10 Best Destinations in Northern Portugal

Deep within Minho's lush green landscape lies the picturesque little town of Amarante that straddles both banks of the river Tâmega. The mighty Serra de Marvão provides a suitable natural backdrop to the town's 17th-century traditional houses with wooden balconies and narrow cobbled streets. The town dates back to the 4th century BC and has borne witness to many invaders and visitors alike.

The town's impressive bridge is a national monument and was built in 1790. The Ponte de São Gonçalo offers the visitor a visual feast as well as the impressive São Gonçalo Convent, named after the local patron saint, crowned with its red cupola. It's said that São Gonçalo built the first bridge in the 13th century to give access to his monastery, but it was tragically destroyed by floods in 1763. Great views can also be found from the restaurants strategically placed along the banks of the Tâmega, serving some of the best cuisine of the area. See More [ ► ]

Braga's strategic location, on fertile land between the Cávado and Este rivers, made it an important settlement since ancient times. The traditional industry of Braga is religious in nature, making carvings, church organs, bell casting, candles and candlesticks and embroidering vestments. Braga is still a major religious centre. You can hardly walk a few yards without encountering a church, seminary or a religious souvenir shop, which gives the town its nickname; "Portugal's Rome".

There is plenty of the Old Town remaining to delight the visitor, with medieval buildings, mansions, a castle keep, fountains, palaces, cafés and restaurants and of cause… the aforementioned religious buildings.
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Perched on a hill overlooking the Rio Sabor river sits the beautiful old town of Bragança. This somewhat isolated settlement is the cultural and economic heart and capital of Portugal's rural region of the Trás os Montes. The British, who know the town as Braganza, associate it with the Queen of Charles II, Catherine of Braganza. In later times it gave its name to the last ruling royal family of Portugal.

The old town still stands behind medieval ramparts with a 33-metre tall keep as the centrepiece. Outside the walled district, the warren of narrow cobbled streets is bursting with charm and history. Bragança makes a great base for exploring the amazing beauty of the Trás os Montes region.
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The tourist office of Guimarães sports the slogan "Aqui Nasceu Portugal" (here was born Portugal) on its walls. It was at Guimarães where Portugal gained independence from the kingdom of Leon. Guimarães is fondly referred to as the "cradle of the nation". Nestled between sloping hills, most notably the Penha Hill, the old town with its well preserved medieval streets and monuments gained Guimarães UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2001, confirming it a fascinating town to visit.

A short walk from the centre takes you to the ruins of an old castle that defended Guimarães against Moor and Norman attacks. When the weather permits, take the cable car to Penha Park for incredible panoramic views over the town.
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The attractive Durinese episcopal town of Lamego nestles between two hills. On one stand the ruins of a 12th-century castle and on the other an impressive baroque church, the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios. Lamego has been an important market town since medieval times and the hub of agricultural activities within the area. It was here in 1143 Portuguese nobbles met and proclaimed Afonso Henriques the first king of Portugal.
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The ancient city of Valenca (also known as Valenca do Minho) lies on the southern bank of the river Minho facing its Spanish contemporary, Tui on the opposite bank. Originally the fortress town was built to repel Spanish incursions and invaders who wanted to cross this natural barrier. Now Valença is a peaceful place, the hoards of Spanish invaders now take the form of tourists keen to buy embroideries, towelling and lace, admire the views and sample the excellent cuisine; are eagerly welcomed.
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