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Porto and the North

Porto

Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Porto is the most significant city in northern Portugal—so influential, in fact, that it gave the country its name, as well as its world-renowned wine.

To truly experience the spirit of Porto, one must wander through its characteristic neighborhoods, especially the atmospheric Ribeira district, nestled along the riverbank. This lively waterfront area, with its narrow, winding streets and colorful façades, is the perfect starting point for exploring the city’s historic core.

Among Porto’s architectural gems, several stand out:

  • The Stock Exchange Palace (Palácio da Bolsa), a stunning 19th-century neoclassical building

  • The Cathedral (Sé do Porto), with its blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles

  • The Church of Cedofeita, one of the oldest in Portugal, built in the Romanesque style

  • The Clérigos Tower and Church, iconic examples of Baroque architecture and a symbol of the city

  • The Church of São Francisco, with Romanesque roots and a lavish, gold-leaf-covered Baroque interior

  • The Church of Carmo, famous for its exquisite blue-and-white tiled façade

Porto also boasts an impressive selection of museums:

  • The Soares dos Reis National Museum, featuring 19th-century Portuguese art and sculpture

  • The Serralves Foundation, home to a leading Museum of Contemporary Art and surrounded by serene parklands

  • The Casa-Museu Guerra Junqueiro, once home to the poet and art collector, now a museum of decorative arts

  • The Romantic Museum of Quinta da Macieirinha, offering a glimpse into the 19th-century aristocratic lifestyle

No visit to Porto is complete without crossing the Douro River to Vila Nova de Gaia, where the legendary Port wine lodges await. Here, visitors can tour the historic cellars, learn about the wine’s aging process, and enjoy complimentary tastings of this iconic Portuguese export.

The Douro region

The Douro River, the longest in northern Portugal, carves a graceful path through rugged mountains and steep cliffs before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean near the city of Porto. Its serpentine course has shaped not only the landscape but also the cultural and historical identity of the region.

To tame its wild flow and allow for navigation, a series of dams were constructed along the river. Today, these calm waters offer the perfect setting for leisurely river cruises and pleasure boat excursions, many of which begin in Porto and wind inland through the stunning Douro Valley.

One of the most captivating stretches lies between Mesão Frio and Pinhão, where the valley sides are draped in meticulously terraced vineyards. These ancient stone terraces nurture the grapes that give life to Port wine, a product as unique as the land from which it comes.

Yet, the Douro region is much more than its world-famous wine. Traces of prehistoric life endure in the remarkable rock art of Vila Nova de Foz Côa, where ancient cave paintings tell stories thousands of years old. Throughout the region, medieval castles, Romanesque churches, and Cistercian convents punctuate the hills and plains, standing as sentinels of Portugal’s layered past.

History and devotion intertwine in the area’s aristocratic manor houses and religious sanctuaries. The Mateus Palace, a Baroque masterpiece near Vila Real, offers a glimpse into noble life, while the monumental Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios in Lamego remains a focal point of local faith and festivity, its grand stairway drawing pilgrims and admirers alike.

From ancient art to sacred spaces and vineyards to valleys, the Douro region is a mosaic of natural beauty and cultural richness—an unmissable chapter in Portugal’s story.

North East Region of Tras-os-Montes

In this region, ancient traditions of music and dance still thrive, preserving a cultural heritage that bears the imprint of Celtic influence. One striking example is the Pauliteiros dance of Miranda do Douro, performed with rhythmic precision and wooden sticks—a ritualistic display that echoes an ancestral past. The area’s vibrant secular festivals and religious processions are further testament to its layered history, where Christian rituals were seamlessly grafted onto earlier pagan customs, creating a unique spiritual tapestry.

Blessed with unspoiled natural landscapes, the region is a true haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of mountain trekking, the tranquility of canoeing through crystal-clear waters, or the healing benefits of thermal waters, this is a place that invites you to slow down and reconnect.

Several spa towns—including Carvalhelhos, Chaves, and Pedras Salgadas—offer therapeutic retreats steeped in tradition. In Vidago, you’ll find not only mineral-rich springs but also a magnificent park complete with swimming pools and a lush golf course, blending wellness with leisure in an elegant setting.

