Portugal: Viana do Castelo
Three or more days rowing & five nights in a sport hotel: ready for 2026 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.
Only limited dates are currently shown as available. More will likely be added once the regatta schedule in Portugal is finalized. If you wish to travel outside the available dates, please email us with exact dates and the size of your group. Thanks for your understanding.
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
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 |
| Low season discount 01 Jan - 31 March and 01 Nov to 27 Dec | -135 € | -135 € |
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 550 €.
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.