Portugal - North

A striking view of the walled citadel of Bragança.

Bragança

Bragança is the capital of the province of Trás-os-Montes in north-eastern Portugal. Unexploited by tourism, this remote, mountainous region offers beautiful scenery, historic towns, natural landscapes and rich local cuisine. Bragança lies on the edge of the Montesinho Natural Park – one of the wildest forested areas in Europe with a great diversity of fauna and flora.

Locals enjoy a strong traditional way of life, especially in small towns such as Miranda do Douro, Mogadouro, Torre de Moncorvo and Freixo de Espada à Cinta. Daily life has not changed for hundreds of years and these isolated stone villages retain a rustic beauty of their own. The region is especially beautiful in spring, when a white mantle of almond blossom covers the valleys. Nearby Mirandela is known for its cured meats and sausages, and you can find many delicious local specialties throughout the region.

The carnival celebrations in Trás-os-Montes are a vibrant and richly-honoured tradition. The festivities last for days preceding Ash Wednesday and feature colourful costumes, lively parades and traditional music, attracting happy revellers from all over the world.

Santuário do Bom Jesus do Monte, Braga. A grand Baroque stairway leads up to the 18th century neoclassical church.

Braga

Braga

Braga is situated in the heart of the fertile Minho province in north-western Portugal, surrounded by a gently rolling landscape of mountains and forests. One of Portugal's main religious centres, the city is renowned for its baroque churches, splendid 18th century houses and beautiful parks and gardens. The old city is solemn and antique, although industry and commerce have brought a modern way of life, complemented by local universities, contemporary restaurants and lively bars. On Thursday mornings, Braga hosts the largest market in the region, with stalls selling everything from fresh produce to traditional ceramics.

The city’s history is evident in its numerous churches and monuments, the principal landmarks including the striking Sé Cathedral and the 17th-century church of Santa Cruz. On a hill about 5 kilometres (3.1 miles) south-east stands the sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, which is an important pilgrimage site. Beyond it is Mount Sameiro, where a colossal statue of the Virgin Mary overlooks the city. A short drive from Braga, the Citânia de Briteiros is an impressive archaeological site from the Iron Age.

Beautiful, wild beaches can be found along the coast in Esposende, Ofir and Apúlia. The whole district is famous for its festivals and local gastronomy, boasting traditional recipes include codfish (cooked in hundreds of different ways) and oven-roasted duck with rice.

Santa Luzia Basilica, Viana do Castelo. This impressive basilica was inspired by Romanesque, Byzantine and Gothic architecture.

Viana do Castelo is located at the mouth of the Lima river.

Viana do Castelo

Situated at the mouth of the Lima river, between the ocean and the mountains, the charming city of Viana do Castelo is steeped in tradition. Historically, the city was a crucial point of departure during the Age of Discovery, when many Portuguese explorers embarked to discover the unknown world.

Today, Viana do Castelo is a lively fishing port, renowned for its compelling architecture, featuring Manueline and Renaissance influences as well as innovative contemporary design. Below the hills of Santa Luzia, the narrow, winding streets are lined with beautiful palaces and houses constructed over the centuries. Visitors will also enjoy the beautiful Cabedelo beach across the Lima estuary.

Throughout the Minho province, many religious festivals and popular fairs are held throughout the year. Festivities in Viana do Castelo culminate in the middle of August with the celebration of the Romaria de Nossa Senhora d’Agonia, which dates back to the 18th century. For three days, the streets are filled with people enjoying the parade of floats, towering puppets and colourful local costumes, as well as traditional music and food. 

The nearby town of Ponte de Lima boasts a fine Roman bridge, a lively market and neighbourhoods of impressive rural mansions and old cottages. Along the Minho river, which separates Spain from Portugal, interesting border towns include Caminha, Valença, Monção and Melgaço. Other places to visit include the quaint towns of Paredes de Coura, Arcos de Valdevez and Ponte da Barca. Every two years, Vila Nova de Cerveira hosts a contemporary arts festival.

The impressive Guimarães castle is one of the city’s most famous landmarks.

This lovely fountain in Largo do Toural is located in the centre of Guimarães.

