants and cafés. Take advantage of your visit to discover the celebrated local cuisine, especially the famous rojoes and arroz de sarrabulho, a pork and savoury rice dish.

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Praia de Ancora. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Praia de Ancora at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Porto Airport (OPO), which is about an hours' drive. The transfer should arrive at the airport at 10am.