The Côa Walkways are among the shortest we’ve ever visited, but the extraordinary beauty of the place compelled us to write this article. We absolutely love Foz Côa — the prehistoric engravings, the incredible museum, and now the walkways too. So, of course, we want everyone to enjoy them.
With only 930 meters (0.58 miles) in length, the walkways connect the fantastic Côa Museum to the old Côa train station, which has been out of service since 1988, when the railway section between Pocinho and Barca d’Alva was shut down.
Did you know?
There are plans to reopen the Douro railway line to Barca d’Alva, which would include reactivating stations like the one in Côa.
The Côa Walkways officially opened in 2022 and have already helped boost regional tourism. They perfectly complement the Côa Museum and the guided tours to the famous prehistoric rock art.
Don’t be fooled by the short distance — this trail is quite demanding. In less than 1 kilometer, you’ll tackle a total elevation change of 160 meters (525 feet) and climb 890 steps. Keep in mind: you’ll go down… and then back up!
Côa Walkways – General Information
- Name: Côa Walkways
- Start: Côa Museum
- End: Former Côa Train Station
- Distance: 930 meters (0.58 miles), but you must go way and back, so almost 2 km (1.2 miles).
- Estimated time: Around 1h30 (way and back)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation gain: 160 meters (525 feet)
- Highest/Lowest point: N/A
- Type: Linear
- Trail marking (1–5): 5
- Highlights: Douro Valley landscapes, Côa Valley, Côa Museum, abandoned Douro railway line
- Price: Free
- Official website: Click here to visit
Our Experience on the Côa Walkways
The Côa Walkways offer a great opportunity to explore the beautiful Côa Valley. They descend the steep hillside from the Côa Museum to the old train station by the river.
Usually, this section breaks down the hike into different stages, highlighting climbs, descents, and major turns — but this trail is a bit different. The Côa Walkways aren’t technically challenging or hard to follow. The entire way down is on a well-built wooden path, with no chance of getting lost.
The only real challenge here is physical — you’ll need to tackle almost 1,000 steps going down… and back up!
Starting right at the museum entrance, the trail begins with a steep descent, and that’s pretty much how it goes until you reach the old Douro railway line. Since you’re always on the boardwalk, there’s no room for navigation errors.
Along the way, there are a few signs with interesting info about the region, the local fauna, and flora. But the highlight, at least for us, was a small dovecote next to the walkway.
It’s the only place you can leave the path and take a short detour to explore it up close. The dovecote is a typical round white structure, which is traditional in this area. You can even go inside to see what it’s like — watch your step, there’s a deep trench in the middle.
Once you reach the end of the walkways, follow the paved road downhill for another 50 to 100 meters (165–330 feet) to reach the old Douro railway. You’ll see one of the historic bridges and the now-abandoned station there. Unfortunately, when we visited, the signs said not to enter the station building.
The bridge is old and beautiful. The Douro railway line was built in the 19th century, so we assume the bridge also dates back to that time. There are no warning signs on it, but we’d still advise against walking across—it’s not designed for pedestrians and doesn’t feel safe.
After exploring the riverside area, it’s time to head back up the hill to the museum, retracing the same path. There’s no way to get lost, but we won’t lie — the climb is tough! Take your time, stop for a breather whenever you need, and soak in the stunning views. That’s what you came for, after all!
Best Time to Hike the Côa Walkways
In our opinion, it’s best to avoid doing this trail in the peak of summer. This region gets extremely hot during that time, and there’s virtually no shade along the way, which makes the hike feel much harder than it is. The ideal time is on a fabulous, sunny day in spring or autumn.
We visited the walkways on a spring day. It was cloudy but didn’t rain, and the conditions were perfect.
Who Can Do This Trail?
The trail is relatively short — less than 2 km (1.2 miles) round trip — but remember that it’s all downhill to the old train station… and all uphill on the way back. That means nearly 1,000 steps down and then back up. You’ll probably be fine if you’re used to hiking, but it’s a workout.
