{"id":37884,"date":"2023-12-17T15:45:03","date_gmt":"2023-12-17T14:45:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/niet-gecategoriseerd\/northern-portugal-what-to-see-and-do\/"},"modified":"2026-06-25T18:21:02","modified_gmt":"2026-06-25T16:21:02","slug":"northern-portugal-what-to-see-and-do","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/northern-portugal\/northern-portugal-what-to-see-and-do\/","title":{"rendered":"Northern Portugal: What to See and Do?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Surprising Natural Beauty in Northern Portugal: From the Costa Verde to the Douro<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Northern Portugal is the country\u2019s green lung: wild granite mountains, waterfalls flowing through ferns, and terraced vineyards clinging to the hillsides. In the villages, people still have time to spare. Porto is the perfect starting point for your trip, but the real treat lies in the nature parks <a href=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/portugal\/wandelen-in-de-peneda-geres\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/portugal\/wandelen-in-de-peneda-geres\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Peneda-Ger\u00eas<\/strong><\/a>, Alv\u00e3o, and Montesinho, the Douro River, and quiet beaches along the Costa Verde. Read <strong>about what to see and do in Northern Portugal<\/strong>.   <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7-Day Sample Itinerary for a Road Trip Through Northern Portugal (at a Leisurely Pace)<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Days 1\u20132: Porto<\/strong>. Strolling through Ribeira, admiring the azulejos, taking the tram to Foz.   <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Days 3\u20134: Peneda-Ger\u00eas (Alto Minho)<\/strong>. Soajo\/Lindoso, Pedra Bela, waterfalls &amp; natural pools.   <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Day 5: Viana do Castelo &amp; beaches<\/strong>. Santa Luzia, Cabedelo, or Afife.   <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Day 6: Douro Valley<\/strong>. Viewpoints, visit to a quinta, and possibly Pinh\u00e3o.   <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Day 7: Alv\u00e3o (Vila Real)<\/strong>. Fisgas do Ermelo hike; ending the day with local cuisine.   <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Extra days?<\/em>  Add Montesinho (Bragan\u00e7a) to the list for pure countryside and tranquility.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It was here that Portugal was founded in the<sup>12th<\/sup> century and became an official country; hospitable people, delicious cuisine, and surprisingly beautiful beaches.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"22399\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/The-other-side-of-Douro-&#xA9;PGW-69-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22399\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"972\" height=\"648\" data-id=\"22122\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/PGW-Explore-Peneda-Geres-National-Park-40.jpg\" alt=\"Peneda-Ger&#xEA;s National Park - Avelar - Soajo - sheep\" class=\"wp-image-22122\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/PGW-Explore-Peneda-Geres-National-Park-40.jpg 972w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/PGW-Explore-Peneda-Geres-National-Park-40-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 972px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:#eeeee8\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Northern Portugal at a Glance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Best time to visit:<\/strong> May\u2013June &amp; September\u2013October (mild weather, fewer crowds)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Atmosphere:<\/strong> green, peaceful, authentic. Very different from the southern coast   <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Must-see natural attractions:<\/strong> Peneda-Ger\u00eas National Park, Fisgas do Ermelo (Alv\u00e3o), Montesinho  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Cultural Cities:<\/strong> Porto, Braga, Guimar\u00e3es, Viana do Castelo, Lamego  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Slow travel tip:<\/strong> Take the <strong>Linha do Douro<\/strong>, one of Europe\u2019s most beautiful train routes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Northern Portugal?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re looking for nature, tranquility, and character\u2014without mass tourism\u2014then the north is the place for you. The entire area stretching from Porto is also known as the<a href=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/northern-portugal\/8-day-hiking-tour-of-the-costa-verde-portugal\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"22275\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u201cCosta Verde<\/a>,\u201d but the region is officially called Northern Portugal: pine and eucalyptus forests along the coast, rugged mountain ranges inland, and a cuisine that will keep you coming back for more (Minho dishes, fresh fish, Vinho Verde, and Douro wines).   <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rugged mountain ranges, flower-filled valleys, and centuries-old, authentic villages where time seems to have stood still.  <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"18521\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/8bff1a1c-90b2-4f04-9975-6bcfbdc918ce-1-1-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Porto - Livraria Lello - staircase\" class=\"wp-image-18521\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"3070\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/porto-250419_1920-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3070\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/porto-250419_1920-980x653.jpg 980w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/porto-250419_1920-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"304\" data-id=\"2835\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Boot-op-Douro-Porto.