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Hiking
Overview
SelfGuided
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Portuguese Atlantic Route
Minho
Portugal
The northwest coast of Portugal is known as the Costa Verde or Green Coast thanks to the abundance of vegetation that backs onto it and the not-so-distant mountains of the Minho countryside. As you head north from Porto on this 8-day self-guided coastal walk, you’ll experience the ever-changing coastal landscape of wide sandy beaches, rocky coves, pebble beaches, pleasant seaside towns and fishing villages. You’ll also spend time in the small historical city of Viana do Castelo and end up in the charming town of Caminha at the very top of Portugal, just across the river from Spain.
While much of the route hugs the coast, you’ll head inland at times to walk through fields, forests and villages to get a deeper insight into the lifestyle of rural Portuguese communities and small-scale farming practices. You’ll also spend time in the small historical city of Viana do Castelo and end up in the charming town of Caminha at the very top of Portugal, just across the river from Spain.
With relatively short, leisurely walking days, you’ll have plenty of time and energy to explore the towns and villages you stay in and to take breaks en route for a swim or to spend time on the beach.
Make the most of the ample opportunities to sample the freshest catch of the day and other delicious Portuguese fares from the Minho region.
Walking Tour
Meeting:
Porto
Airport:
Porto Airport
Transfer:
Porto airport or city center
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Rates and Dates for 2024
Rates include:
Accommodations, All breakfasts, GPS track, Road book, Transfer from Porto Airport to Povoa de Varzim (day 2), Luggage transfers & 24/7 emergency support
A | 2024 | 8 day hike - High season | 8d / 7n | €915 | $1005 |
Single supplement | €525 | $580 |
B | 2024 | 8 day hike - Low season | 8d / 7n | €815 | $895 |
Single supplement | €455 | $500 |
Transfer and Other Charges:
2024
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Transfer from Porto to Povoa de Varzim included on Day 2
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€
0
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$0
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2024
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Private transfer from Caminha to Porto on last day, one way, per car (1-3 pax)
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€
210
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$230
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2024
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Private transfer from Caminha to Porto on last day, one way, per car (4-7 pax)
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€
260
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$285
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2024
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In person welcome briefing in Porto (30 minutes)
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€
60
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$65
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B |
2024
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03/01
- 05/31
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8d / 7n
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8 day hike - Low season
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1
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Reserve
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A |
2024
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06/01
- 09/15
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8d / 7n
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8 day hike - High season
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1
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Reserve
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B |
2024
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09/16
- 10/31
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8d / 7n
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8 day hike - Low season
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1
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Reserve
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Rates do not include:
Transfer from Caminha to Porto city/airport at the end of the program, Lunches and Dinners, Gratuities & Insurance
Sample Itinerary - Subject to changes
Day 1: Arrival to Porto
Discover the lovely city of Porto after checking into your hotel.
Meals included: none
Overnight in 4* hotel in Porto
Day 2: Walk from Póvoa de Varzim to Apúlia
Follow the boardwalks alongside sandy beaches and between sand dunes and windmills. Then leave the coast to walk through market gardens and woodland on the approach to the village of Apúlia with its fishing boats and huts. If in luck, you may catch the seaweed collectors at work. Relax on the beach and try some of the tastiest octopus around.
Hiking about 14 km (elevation: + 106 m)
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in 3* hotel in Apulia
Day 3: Walk from Apúlia to Esposende
Walk through the outskirts of Fão before walking alongside and across the Cávado Estuary as you approach the low-rise resort town of Esposende. Your hotel is a short distance from the small historical centre with attractive squares and churches. If you’re feeling energetic, you could hire a bike or try your hand at SUP or even kitesurfing.
Hiking about 8 km (elevation: + 49 m)
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in 3* hotel in Esposende
Day 4: Walk from Esposende to Castelo de Neiva
Today’s walk offers varied scenery as you pass through small villages and smallholdings and a stretch of pebbly beaches before heading inland to cross the Neiva River. Spend the afternoon discovering the historical features and tree-filled grounds of the gorgeous historical country house where you’ll be spending the night. Relax by the pool if weather permits.
Hiking about 13 km (elevation: + 82 m)
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in country hotel in Castelo de Neiva
Day 5: Walk from Castelo de Neiva to Viana do Castelo
Return to the coast then walk through a pleasant section of pine forest on the way to Viana do Castelo. Your journey ends with spectacular views from the long Eiffel bridge. This lovely historical city has much to offer, including the Santa Luzia Basilica, the Costume Museum, Gil Eannes hospital ship and the beautiful Church of Mercy.
Hiking about 14 km (elevation: + 71 m)
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in 4* hotel in Castelo de Neiva
Day 6: Walk from Viana do Castelo to Vila Praia de Âncora
Stroll through the beautiful historical centre of Viana do Castelo then follow the coast and its stone windmills. Head inland through patches of forest and fields. Cross the wide sandy expanse of beach to end your journey in Vila Praia de Âncora. Local fishermen ensure a regular supply of fresh fish and seafood so relax and indulge yourself.
