Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Northern Portugal

In Portugal’s Norte region, visitors can commence their journey at the UNESCO designated sites in Porto, Guimarães, or the Douro Valley. Alternatively, one may seek refuge in the pristine environment of Peneda-Gerês, Portugal’s only national park, or explore the numerous beaches adorned with alluring stretches of golden sand along the Atlantic Coast.

Moreover, the wine produced in this area thrives on the breathtaking terraced vineyards located along the banks of the Douro in the east and the Minho in the north. Porto’s renowned fortified wine, made by adding grape spirit, has gained international acclaim. Additionally, in Côa, countless prehistoric artworks are engraved into rocks, creating a vast open-air gallery that tells the stories of ancient times.

Let us delve into the top attractions in Northern Portugal:

1. Porto

Porto, the capital of Norte, possesses a charming appeal, particularly in its rustic Ribeira district along the waterfront.

This lively area contrasts sharply with the elegant 18th-century architecture situated higher on the hill.

There is an abundance of attractions to explore in Porto, yet it is advisable to dedicate time to visiting some of its stunning churches, such as Santa Clara, which features exquisite gilded woodwork from the early 1700s.

The Foz de Douro district is an ideal location for dining while watching the sunset, whereas Vila Nova de Gaia, on the southern bank of the river, boasts centuries of expertise in port production.

2. Braga

Braga, the capital of the Minho region, is a vibrant university city characterized by an old quarter enriched with exquisite Manueline and Baroque architecture from the 16th and 17th centuries.

Within the city, visitors can discover a plethora of churches, fountains, and mansions adorned with azulejos.

For a remarkable experience, the Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary, located just outside the city, offers an impressive Baroque staircase that ascends over 100 meters to the pilgrimage chapel, featuring numerous fountains along the ascent.

For those unwilling to undertake the climb, a 19th-century funicular railway is available to facilitate access.

3. Guimarães

Guimarães emerged as a significant stronghold when Portugal was liberated from the Moors in the 12th century, functioning as the capital during that pivotal period.

Therefore, it is fitting to assert that the origins of Portugal can be traced back to this captivating city.

Visitors are encouraged to explore historical monuments dating back to this era, such as the 10th-century castle and the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira church.

The historic center boasts an abundance of Gothic architecture enveloped in charming plazas, alongside the 15th-century Dukes of Braganza Palace, which is adorned with period furniture and tapestries.

Additionally, a cable car offers an exhilarating journey to the summit of Penha Mountain, providing breathtaking views for a picturesque picnic.

4. Douro Valley

The Douro Valley traverses from east to west and meets the Atlantic in Porto.

To the east, this area is classified as a continuous World Heritage Site, serving as the scenic backdrop for your exploration in the region.

Whether the purpose of your visit is historical, scenic, or oenological, the beauty of the Douro’s banks will undoubtedly captivate you.

The International Douro Natural Park, positioned at the eastern edge, introduces the river into Portugal through its rugged canyons.

A classic scene within the Alto Douro wine region reveals verdant slopes with terraced vineyards cascading towards the riverside, particularly enchanting during the bloom of almond trees in February or March.

5. Parque Arqueológico do Vale do Côa

This notable site within the Douro Valley is recognized for its prehistoric art, uncovered during dam construction in the 1990s.

Beginning 24,000 years ago, humans carved images of both people and animals into the rocks, and this artistic expression continued up to the 1st century BC, offering a nearly complete timeline of art from prehistory through the Roman period.

Numerous tours are offered throughout the park, yet the engravings are best appreciated when illuminated at night under the guidance of a knowledgeable interpreter.

For those intrigued, the modern museum on-site provides further insights into this enigmatic location.

6. Old Viana do Castelo

The historic center of this coastal city is best explored on foot.

A structured plan is unnecessary; one can simply commence at the old city hall and see where the journey leads.

Visitors will encounter exquisite Manueline and Renaissance homes along the way.

Commencing at Praça da Republica, you will discover a 16th-century sculpted fountain, alongside the former city hall constructed from granite featuring the city’s coat of arms.

Adjacent to this is the Santa Casa Da Misericórdia, richly adorned with a loggia supported by intricately carved caryatids.

7. Fortaleza Valença

Located across the Minho River from Spain, the border town of Valença has historically witnessed numerous military confrontations.

Throughout the years, citadel walls have endured assaults from Barbarians, Moors, armies of various Spanish kingdoms, and the French, only to be restored following each onslaught.

The existing walls reflect an intricate array of bulwarks and angular structures dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries.

This stunning fortress, which seamlessly integrates with the hillside, exemplifies remarkable military architecture that will captivate history enthusiasts.

