Fertile and friendly, Portugal’s North Region is as culturally varied as you’d expect bearing in mind its complex background. This place has seen frequent invasions and re- invasions, first by pre-Celtic tribes, then by the Celts, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Germanic tribes, Moors and Vikings.
There’s extraordinary natural beauty, fascinating history, wonderful architecture, splendid food, legendary booze and thrilling entertainment to discover in this magical place, along with a constant stream of world-class attractions. Come discover north Portugal day tours with us, and see what a North Portugal holiday offers.
North Portugal day trips – Welcome to the magic!
North Portugal whisks you away from the tourist hotspots of the Algarve and Lisbon, an ancient landscape studded with castles, vineyards, steep slopes and huge rivers. It’s less busy, more authentic, and rich in tradition. Here’s where the food is considered legendary, the wines are extraordinary, and the world’s finest ports are made. You could theme your entire break around the local wineries and vineyards. Some people do.
While it has its share of bustle and beaches, this region is more about the cultural side of life, from its beautifully mournful Fado music to heaps of eccentric, colourful religious and secular festivals, carnivals and parades. The cities are vibrant, the countryside’s small villages and towns are quaint, and the coast is absolutely stunning.
This chunk of Portugal is craggy and dramatic inland with mountains like Serra do Gerês, Peneda, and Soajo soaring around 1500m above sea level. The Peneda-Gerês National Park, Montesinho Natural Park and Alvão Natural Park provide all the breathtaking mountain landscapes you could possibly want, each a unique and awe-inspiring place to walk and wander, stroll and chill.
The coast in the north of Portugal is called the Green Coast, the ‘Costa Verde’ whose flatlands widen to a plain between the Cávado and Ave rivers. Here you’ll find miles and miles of sand dunes, some falling within the boundaries of the awesome Northern Littoral Natural Park. The region’s main Minho, Lima, Neiva and Douro rivers each have their own unique charm, flowing down to the Atlantic.
A total of four magnificent World Heritage Sites await you in this slice of Portugal: the Alto Douro Wine Region, the Côa Valley’s Prehistoric Rock-Art, Porto’s historic city centre and the ancient centre of Guimarães. They’re all fantastic experiences that leave you enriched, inspired, and keen for more.
Taste the freshness of North Portugal cuisine
This region’s recipes are outstanding, loved throughout Portugal and born of its chequered history.
Fancy a snack? Order a regional soup called calo verde, a healthy and satisfying meal of kale, cabbage, spuds and chorizo, also a popular starter in restaurants. Choose hearty, fragrant dishes packed with local vegetables and fish. Or treat yourself to Francesinha, an iconic sandwich born in Porto. It’s basically a buttie filled with different meats, with a sauce made from beer, often served with chips.
If you’re bold, brave and not fazed by gore, go for the chicken and rice dish cooked in chicken blood called Arroz de Cabidela. It’s actually delicious. Or test drive a speciality of the Trás-os-Montes area, a beautiful bean and vegetable casserole called Feijoada à Transmontana filled with chunks pork and smoked sausage. As a lover of pork scratchings you’ll probably enjoy the cubes of marinated and fried pork called Rojões, too.
The weather in North Portugal
You’ll enjoy the warm Mediterranean climate along the coastline and a hotter version in the Douro Valley. In the north west you get mild summers and winters thanks to the ocean’s influence. Inland in the north east it’s very hot in summer but they get longer, much colder winters.
The most rain falls on the mountains inland, in contrast with the Douro valley’s extra-dry climate where there’s less rain than anywhere else in Portugal. The region’s most rainy cities are Vila Real and Braga inland and coastal Viana do Castelo. And the north Portugal coast tends to be balmy and sunny with low rainfall, particularly between Cape Santo André and the city of Porto.
North Portugal sights, adventures and experiences
Visit the gorgeous town of Vila do Conde, on the north Portugal coast, for a potent mix of ancient charm and natural beauty, thrilling maritime past and brilliant Nau Quinhentista, a replica 1500s ship. The 999-arch, two-and-a-half-mile Santa Clara Aqueduct soars above.
Whether you’re a keen hiker or love a scenic stroll, the Paiva Walkways fit the bill perfectly. The Passadiços do Paiva in the remarkable Arouca Geopark provide a fabulous five mile route along the Paiva River on wooden walkways through pristine natural landscapes: dizzying cliffs and thick woodland, waterfalls, viewpoints, and the delightful Areinho river beach.
Porto is so cool. Think winding ancient streets, old buildings and tiled homes, restaurants and bars, night clubs and wine, wine, wine everywhere you go. Walk across the high path on top of the magnificent iron Dom Luís I Bridge, a feat of engineering giving you views to die for across the city and the river and beyond. More views are yours on top of the Clerigos Tower and the riverbank itself is fascinating, lined with Port wine cellars. Stop for a port tasting session if you like.
Eat at Michelin-starred restaurants or enjoy fab food with the locals at petiscos bars, the Portuguese version of tapas bars. This is a UNESCO World Heritage city, blending thousands of years of history with a modern buzz that brings energy and vibrancy.
For the best in natural wonders visit Parque Nacional Peneda-Gerês, packed with biodiversity and drama with huge granite mountains, dense forests, lakes, and waterfalls. Over 270 square miles of ‘amazing’ awaits you, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. You might spot otters, golden eagles, even playful otters. Humans have also populated this wild place for millennia, witnessed by the presence of ancient fortifications, roads, and villages.
Three lively north Portugal towns to visit
A large and lively student population keeps Guimarães fresh against a backdrop of history and culture going back many centuries. The Medieval town centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site with its tiny, narrow cobbled roads, plazas, statues and intricate metal balconies.
Braga is nicknamed the Rome of Portugal, home to the country’s oldest cathedral, cobbled streets, endless monuments, and old churches. It also has a large student population, making it a place of contrasts. Buzzing bars and restaurants sit next to historic architecture to captivating effect.
Barcelos is a pretty town with a famous Thursday market, the Feira de Barcelos, the biggest market in Portugal and home to every kind of product from clothes to drinks, food, jewellery, pottery, you name it. A great destination for sustenance, gifts, souvenirs and crafts.
Adventures in the Douro Valley
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Duoro Valley is home to terraced vineyards on steep hillsides, the winding Douro River, and natural landscapes of unparalleled beauty. This is the birthplace of port wine. The little town of Pinhão makes an excellent drop-off point for the valley’s countless wineries, called ‘quintas’.
Tour the valley by boat to get a flavour of the place, with Instagrammable views at every bend. Or take a train journey along the riverbanks. Discover the exciting history of port wine, find out how it’s made, taste plenty of it, and immerse yourself in one of north Portugal’s prime attractions.
The best Portugal day trips
Take a look at these fun and exciting things to do. Then book your favourites to complete your holiday in north Portugal. It’s going to be unforgettable!
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