This is a fantastic trail that starts in Caminha and extends to Valença, providing an ideal experience for hiking, biking, and running. This route represents the original variation of the Portuguese Coastal Way, moving away from the coast.
Ecopista – Caminho do Rio (River Trail) is an experience of contrasting landscapes that shows us a diverse reality and leads us through the memory of time to the relationship between Man and the Minho River, providing the full enjoyment of a ‘greenway’ that crosses Vila Nova de Cerveira and connects this territory to the municipalities of Valença and Caminha.
The natural conditions along this route allow for the presence of various bird species such as the mallard, heron, cormorant, and kingfisher; mammals such as the otter and marten; amphibians such as the green frog, newt, and salamander; and fish such as the Iberian barbel, chub, and trout. It is due to its importance and natural diversity that the River Trail is integrated into the Natura 2000 Network and the Waterbird Protection Area of the Minho River estuary.
The next day after an other buffet…this time breakfast, we continued our way towards Valenca
A border town located on the banks of the Minho River, Valença is surrounded by walls and retains the characteristics of a 17th-18th century fortified city, designed in the style of the French architect Vauban.
Its original name was “Contrasta,” meaning a town opposite another, due to its location across the Minho River from the Galician city of Tui.
Today, it is a city with a thriving trade, particularly known for its highly valued local crafts.
I don”t know if towels and bargain packs of socks count as crafts but we didn’t come all this way for them!
HOTEL CRUCEIRO DO MONTE – A very friendly place for Thursday 21st night halt.
ensuitepilgrim's Blog 
Leave a comment