Hiking about 19.5 km (elevation: + 116 m)
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in 4* hotel in Vila Praia de Âncora
Day 7: Walk from Vila Praia de Âncora to Caminha
It’s a short, pleasant coastal walk from the seaside resort town of Vila Praia de Âncora to Moledo beach along the new pedestrian path (ecovia). Walk through a beautiful pine forest to the mouth of the River Minho and on to the riverside town of Caminha with plenty of time to stop for a swim along the way. Visit Caminha’s medieval clock tower and Gothic parish church or simply relax in the beautiful main square around a 16th century fountain.
Hiking about 9.5 km (elevation: + 42 m)
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in 4* hotel in Caminha
Day 8: Departure
Check out of the hotel in time for your onward journey. End of our services.
Meals included: Breakfast
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Meeting:
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Porto
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Airport:
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Porto Airport
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Train station:
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Porto
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Transfer:
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Porto airport or city center
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Level:
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Easy
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Total walking distance: 77 km
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Participants:
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Min
1
participants
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Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.Passport Note(a) Sufficient fu. more
Esposende area
Month
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
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Average High Temperature (°F)
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56
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58
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62
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65
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69
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73
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75
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77
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75
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70
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61
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57
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Average Low Temperature (°F)
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43
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43
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45
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48
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52
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56
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58
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59
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57
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54
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47
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44
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Average High Temperature (°C)
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13
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14
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17
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18
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21
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23
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24
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25
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24
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21
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16
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14
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Average Low Temperature (°C)
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6
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6
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7
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9
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11
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13
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15
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15
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14
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12
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8
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7
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Average Precipitation (days of rain)
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14
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11
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9
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10
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9
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5
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2
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2
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5
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10
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11
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12
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Source: NOAA
Seasons
The climate in this region is influenced by its geographical position. Its proximity to the ocean means that it is affected by air masses from the Atlantic, charged with humidity in the winter season. The region also benefits from Mediterranean influences.
It can get quite hot during the summer months, with the month of July being, on average, the warmest of the year (20 ºC). On the other hand, January is the month that, on average, records the lowest values (9.5 ºC).
The monthly average precipitation shows that it tends to rain more during the month of December (242.4 mm) and less in August (20.2 mm).
In general, the rainiest months are between November and February.
The prevailing winds are from the north quadrant and are quite frequent. The average wind speed can vary between 6.9 km / h, in the month of September, and 9.3 km / h in February and March.
We take care of transferring your luggage between each accommodation (limit of 1 bag per person - 15kg max per bag).
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
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Accommodations
Your package includes accommodation in 3* hotels along the way.
Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Hotel in Porto
Night 2: Hotel in Apúlia
Night 3: Hotel in Esposende
Night 4: Hotel in Castelo de Neiva
Night 5: Hotel in Viana do Castelo
Night 6: Hotel in Vila Praia de Âncora
Night 7: Hotel in Caminha
Room Occupancy
Solo travelers will need to pay a single supplement fee.
Meals
All breakfasts are included. Lunches and Dinners need to be paid extra.
Special diets and dietary restrictions:
We can cater to dietary requirements with advanced notice.
This trip includes
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
Tack:
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--
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Horses:
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--
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Pace:
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Total walking distance: 77 km
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Level:
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(1
to
3
out of 5) Easy to Moderate
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Riders:
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Min
1
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Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:
1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Passport Note
(a) Sufficient funds are required for all except EU nationals. (b) Portugal is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.
Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for touristic stays of up to 90 days.
Visa Note
Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy/consulate to check visa requirements
Passport Required? |
British |
Yes |
Australian |
Yes |
Canadian |
Yes |
USA |
Yes |
Other EU |
1 |
Visa Required? |
British |
No |
Australian |
No |
Canadian |
No |
USA |
No |
Other EU |
No |
Return Ticket Required? |
British |
No |
Australian |
No |
Canadian |
No |
USA |
No |
Other EU |
No |
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Portuguese Atlantic Route
Tour Code:
ZZ-HK-PTGW07
8 days /
7 nights
~$1,005.00
Dates: Mar-Oct
Level :
Difficulty Levels Explained
1. |
Easy
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Easy pace and an average-to-sedentary level of fitness. You should be in good health and fit enough for full day of normal sightseeing and walking.
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2. |
Easy to Moderate
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An average level of fitness or some experience with the featured
activity is recommended.
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3. |
Moderate
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Requires you to have performed the featured activity regularly, with
some periods on challenging terrain. Activities are mandatory and
you may be traveling at high elevations. You need to be in good health and physical condition to enjoy these trips, with adequate muscular strength and cardiovascular endurance.
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4. |
Demanding
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You must be extremely physically fit and are expected to hike or
ride four to six hours over steep or more rugged terrain. |
5. |
Strenuous
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Prolonged hiking/biking on moderate to difficult terrain (five to nine hours a day).
May include high altitude, rugged terrain etc.. |
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accomodation
Airport:
Porto Airport
Location on Google Map
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Climate
What To Bring
Download tour PDF
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