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2835\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Boot-op-Douro-Porto.jpeg 640w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Boot-op-Douro-Porto-480x228.jpeg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 640px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The 4 subregions of Northern Portugal<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Northern Portugal is divided into 4 subregions:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/portugal\/city-break-in-porto-and-lisbon-a-week-long-road-trip\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"2831\">Porto<\/a><\/strong><strong>&amp; surrounding area<\/strong>: lively city, azulejos, wine lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia, beach within tram distance.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The Douro Valley<\/strong>: a UNESCO Cultural Landscape; terraced vineyards, wineries, miradouros, and an iconic railway line.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Alto<\/strong> <strong>Minho<\/strong>: green and traditional. The perfect base for exploring <strong>Peneda-Ger\u00eas<\/strong> and rivers like the Lima.   <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tr\u00e1s-os-Montes<\/strong>: literally \u201cbehind the mountains.\u201d Quieter, higher, more rugged; home to <strong>Alv\u00e3o<\/strong> and <strong>Montesinho<\/strong>. The hidden gem of northern Portugal, in the northeast on the border with Spain  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"2820\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Braga-Natuur-Noord-Portugal-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2820\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Braga-Natuur-Noord-Portugal-980x653.jpg 980w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Braga-Natuur-Noord-Portugal-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nature That Stays With You<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Peneda-Ger\u00eas National Park<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Portugal\u2019s only national park (and UNESCO biosphere reserve) is a mosaic of granite peaks, natural swimming pools, and wolf territory. Here you can sometimes spot <strong>garranos<\/strong> (semi-wild ponies), hike along ancient shepherds\u2019 trails (brandas), and pass Roman \u201cgeira\u201d milestones. Read more about the <a href=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/portugal\/peneda-geres-northern-portugal\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"2827\"><strong>Peneda-Ger\u00eas<\/strong><\/a>.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Things to do:<\/strong> waterfalls near Tahiti\/Arado, villages such as Soajo and Lindoso (espigueiros!), viewpoints near Pedra Bela.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"has-background wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"background-color:#eeeee8\">Read more here about an<a href=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/northern-portugal\/8-day-individual-hiking-tour-of-peneda-geres\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/portugal\/noord-portugal\/wandelen-peneda-geres\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> <strong>8-day self-guided hiking trip to Peneda-Ger\u00eas<\/strong><\/a> with a local specialist. Includes accommodations, luggage transport, and itineraries. <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Do Alv\u00e3o Nature Park<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Known for <strong>Fisgas do Ermelo<\/strong>, one of Portugal\u2019s tallest waterfall systems, and rugged rock formations along the Olo River. Imagine silver birches, oak forests, and quiet trails where you\u2019ll often be the only one walking.   <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Things to do:<\/strong> Hiking trails around Fisgas; picnic by the river pools (leave no trace).  <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Montesinho Nature Park<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To the northeast, bordering Spain; rolling mountain ridges, chestnut and oak forests, shepherds\u2019 villages, and more than 100 species of breeding birds.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Things to do:<\/strong> hike around Montesinho and Coroa mountains; visit village pubs serving hearty local cuisine.  <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"22254\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_9133-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Douro Valley - Hiking\" class=\"wp-image-22254\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"22403\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/The-other-side-of-Douro-&#xA9;PGW-78.jpg\" alt=\"Douro Valley - wine cellar - barrels\" class=\"wp-image-22403\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"22394\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/The-other-side-of-Douro-&#xA9;PGW-58-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22394\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Douro Valley (UNESCO)  <\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Douro changes color with the seasons: emerald in the spring, gold in late summer, and copper-red in the fall. Sample port and dry Douro wines, plan stops at viewpoints (miradouros), and visit a <strong>quinta<\/strong> (winery).   <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Slow travel tip:<\/strong> The <strong>Linha do Douro<\/strong> railway line from Porto (S\u00e3o Bento) past Pinh\u00e3o to Pocinho is a dream route along the river.