Portugal: Viana do Castelo
Three days rowing & five nights in a sport hotel
Rowing Trip Overview
A week in a sport hotel anywhere sounds good. A week in a sport hotel in Portugal with rowing sounds like a perfect vacation. You might think of a resort as a place to lie on the beach or by the pool, sipping non-stop margaritas and loading up at the buffet. Sport hotels offer the luxury and amenities of a resort, but the focus is on physical activity. Could be water sports, hiking, cycling, tennis and in a few places, rowing. Sport hotel guests are fit and want to be active outside. Spandex is the norm. Rowers will definitely feel welcomed and at home at FeelViana Sport Hotel. When you are not rowing, try out the other sports on offer, enjoy a yoga class, pamper yourself with a massage or just relax in beautiful surroundings.
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 one hour or longer.
- 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.
- Breakfasts.
Note: in June and September a minimum stay of 7 nights is required.
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.
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! Two more rows are included. Confirm the timing and plan for each with Rui and schedule your other activities. Consider an afternoon exploring Viana do Castelo or surroundings.
On the shorter Experience, this is your day of departure after breakfast. If you are enjoying a full week at FeelViana you have one more row to schedule in discussion with Rui either for today or on Day 6. For the day without rowing, consider a full day of cycling or tour with your rental car into Spain to experience the coastal Camino de Santiago.
A sad farewell after breakfast. On to your next adventure!
Water conditions, especially as affected by the wind, 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.
Price per person
| Three days rowing and 5 nights B&B | Double occupancy | Single occupancy |
| Per person based on double occupancy | 790 € | 1.090 € |
| June and September - minimum 7 nights required | 1.170 € | 1.730 € |
The minimum group size is two people although that could be one rower and one non-rower. Maximum group size is five - if your group is larger please contact us and we can likely accommodate you.
Non-rowers are welcome. Discount of 100 € on the five night package or 150 € for the seven night package.
A deposit of 50% is taken at the time of registration. The balance is due 30 days before your start date.
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.