Minho Eco-track connects Valença to Monção, a route that stretches along the banks of the Minho River and unites territories of two iconic grape varieties of the region: Alvarinho and Loureiro. Monção and Melgaço, the origin of Alvarinho, is a natural dome, a valley surrounded by mountains, which is protected from the Atlantic influence by the Monte do Faro. On one side of this mountain, the territory of Alvarinho; on the other, with a singular Atlantic influence, a territory of excellence for Loureiro, where Quinta Germinar is located. This trail joins these two territories along the banks of the Minho River and is the first ecological trail in Portugal to take advantage of disused railway lines. The landscape is unique, among vineyards, cultivated fields and the banks of the river, the traditional boats, the labours of the fishermen, the Galician bank and some "pesqueiras" - small constructions of ancient stone that take us back to the bucolic river environment. Along the trail, there are also several viewpoints.

	Type of trail	Linear
	Type of Route	Short Route
	Difficulty	Moderate
	Duration	3h23min
	Distance	15,82 km

Safety Standards

- Do not leave the marked and signposted route.

- Pay attention to the markings.

- Avoid making noise and noises.

- Respect private property (close gates and gates).

- Don't leave rubbish behind (take it to the respective place of collection).

- Be careful with livestock (don't disturb the animals).

- Leave nature intact (do not gather plants, animals or rocks).

- Only light fires in areas designated for this purpose.

- Avoid walking alone in the mountains.

- Use extreme caution on foggy days.

- Use mountain boots, waterproof coat and hat.

- During the critical period of forest fires, on days of very high or maximum risk levels, access to the trails may be forbidden.

Contacts

SOS	112
Forest Protection	117
GNR (Monção)	+351 251 652 321
GNR (Valença)	+351 251 801 010
Volunteer Firefighters (Monção)	+351 251 652 303
Volunteer Firefighters (Valença)	+351 251 809 000
Health Centre (Monção)	+351 251 653 926
Health Centre (Valença)	+351 251 800 020
Monção Municipal Council	+351 251 659 000
Valença Municipal Council	+351 251 809 500