We’re not athletes by any means, but we exercise and hike regularly, and still, we had some unexpected sore legs for a couple of days afterward. So yeah, it’s tougher than it looks!
If you have any mobility issues or are traveling with young kids or elderly folks, this hike might be very difficult or even unfeasible.
What to Bring to the Côa Walkways
The Côa Walkways start right next to the Côa Museum, so if you need to grab a snack or a drink, you can always stop by the museum café before heading out.
- Water – It’s a short hike so you won’t need much, but bring some, especially on hot and sunny days.
- Comfortable shoes – Hiking shoes are always great, but if you’re used to walking in sandals or sturdy flip-flops, that works here too.
- Comfortable clothes – Nothing fancy, just what you’d usually wear for a short walk outdoors.
- Rain jacket or windbreaker – Especially useful if the weather is unstable or windy.
- Sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen – A must if you’re hiking in summer.
- Camera or phone – There are some great photo opportunities along the trail.
- Small backpack – To carry everything above comfortably.
And as always, please don’t leave any trash behind. Take everything with you.
How to Get to the Côa Walkways
As mentioned, the Côa Walkways start next to the Côa Museum, in Vila Nova de Foz Côa. To get there, you first need to reach Foz Côa and then head up to the museum, which sits at the top of the Côa Valley, about 3 km (1.9 mi) from the town center. It’s close, but definitely outside of town. Here are your best options to get there:
By Car
Driving is the easiest and most convenient way to get to Foz Côa and the museum. The roads are in good condition, and some highways get you close to the area. It takes about 2 hours from Porto, so you could even do a day trip, though it’s a bit long and tiring.
If you have the time, we recommend combining it with a visit to the nearby Douro Valley.
We highly recommend taking the N222 between Gaia and Foz Côa if you enjoy scenic drives. It’s been named one of the most beautiful roads in the world, and while it takes longer than the highway, it’s totally worth the detour.
By Train
Taking the train is an excellent option if you don’t want to drive or prefer a more relaxed travel style. It doesn’t go all the way to Foz Côa, but it does take you to Pocinho, about 8 km (5 mi) from the walkways. You’ll need a taxi (or a ride) to reach the museum.
The train ride is a highlight—the Douro Line passes through breathtaking landscapes and is considered one of the most scenic routes in Portugal. That alone makes the journey worthwhile!
By Bus
You can also reach Foz Côa by bus. It’s a practical solution since buses go directly to the town, unlike the train, which stops in Pocinho. However, just like with the train, you’ll still need a way to get from the city to the museum and the start of the walkways. The bus ride isn’t as scenic as the train, but it’s still a solid option.
Where to Stay in Foz Côa
You can visit Foz Côa on a day trip from Porto—especially if you’re driving—but remember it’s a long and tiring journey. If you have the time, we recommend staying at least one night in the area.
That way, you can enjoy the Côa Walkways at your own pace, visit the museum, take a guided tour of the prehistoric rock engravings, and still have time to explore what the Upper Douro and Douro International regions offer. It’s one of Portugal’s most beautiful and underrated parts — worth discovering.
Here are a few great places to stay in Foz Côa:
HI Foz Côa (the Youth Hostel) is a modern hostel with good facilities and several types of accommodation — from dorms to private rooms. It’s about a 5-minute walk from the town center, which makes it convenient. It’s probably the best option for backpackers or budget travelers.
This hotel is located in the town center and is a solid choice if you want something more comfortable and don’t mind spending more. The rooms are nice and simple — nothing fancy, but practical and well-located. Click here to check out Hotel Vale do Côa.
If you’re after a more private and cozy stay, Casa do Tablado is a fantastic option. Perfect for couples or families, it offers the comfort and freedom of a whole house. It has outstanding reviews on Booking, which speaks for itself. It is an excellent pick for anyone who wants to slow down and enjoy the region at a relaxed pace.
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