Portugal: Viana do Castelo
Three or more days rowing & five nights in a sport hotel: ready for 2025 bookings!
Rowing Trip Overview
River rowing and coastal rowing are possible from the long-established and very successful rowing club in Viana do Castelo. The Lima River is tidal. At high tide it is possible to get in a 20 km excursion. Shorter outings and practices are also possible, under the watchful eye of local coaches. The club has recently invested in coastal rowing shells, built by the Portuguese manufacturer Ave. With them, you can head downriver, past the port and the huge breakwaters and out onto the Atlantic Ocean. Tides, weather and water conditions and other safety considerations will dictate each day’s rowing.
Portugal is popular and for good reason. The famous sights of Lisbon, Porto, Douro Valley and the Algarve coast merit visiting. Even better is to go off the beaten path, away from the tourist crowds. Viana do Castelo, close to the Spanish border, is easy to access from Porto. A short ferry or bike ride from the hotel, the small city offers cafés, restaurants, bars, gardens, museums and shopping for exquisite filigree jewellery. Take the funicular (with a bike) to the top of Santa Luzia and the monumental sanctuary crowing the hill with a spectacular view. Cycle or drive along the river to visit Ponte de Lima, one of Portugal’s oldest villages, or spend an afternoon exploring local vineyards. But you might not want to stray far from the hotel. Built behind sand dunes and a pine forest, it is a short stroll to a magnificent beach, waves rolling in the wild Atlantic.
Included
- Private rowing outings, tailored to you. Duration of two, four or six hours. Three rows included, more can be added.
- A one day row on the Minho River, beginning in Spain and ending in Portugal. Transportation and lunch included. The other rows are from the clubhouse, either on the river or a coastal excursion onto the Atlantic.
- Use of both fine/river and coastal boats.
- Support boat on water rowing with you.
- Detailed Information Package, with specifics on getting there, arrival details and contacts, recommendations for accommodation and restaurants. We provide suggestions on other activities to enjoy in the region when you are not rowing.
- Five nights accommodation.
- All breakfasts, one lunch and two dinners.
Trip Details
Meet your local guide
Rui Alves
Rui Alves has spearheaded the remarkable success of VRL.
Itinerary
Arrival in the afternoon by rental car, public transportation or a transfer organized by the hotel. We provide all these details in the Information Package following booking. Dinner tonight at the hotel restaurant is included. Connect with Rui to plan the rowing.
Travel to the rowing club by ferry and a walk, bike, taxi or your rental car. Meet Rui and tour the club. After a briefing and a cup of coffee, enjoy your first row. Conditions will determine the destination and duration. You might row up the Lima River, the final length determined by the tides. Or you could row past the city and the port, clearing the breakwater to experience rowing on the Atlantic Ocean. Find a lunch in town or head back to the hotel. There are many choices for your afternoon. Rent a Scott road or mountain bike from the hotel and follow your choice of itineraries. Or join a guided group ride. Hang out at the beach, walking for kilometres or relaxing with a beer, watching the surfers, wind surfers and paddle boarders. Maybe it is time to try out these sports too?
More of the same! Second of two local rows from the club. Confirm the timing and plan for each with Rui and schedule your other activities. Consider an afternoon exploring Viana do Castelo or surroundings.
Today could be your free, non-rowing day. If conditions permit, you may be able to add a row today, paying the club directly.
Today is the big adventure. You will be transported to Tui on the Spanish side of the Minho River, where you will meet up with Rui and the boats which have been trailered from Viana do Castello. Enjoy a 25 km row down the river with a stop for lunch. The trip ends when you land in the Portugal. Load the trailer and head back to FeelViana. Your farewell dinner is included tonight at the hotel.
A sad farewell after breakfast. On to your next adventure!
One non-rowing day has been budgeted in the program to account for the possibility of poor weather or water. It may be possible to add an extra row. Water conditions, especially as affected by the wind and tide, will determine the exact time and location of the rows. Safety is a priority. Thus, on some days, the actual program may vary from this description. The rowing guide has the final say on rowing distances and destinations. There are safety requirements for this Experience: you must bring and wear your own Personal Flotation Device.
| Per person in Euros | Double occupancy | Single occupancy |
| Solo traveller | € 2,555 | |
| 2 rowers | € 1,730 | € 2,055 |
| 3 rowers | € 1,570 | € 1,895 |
| 4 rowers | € 1,495 | € 1,825 |
| 5 rowers | € 1,455 | € 1,775 |
| 6 rowers | € 1,425 | € 1,750 |
| 7 rowers | € 1,400 | € 1,730 |
| Upgrade to seaside room | € 40 | Not available |
| High season premium (June through September) | € 175 | € 175 |
The minimum group size is one rower although that could be one rower plus one non-rower. Maximum group size is seven - if your group is larger please contact us and we can likely accommodate you.
Longer trips may be possible - please contact us. We are also working on a Porto add-on.
Non-rowers are welcome. Discount of 5500 €.
A deposit of 500 € is taken at the time of registration. The balance is due 30 days before your start date - auto payment has been enabled, so your credit card will be automatically billed. A 2% carbon offset is automatically added to your order. Thank you!
Ideas, information and inspiration
Want other options besides Portugal rowing? Check out our other self-directed rowing experiences. Rowing The World offers premium group and guided rowing tours.
FAQs
Our full list of Frequently Asked Questions answers all your questions. Or Contact Us – we are happy to help.