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.