The Coastal Region of Minho

Porto, unquestionably the capital of northern Portugal, blends the elegance of a historic riverside city with the energy of a modern European hub. Home to an international airport and a vibrant commercial and industrial scene, Porto is a city where tradition and innovation coexist harmoniously. Its rich heritage is reflected in its architecture and culture, while its forward-looking spirit pulses through thriving start-ups, contemporary art spaces, and cutting-edge cuisine.

Heading north along the coastal road that connects Vila do Conde to Valença, travelers are treated to a scenic route lined with golden beaches, lively summer resorts, and charming towns, including the picturesque villages of Caminha and Vila Nova de Cerveira—each offering a distinct glimpse into local life and maritime tradition.

Further inland lies one of Portugal’s natural treasures: the Peneda-Gerês National Park. Stretching across the mountainous ranges of Peneda, Soajo, and Gerês, this protected area is a sanctuary for hikers, nature lovers, and anyone seeking the tranquility of cascading waterfalls, ancient forests, and traditional granite villages untouched by time.

The cultural richness of the region is anchored by three historic towns. Viana do Castelo, perched at the mouth of the Lima River, exudes elegance with its hilltop basilica and maritime heritage. Braga, often called the “Portuguese Rome,” is steeped in ecclesiastical history, with its baroque churches and religious festivals. And Guimarães, recognized as the birthplace of the Portuguese nation, welcomes visitors with its medieval charm and UNESCO-listed center.

Adding to the allure, the manorial estates and stately homes of the north open their doors to guests, offering bed-and-breakfast accommodations that blend old-world aristocratic charm with modern hospitality. Staying in these historical residences provides a rare and intimate experience of Portugal’s noble traditions—quiet, elegant, and unforgettable.

Barcelos

Medieval walled town and a dungeon of the same epoch. Worthy of a visit are the Ceramics Museum (Museu de Olaria), the Archaeological Museum of the Dukes’ Palace, the mother-church (Romanesque-Gothic), and the churches of Terco, Cruzes and Benedictine Convent. Walking tours around the ancient Jewish quarter or in the streets with medieval houses and Baroque manors; boat tours on the Cavado rive

Braga

Braga, founded by the Celts in 300 B.C. and later established as a Roman administrative center in 27 B.C. under the name Bracara Augusta, is a city where ancient religious significance seamlessly intertwines with modern commercial and industrial prosperity.

A visit to Braga is a journey through time. The Cathedral of Braga (Sé de Braga), with its fascinating blend of 12th to 18th-century architecture, is a must-see. The Sacred Art Museum, located within the cathedral, showcases an impressive collection of religious relics, while the Museum of the Biscainhos Palace offers a glimpse into the city’s aristocratic past. Another cultural highlight is the Dom Diogo de Sousa Museum, which delves into Braga’s Roman and medieval history.

The city is also home to several notable churches. The Church of Misericórdia, with its Renaissance elements, and the Church of Populo, dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, stand as testaments to Braga’s rich ecclesiastical heritage. Another gem is the Church of Nossa Senhora Branca, an 18th-century treasure that blends simplicity and grace.

Just outside the city, about 2.5 miles from the center, lies the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora do Sameiro, offering sweeping views and spiritual tranquility. History buffs will also appreciate the Monastery of Tibaes, originally founded during the Suevian period and rebuilt in the 11th century, as well as the Church of São Frutuoso de Montelios, a rare 7th-century Visigothic temple that speaks to the region’s deep historical roots.

Bragança

Majestic city, with medieval castle and walls. Its Domus Municipalis is a unique example of civic Romanesque architecture in Portugal. Special mention must be made to the Cathedral (16th century), Santa Maria Church, Casa da Misericordia Chapel, Santa Clara Convent and Church (16th century), Sao Bento Convent and Church (17th-18th centuries), and the Abade de Bacal Museum. At the Railway Museum, 19th century, locomotives and carriages.

Chaves

Crossing the Tâmega river, the Roman bridge is one of the most characteristic images of the city. The 14th century castle houses the Archaeology and Epigraphy Museum. The forts of Sao Francisco and Sao Neutel (18th century), the mother-church (Romanesque origin), and the Misericordia Church (Baroque) are worthy of a visit. Notice the original balconies of the houses in Rua Direita

Guimaraes

Guimarães, often hailed as the birthplace of Portugal, is a city steeped in history, where the past and present coexist harmoniously. Its medieval castle and well-preserved city walls provide a striking backdrop to the charming and vibrant historic center, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

A visit to Guimarães reveals a wealth of cultural and historical treasures. The Church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira is home to the Alberto Sampaio Museum, which showcases religious art and artifacts from the region’s past. The Cloister of São Domingos Convent houses the Martins Sarmento Museum, which explores the local archeological history, while the Sacred Art Museum, located in the former Dominican convent, presents a remarkable collection of ecclesiastical works.