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"has-background wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"background-color:#eeeee8\">1. Read more here about an 8-day individual <a href=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/northern-portugal\/8-day-hiking-tour-of-the-douro-valley-the-other-side-of-the-river\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"22335\"><strong>hiking trip to the other side of the Douro<\/strong><\/a>. Accommodations, luggage transport, and support from local specialists. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"has-background wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"background-color:#eeeeee\">2. Here you&#8217;ll find more information about an 8-day individual <a href=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/northern-portugal\/8-day-hiking-tour-douro-international-coa-valley\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"22201\"><strong>hiking trip to the Douro Valley and the Coa Valley<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"22319\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/PGW-Atlantic-route-Walking-tour-58-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Costa Verder, Portugal - Wooden Walking Trails\" class=\"wp-image-22319\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/PGW-Atlantic-route-Walking-tour-58-980x653.jpg 980w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/PGW-Atlantic-route-Walking-tour-58-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"22297\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/PGW-Atlantic-route-Walking-tour-13-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Costa Verde - Grilled Fish\" class=\"wp-image-22297\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/PGW-Atlantic-route-Walking-tour-13-980x653.jpg 980w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/PGW-Atlantic-route-Walking-tour-13-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"22308\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/PGW-Atlantic-route-Walking-tour-34-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Costa Verde - the wide beaches of P&#xF3;voa de Varzim\" class=\"wp-image-22308\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/PGW-Atlantic-route-Walking-tour-34-980x653.jpg 980w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/PGW-Atlantic-route-Walking-tour-34-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Beautiful (and quiet) beaches along the Costa Verde in Northern Portugal  <\/h2>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Praia de Afife (Viana do Castelo):<\/strong> wide, quiet, with rough waves. Great for surfers (watch out for currents).   <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Praia do Cabedelo (Viana):<\/strong> a sandbar across from the city; popular with kiteboarders and windsurfers.  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Senhor da Pedra (Miramar, Vila Nova de Gaia):<\/strong> a chapel perched on a rock in the sea, especially picturesque at sunset.  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Praia da Aguda:<\/strong> great for swimming (at certain times), with a fishing village atmosphere and wooden boardwalks.  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Towns and villages you won&#8217;t want to miss<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Porto  <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the perfect starting point for your journey through the region\u2019s natural and cultural diversity.The charming Ribeira waterfront, azulejo art in S\u00e3o Bento, and port houses across the river. Take the tram to the sea (Foz) or walk across the Dom Lu\u00eds I Bridge for the view.   <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-6 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"2819\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Bom-Gesus-do-Monte-Braga-Portugal-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2819\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Bom-Gesus-do-Monte-Braga-Portugal-980x653.jpg 980w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Bom-Gesus-do-Monte-Braga-Portugal-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"2820\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Braga-Natuur-Noord-Portugal-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2820\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Braga-Natuur-Noord-Portugal-980x653.jpg 980w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Braga-Natuur-Noord-Portugal-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Braga, a vibrant college town<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>About an hour by train from Porto<\/em><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A vibrant college town featuring Portugal\u2019s oldest cathedral and the <strong>Bom Jesus do Monte<\/strong> sanctuary with its monumental zigzag staircase. A mix of centuries-old churches and modern architecture. Braga is located on one of the most important Roman trade routes.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Braga has a modern stadium designed by the famous Portuguese architect Souto Moura. The mix of students, modern architecture, and centuries-old buildings gives the city a unique and charming atmosphere. <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Guimar\u00e3es with its historic center<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>About 2 hours by train from Braga<\/em><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;If you want to understand Portugal, start here.&#8221; Medieval city center (UNESCO), castle, and palace.   <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tip:<\/strong> Take the cable car to <strong>Monte da Penha<\/strong> to see granite boulders, pine trees, and the most beautiful panoramic views. You\u2019ll also find the Nossa Senhora da Penha Monastery there. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The town is famous above all for its beautiful historic center, one of the best-preserved in Portugal. It is closely linked to the origins of Portugal. This charming medieval town offers not only a castle and a monastery but also good restaurants, small shops, and bars.  <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-7 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"2824\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Guimaraes-kasteel-noord-portugal-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2824\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Guimaraes-kasteel-noord-portugal-980x735.jpg 980w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Guimaraes-kasteel-noord-portugal-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"2823\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Guimaraes-centrum-noord-portugal-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2823\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Guimaraes-centrum-noord-portugal-980x735.jpg 980w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Guimaraes-centrum-noord-portugal-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Viana do Castelo, a beautiful city by the sea<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By the sea, on the Lima River. Climb (or drive) up to <strong>Monte de Santa Luzia<\/strong> for views of the coastline, dunes, and the city. Known for its goldsmithing and surprisingly contemporary architecture.    <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This seaside town is one of the most beautiful in northern Portugal. From Monte de Santa Luzia, you can enjoy a view of the town at the mouth of the Lima River. Here you\u2019ll also find the Templo do Sagrado Cora\u00e7\u00e3o de Jesus, built in 1898, which makes for a great starting point for your visit to the town.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition to gold filigree embroidery, it\u2019s also a paradise for lovers of contemporary architecture. Several buildings in the city were designed by well-known contemporary Portuguese architects. In the area around Viana, you can bike on dedicated bike paths along the coast or the river.  <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Ponte de Lima: Great hiking, biking, and canoeing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of Portugal&#8217;s oldest towns; a Roman bridge, an avenue lined with plane trees, and a great base for <strong>hiking, biking, and canoeing<\/strong> along the Lima River.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The small town is divided in two by the Lima River. The village is famous for its local cuisine, but also as a starting point for hiking, biking, or canoeing. <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Lamego<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the banks of the Douro. Climb the <strong>686 steps<\/strong> to the Nossa Senhora dos Rem\u00e9dios Shrine and reward yourself with the view and a glass of local white wine.   <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lamego was once one of Portugal\u2019s most important Port wine producers, located just 12 km from the banks of the Douro River. Conquered by the Moors and later reconquered by the Christians, Lamego is home to the beautiful Santuario de Nossa Senhora dos Remedios, with its 686 steps, numerous blue-and-white <em>azulejos<\/em>, and a fantastic view from the top.   <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It still boasts excellent wine production, fantastic cuisine, and beautiful landscapes. Lamego is a great base from which to explore the rest of the region. <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Chaves and the Vidago Spa<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Located inland near the Spanish border (10 km away). In Roman times, it was an important city, and in 1160, the Portuguese recaptured it from the Arabs. The village has a beautiful Roman bridge over the T\u00e2mega River.    <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hot springs, a Roman bridge over the T\u00e2mega, and Belle \u00c9poque grandeur in Vidago. Peaceful and perfect for a wellness getaway.   <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Vila Real<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Located between the Serra do Alv\u00e3o and Serra do Mar\u00e3o mountain ranges; a gateway to Alv\u00e3o. Along the Corgo Gorge, you\u2019ll find scenic overlooks and urban nature. It is the capital of the \u201cTras-os-Montes\u201d region in northeastern Portugal.    <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition to typical Portuguese churches like the Igreja do Calvario, there are many ornate buildings reflecting the city\u2019s noble history. A wide \u201cavenida\u201d runs along the edge of a deep gorge overlooking the Corgo River. If you head down to the river, you\u2019ll experience a completely different part of the city, surrounded by nature.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">TIP: The best view is behind the Igreja do Calvario church, from the Miradouro de Tr\u00e1s-do-Cemit\u00e9rio.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-8 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" data-id=\"25146\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/thomas-gabernig-ygeItp54PDA-unsplash-1-1-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Douro Line - Douro Train, Portugal\" class=\"wp-image-25146\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/thomas-gabernig-ygeItp54PDA-unsplash-1-1-980x552.jpg 980w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/thomas-gabernig-ygeItp54PDA-unsplash-1-1-480x270.