Guimarães

Situated in the district of Braga, the quaint city of Guimarães is one of Portugal’s most important historical destinations. Portugal’s first king, Afonso Henriques, chose this former Roman city to be the administrative capital of the Portuguese kingdom after his victory at the Battle of São Mamede in 1128. Known as the birthplace of the nation, Guimarães is a fascinating place to visit, with its proud castle and well-preserved medieval quarter. The city was declared an UNESCO World Heritage site in 2001.
This charming old town is a maze of narrow winding streets, flanked by old houses decorated with statues which lead to the impressive main square, Largo da Oliveira and the old Ducal Palace. For a true taste of the medieval atmosphere, visit Guimarães during the first weekend of August for the annual Festas Gualterianas (held since 1452), which features a medieval-style handicraft market, arts fair and lively costume parade.
Guimarães has been designated the European Capital of Culture for 2012 and will showcase a wide selection of concerts, events and exhibitions to celebrate this achievement.

Paço dos Duques de Bragança, Barcelos. The palace of the Dukes of Bragança is now an open-air archaeological museum.

The Cávado river runs through the charming medieval town of Barcelos.

Barcelos

Situated north of Porto, the city of Barcelos is known for its handmade ceramics, especially the Galo de Barcelos – a colourful cockerel which is acknowledged as an unofficial national icon and often used as a symbol of Portugal. The medieval walled town is situated on a hill above the Cavado river, its charming streets lined with baroque houses.
Every Thursday, the local market in Campo da República attracts tourists and visitors from all over the region. Feira de Barcelos is a decidedly rural affair, with stalls offering seasonal fruit and vegetables, homemade cheeses and beautiful ceramics, as well as all kinds of handicrafts featuring the trademark Barcelos cockerel.
Other local attractions include the Nossa Senhora do Terço church, the Centro do Artesanato de Barcelos (handicrafts centre) and the ruins of the 15th century Paço dos Duques de Bragança (Palace of the Dukes of Bragança), which have been transformed into an open-air archaeological museum. This site also features a cross which describes the story of Galo de Barcelos.

Casa de Mateus is depicted on the labels of the famous Mateus rosé wine.

Cruises along the Douro river are a unique way to see this beautiful region.

Ingeniously terraced vineyards in the Douro river valley.

Vila Real

Situated at the foothills of the majestic slopes of Serra do Marão, Vila Real is a small, lively city in north-eastern Portugal. Founded by King Dinis in 1289, Vila Real played an important role in the history of Portugal. It was the birthplace of Diogo Cão, the first explorer to reach the Congo river, and António da Silveira Pinto da Fonseca (known as the Count of Amarante), who was an influential member of the Portuguese military and lead numerous uprisings against the Liberal constitution. Many aristocrats built grand palaces here during the 16th and 17th centuries, befitting the city’s literal name, ‘royal villa’.
Vila Real is an ideal base for exploring the Douro river valley and following the famous Port Wine Route. Port wine begins its life in wine estates south of the city, planted in terraced vineyards along steep riverbanks. Early autumn is the best time to visit as many farms welcome visitors and you can watch the workers picking grapes, often singing while they work. For centuries, agriculture has been an important means of livelihood in this region.
There are many charming towns and villages near Vila Real, including Peso da Régua and Sabrosa, which boasts 15th century houses and vineyards set above the Pinhão river. Sample excellent wines throughout the region, including those from Mesão Frio and Murça, a town also known for its local honey, goat’s cheese and sausages. The historic city of Chaves is famous for its hot springs and the Roman bridge, which was built around AD 100. Also worth visiting are the nearby towns of Bisalhães, renowned for its unusual black pottery and Boticas, where you can taste the famous vinho dos mortos (wine of the dead), which is buried in deep cellars to mature.

Portugal - Porto - North

Porto is an enchanting city, established on the hills at the mouth of the Douro river. Designated an UNESCO World Heritage site for its historic buildings and outstanding monuments, highlights of Portugal’s second largest city include the formidable Porto cathedral, the Torre dos Clérigos and the conspicuous Port wine lodges that dominate the hillside of Vila Nova de Gaia. Although largely industrialised, Porto offers a compelling synthesis of ancient and contemporary attractions.