Among the city’s architectural jewels is the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança, a 15th-century masterpiece that offers a glimpse into the grandeur of Portuguese nobility. The Church of São Miguel, a fine example of Romanesque architecture, and the Church of Santos Passos, a Baroque beauty, add to the city’s rich religious heritage. Equally notable is the Monastery of Santa Marinha da Costa, which has been converted into a Pousada, offering visitors the chance to stay in a historic setting full of charm and character.

Just outside the city lies the early settlement of Briteiros, an archeological site that offers a fascinating look at prehistoric life in the region.

Lamego

From the heart of a verdant park rises the sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remedios, with its magnificent Baroque staircase (686 steps). Medieval monuments: (castle, tower-fortress 12th-13th centuries) and the Almacave Church. Also worthwhile visiting are the Renaissance churches of Chagas and Santa Cruz, and the Regional Museum and at the village of Balsemao, the chapel of Suevian-Byzantine origin (7th century).

Ponte de Lima

Beautiful small town with a Roman bridge and medieval towers. The region is renowned for its large number of manor houses (accommodation provided in privately-owned manor houses).

Viana do Castelo

Spread along the north bank of the Lima estuary (where one can take trips on typical boats), this town is famous for its handicrafts and colorful regional costumes. Deserving special mention are the mother-church and the ancient Pacos do Concelho (both Gothic), Casa da Misericordia (Mannerist, with a sacred art treasure), the medieval Casa dos Arcos, the convent of Santa Ana (16th-century), and the Regional Museum. Up above and dominating the city is the sanctuary of Santa Luzia, featuring a fantastic view of the town, the river and the Atlantic ocean.

Vila do Conde

Ancient medieval shipyard. Interesting architectonic places to visit are the mother-church (Manueline style), the Santa Clara Convent (18th century), the Misericordia Church (Renaissance), the Aqueduct, and St. John the Baptist Fortress. This town is also famous for its manufactured lace.

Vila Nova de Foz Coa

This is the center for visits to the Coa Archaeological Park, and where a set of cave paintings were discovered on the banks the river Coa dating from the upper Paleolithic period. From here visits can be arranged to the centers of Penascosa, Ribeira de Priscos and Canada do Inferno. In Vila Nova de Foz Coa itself the main church contains a beautiful portico from the Manueline period.

Vila Real

Town with great religious architecture diversity: Cathedral and Sao Bras Chapel (Gothic); churches of SaoPedro and Misericordia (16th century), Sao Dinis (16th-18th centuries) and the Baroque Capela Nova and Clerigos Church. Also worthwhile visiting nearby the city is the famous Mateus Palace, a Baroque masterpiece, where cultural events are currently held. 

Other Places of Interest

Amarante, Arcos de Valdevez, Azurara, Cabeceiras de Basto, Caldas das Taipas and Caldelas (spas), Caminha, Carrazedo, Espinho (casino), Esposende, Fao, Freixo de Espada à Cinta, Gondomar, Marco de Canaveses, Melgaco, Mesao Frio, Miranda do Douro, Mirandela, Moncao, Montalegre, Murca, Pacos de Ferreira, Penafiel, Peso da Regua, Ponte da Barca, Povoa de Varzim (casino), Ribeira de Pena, Santa Maria de Bouro, Santo Tirso, S. Joao de Tarouca (Cister monastery, 12th century), Sernancelhe, Valenca, Vieira do Minho, Vila Flor, Vila Nova de Cerveira, Vila Nova de Gaia, Vilar de Frades, Vizela.

Regional Gastronomy

  • Caldo verde (cale and spicy sausage soup)
  • Bacalhau (dried salt cod fish)
  • Feijoada à transmontana (bean stew)
  • Trout
  • Rabanadas, papos-de-anjo, barrigas-de-freiras (sweetmeats)
  • Wines: vinhos verdes, Port wine, wines from the Douro region and Tras-os-Montes

Regional Handicafts

  • Embroideries, linen, textiles and tapestry
  • Jewelry and filigree
  • Popular ceramics and pottery
  • Works in wood, leather, copper, tin, wrought iron, wicker and osier.