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Northern Portugal by Train<\/h2>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>\u201cLinha do Douro\u201d<\/strong> train journey, which connects Porto with Pocinho in the upper Alto Douro region, is considered one of the most beautiful train routes in Europe. The biggest advantage of taking the train through the Douro over a boat trip\u2014aside from the environmental benefits\u2014is that you get to see much more of the river and the surrounding area. Moreover, the train goes all the way to Pocinho, while most riverboat trips don\u2019t go beyond Pinh\u00e3o. The most scenic stretch is between Pinh\u00e3o and Pocinho. The final stop isn\u2019t a particularly interesting town, but the train ride there is absolutely stunning. Four kilometers south of Pocinho lies the Vale do C\u00f4a, famous for its prehistoric rock art in the archaeological park (reservations required). <strong>The Linha do Douro departs from the (beautiful) <a href=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/portugal\/stedentrip-van-porto-naar-lissabon\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/portugal\/stedentrip-van-porto-naar-lissabon\/\">S. Bento Central Station in Porto<\/a> and costs approximately \u20ac14 for a one-way ticket<\/strong>. The trip takes about 3.5 hours, but there are multiple trains and connections.      <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>From <strong>Porto to Braga\/Guimar\u00e3es:<\/strong> frequent regional trains; convenient for day trips.  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pro tip:<\/strong> Download the Portuguese Railways (CP) app for tickets and schedules.  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is Northern Portugal mountainous?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, especially inland. Peneda-Ger\u00eas, Alv\u00e3o, and Montesinho are mountainous and hilly regions. The <strong>Douro Valley<\/strong> is hilly, with steep, vine-covered slopes. Northern Portugal is largely mountainous, and the Douro Valley is hilly.   <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Climate and Best Time to Visit<\/h2>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Northwest (coast &amp; Porto):<\/strong> warm summers, mild winters; generally less rain. Precipitation occurs mainly in the fall and winter.   <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Northeast (Tr\u00e1s-os-Montes):<\/strong> <strong>hot summers<\/strong>, <strong>cold winters<\/strong>; drier than the coast, but also unpredictable in terms of rainfall.  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Mountainous areas<\/strong> (Peneda, Ger\u00eas, Mar\u00e3o): the most rain. Be sure to bring layers and a rain jacket.   <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Douro Valley:<\/strong> one of the drier microclimates; hot summers.  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:#eeeee8\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Practical Tips for Northern Portugal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Fly to Porto<\/strong> (daily from the Netherlands\/Belgium) or take <strong>the train plus an overnight train<\/strong> via France\/Spain for the slow traveler<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Driving:<\/strong> Toll roads use electronic toll collection; you may want to rent a toll tag.  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Hiking:<\/strong> Start early in the summer; it can get hot in river valleys.  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Safety:<\/strong> River pools may have currents. Always check local advice.   <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Are you interested in an organized trip to Northern Portugal? Then check out <a href=\"https:\/\/priolotravel.nl\/portugal-reizen\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/priolotravel.nl\/portugal-reizen\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Priolo Travel<\/strong><\/a> for customized trips to Northern Portugal and Porto. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Find more information here about the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitportugal.com\/en\/destinos\/porto-e-norte\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.visitportugal.com\/en\/destinos\/porto-e-norte\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">most beautiful routes in Northern Portugal<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You can easily rent an (electric) car from Sunny Cars in Porto.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Route through Northern Portugal on the map<\/h2>\n\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/u\/0\/embed?mid=19Ia3A9aKWp-lZAUefWLoyYCUTUz_A_U&#038;ehbc=2E312F&#038;noprof=1\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\"><\/iframe>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Surprising Natural Beauty in Northern Portugal: From the Costa Verde to the Douro Northern Portugal is the country\u2019s green lung: wild granite mountains, waterfalls flowing through ferns, and terraced vineyards clinging to the hillsides. In the villages, people still have time to spare. Porto is the perfect starting point for your trip, but the real [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":37886,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[273,212,189],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-37884","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-northern-portugal","category-road-trips","category-portugal"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37884","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=37884"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37884\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":37888,"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37884\/revisions\/37888"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/37886"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=37884"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=37884"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=37884"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}