8. Peneda-Gerês National Park

This region represents the largest protected area in Portugal.

Upon entering this unique environment and encountering its diverse wildlife, one will understand the significance of preserving it as a national park.

The soft hues of the granite and lush vegetation create a picturesque landscape, enriched with holly forests and towering oaks.

Quietly traversing the trails may reward explorers with sightings of roe deer or their natural predator, the Iberian wolf.

As you navigate the park, you will undoubtedly encounter the striking garrano ponies, which roam freely.

The area is also dotted with artifacts of ancient human presence, including Roman milestones, cromlechs, and menhirs.

9. Espigueiros de Soajo

Nested within the village of Soajo, positioned at the entrance of the national park, lies a series of peculiar stone structures scattered throughout the area.

A cluster of these granaries stands near the church.

With stone crosses adorning their roofs, they bear resemblances to tombs of giants.

In reality, they serve as traditional corn granaries, constructed from granite, elevated by ten stone legs, and topped with triangular roofs.

The oldest of these structures dates back to 1782, and they continue to fulfill their purpose of preserving corn in a cool, dry environment.

10. Chaves Roman Bridge

During the Roman era, Chaves functioned as a regional stronghold due to its strategic position at the intersection of three critical roads linking the Roman provinces of Lusitania and Hispania.

This remarkable bridge, spanning the Tâmega River, is dated to around the turn of the 2nd century, during Emperor Trajan’s rule.

Though the bridge, measuring 140 meters in length and featuring 12 arches, has undergone repairs over the years, two original commemorative columns remain intact.

One of these columns bears an inscription detailing the construction process and the local labor utilized.

11. Castelo de Bragança

Situated in the remote far northeast of Portugal, Bragança is an unassuming town, yet its imposing medieval castle captivates the imaginations of visitors.

This castle is encompassed by a larger outer enclosure that includes the citadel, with all fortifications constructed from locally quarried shale, resulting in a distinctive array of colors and tones.

The battlement trail is accessible without charge; however, a fee is required to enter the keep, which rises to 33 meters and was erected in the 12th century.

Gaining access to the roof necessitates the use of a ladder, but the views of the Fervença River make the effort worthwhile.

12. O Navio Gil Eannes

Docked in Viana do Castelo, this ship was launched in 1955, serving a very specialized function.

It navigated to Arctic waters, providing essential medical care for Portugal’s extensive cod-fishing fleet.

After 20 years of service, the ship was slated for scrapping but was restored in the late 90s at Viana do Castelo’s shipyards and is now open for public viewing.

This exhibit emphasizes the perilous lifestyle led by trawler workers, showcasing a variety of vintage medical equipment, including an operating theatre designed to minimize movement.

13. Castelo de Santa Maria da Feira

This picturesque castle in Santa Maria de Feira, dating back to the 9th century, is considered one of the most photogenic in Portugal.

Historically, it was a pivotal location on the front line during the conflict between Christians and Muslims, serving as a strategic base after regaining control from the Moors on two occasions in the 11th century.

Unlike many other medieval fortifications, this castle is a fully utilized structure.

A chapel located adjacent to the entrance barbican, along with tight spiral staircases leading to the keep’s summit, offers visitors expansive views of Feira and the Atlantic Ocean.

14. Beaches

Northern Portugal is an ideal destination for those who appreciate expansive and stunning beaches, evoking a dramatic cinematic experience.

The region features crashing Atlantic surf, towering dunes, and extensive stretches of golden sands.

No matter where you find yourself along the coast, remarkable beaches are easily accessible.

Caminha, in the far north on the Minho Estuary, offers picturesque views of the nearby 341-meter Monte de Santa Tecla across the river in Spain.

For those seeking untouched nature, Praia de Árvore further south runs parallel to a nature reserve and offers pristine granitic white sand.

On the other hand, for a delightful urban beach experience, Praia da Luz in Porto provides a relaxing bar terrace ambiance.

15. Wine

The finest wines in Portugal are produced within the Northern region.

The Douro Valley, located to the east, receives less Atlantic influence, resulting in a climate more similar to the Mediterranean, making it an ideal area for cultivating a diverse range of grapes.

This region yields wines ranging from light to robust reds, as well as white sparkling wines and muscat varieties.

Further to the north, the Minho region is renowned for its albariño grapes, which are particularly well-suited for pairing with fish dishes.

Finally, nothing is more iconic than port wine, which is crafted in the upper valley before being shipped to Vila Nova de Gaia.

Here, alongside the Atlantic, you will find cellars that have been dedicated to producing this fortified red dessert wine for centuries.