The province is a thriving commercial and industrial hub, filled with charming villages and prosperous towns. Take a drive along the roastline, stopping to explore the cosmopolitan resort of Espinho, sample freshly-caught seafood in the port of Matosinhos or take a gamble at the dazzling Casino da Póvoa. Head inland to the beautiful city of Amarante to try delicious pastries called papos de anjo and enjoy a stroll along the Tâmega river, which is lined with 17th century mansions.

Caves do Vinho do Porto (Port wine cellars) (Vila Nova de Gaia)
Opposite the centre of Porto, on the southern bank of the Douro river, numerous Port wine lodges are a prominent tourist attraction. This sweet, fortified wine is produced from grapes grown in the Douro region and transferred to the cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia where it is blended and aged. Visitors can spend days touring the cavernous cellars along the waterfront (there are over 50 to choose from), while sampling dozens of world-class port varieties. 
Sé Catedral

Porto’s imposing cathedral was completed in the 13th century, although many aspects of the design have changed over the centuries. Featuring ornate carvings, paintings, sculptures and sacred religious treasures, as well as a marble chapel, a Romanesque rose window and intricate baroque azulejos throughout the cloister and terrace, the cathedral’s mesmerising grandeur is truly breathtaking.

Torre dos Clérigos (Tower of the Clergy)

This baroque bell tower was completed in 1763 and looms high above the city. The tallest in Portugal, visitors can climb the 225 steps to enjoy the spectacular panorama. The adjoining oval-shaped Igreja dos Clérigos is an outstanding example of the synthesis of baroque and rococo architectural styles, featuring an intricate façade, elaborate engravings and a remarkable pipe organ dating back to 1774.

Casa da Música 

Conceived to mark Porto’s status as European Cultural Capital in 2001, Casa da Música is a dynamic modern concert hall dedicated to the creation and celebration of music. This cultural centre also offers guided tours and workshops and contains a restaurant and bars where visitors can relax. The myriad events range from jazz to classical performances, international DJs to world music.

Palácio da Bolsa (Former stock exchange)
Featuring an impressive neoclassical façade, this striking former stock exchange was built in the 19th century. The building resembles a royal palace, particularly the ornate Arabian Hall (a replica of the Alhambra Palace in Grenada), which is used as a reception room for visiting heads of state. The palace has been majestically embellished with sculptures, paintings and frescos by numerous Portuguese masters and visitors can also attend cultural events and exhibitions, or enjoy a meal at the restaurant.

Museu de Serralves (Museum of Contemporary Art)
Surrounded by the extensive Serralves gardens, which is also used as an outdoor exhibition area, the Museu de Serralves was designed by renowned Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza Vieira. Featuring an outstanding collection of national and regional contemporary art dating from the 1960s, the museum also hosts a selection of cultural events, including concerts and educational workshops for children.

Antiga Cadeia da Relação (Old Relação Prison)
This austere former prison is one of the landmark buildings in the history of Porto. Built in 1765, the triangular-shaped structure also housed the Court of Appeal. Numerous Portuguese personalities passed through the cells of this prison, including writer Camilo Castelo Branco, who wrote his famous romance Amor de Perdição while incarcerated. Since 2001, the building has been home to the Portuguese Centre for Photography, and still retains many original features.

Edifício do Instituto do Vinho do Porto (Institute for Port and Douro wines)
The Institute for Port and Douro wines is situated in the heart of Porto’s historic centre and is responsible for ensuring the quality and authenticity of Douro wines. Marble memorial stones in the entrance hall commemorate important dates and events in the history of local wine production and visitors can also learn about the complex process of making port.

Jardim de São Lázaro (São Lázaro Garden)  

The São Lázaro Garden is the oldest municipal garden in Porto, dating back to 1834. The extensive grounds are filled with ancient lime, magnolia and acacia trees, as well as historic monuments including a gazebo and marble fountain, which once belonged to the São Domingos convent.

Jardim do Passeio Alegre (Passeio Alegre Garden)
Situated along the banks of the Douro river, the oldest trees in these immaculately landscaped gardens were planted in 1870. The monumental fountain by Nicolau Nasoni is a national monument and the Chalé Suíço kiosk was a meeting place for intellectuals in the late 19th century. Featuring romantic avenues lined with palm trees, ancient araucarias and a wealth of diverse plant life, the splendour and poetic beauty of these gardens are beloved to local inhabitants.