Portugal Norte

Porto, the second largest city in Portugal, is an ancient city, yet one that is young and vibrant in spirit. A coastal city located on the northern bank of the mouth of the Douro River, it is home to historical sites - baroque churches, bell towers rising over the city, magnificent Art Nouveau style buildings, and narrow alleys studded with bookstores and antiques- as well as a vibrant night life, great shopping, cafes, excellent restaurants, and the Port lodges which feature the outstanding local Port wines. Porto is also known for its laid-back vibe and its beauty - charming homes along the banks of the river, romantic spots, and picturesque bridges which connect its two sides.

Guimaraes, a charming town known as the “Cradle of Portugal,” is located in northern Portugal. It is the birthplace of the country’s first king, Alfonso Henriques, in the 12th century, and it is an exceptionally well-preserved medieval town which has retained much of the charm and authenticity of the country’s glorious past. It is located 40 miles from Porto and is among the “must- sees” of any trip to Portugal! 

Viana do Castelo is the lovely and colorful capital city of the Minho Province in Portugal. Located near the mouth of the Lima River, it was an important fishing port known for its handicrafts, filigree work, and embroidered cotton and linen.

Vila Nova de Gaia is often associated with one thing – port wine. This region is where the world’s port wine has originated since the 17th century. Located south of Porto, on the other side of the Douro River, the city is in close proximity to the fertile, mountainous Douro Valley where the grapes are grown as well as to the Atlantic Ocean, turning it into a hub for wine export.

Vila Real is situated on the steep slopes above the confluence of the Corgo and Cabril Rivers and between mountain ranges. A university town, it was originally established in the 13th century by King Denis.

Located in Portugal’s northwest, Braga is the largest city of the Minho province and Portugal’s third largest city. It is the seat of the archbishop and is widely regarded as the religious center of Portugal. In fact, with over 300 churches, Braga has been dubbed the “Portuguese Rome!” In addition to its rich heritage, the city boasts outstanding tourist sites, exceptional cuisine, a vibrant university, idyllic weather, and exciting festivals.

Braganca, a beautiful and well-preserved medieval village, is located in northeastern Portugal in the Tras-os-Montes region of Portugal. Tras-os-Montes, meaning “behind the mountains” best describes this most remote region which was cut off from the world by three mountain ranges. 

Ponte de Lima, situated in the serene Lima Valley on the Lima River, is one of the most charming and picturesque cities in northern Portugal – the perfect destination for a day excursion. It is also among the oldest and most historic of Portugal’s villages, with beautiful baroque and neo-classical homes, religious buildings, delightful squares, and its namesake historic bridge. Ponte de Lima is home to the popular Green Wine (Vinho Verde), as well.

It is home to a charming historic center, a poetic folk hero, and beautiful sandy beaches – among the best in the north of Porto. It served as an important port for salt export during the Roman period and continued to be a key shipping port during the Age of Discovery.

Matosinhos is a city and a municipality in northern Portugal. It is bordered to the south by the city of Porto and lies within the Greater Porto subregion. Matosinhos has good summer weather, nice beaches, but cool water temperature. It also has several local landmarks such as Forte de Nossa Senhora Da Conceição.