Northern Portugal

Northern Portugal holidays

Only 124km from the Spanish border is the capital of the North and the second most important city in Portugal. Situated at the mouth of the River Douro, Porto is an interesting base, especially for port wine lovers, and the centre of the green and beautiful region of Northern Portugal.

Today, Porto remains a thriving industrial centre, which manages to blend its commercial activities with characteristic “Old World” charm. A perfect example is the riverside district of Ribeira, which is a vibrant, atmospheric quarter with a growing number of bars, bistros and restaurants.

Porto, Northern Portugal

Holidays In Northern Portugal

The areas of Minho and Tras-Os-Montes extend from the Spanish border in the north, south to Porto and east to the mountains of Vila Real. It is a green and fertile area of rolling hills encompassing the great rivers Minho, Lima and Douro, and the National Park of Peneda Geres. The countryside of the region is typified by long, sandy beaches bordered by pine woods, picturesque villages nestling among vine-covered hills and historic towns such as Amarante, Guimaraes, Barcelos, Ponte de Lima and Viana do Castelo.

The Douro valley, between Mesao  Frio and Pinhao, is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in Portugal. The banks of the meandering Douro, Portugal’s longest river are lined with terraced vineyards and wine estates  producing the famous port wine.

Barcelos Market
This lively Thursday Market takes place in the town square and sells everything from clothes to livestock, wicker ware to vegetables, ceramics to cakes and the inevitable Barcelos cockerel.

Douro Cruises
Take a cruise, from Porto, along the Douro River to Regua and Pinhao, passing the terraced vineyards that make this region infamous. Return to Porto by train. Please telephone for a quotation.

Port Wine
Visit the lodges at Vila Nova de Gaia, where famous port wine families including Calem, Offleys, Taylors, Sandeman, produce their wine.

Heritage
The region boasts three UNESCO World Heritage sites: the historic centres of Porto and Guimaraes; and the Alto Douro Wine Region.

National and Natural Parks
The region boasts stunning parks at Peneda-Geres, Alvao and Montezinho.

Holy Week, Braga (05-08Apr)
A colourful festival during which street-side altars are filled with flowers and lights.

Festival of Sao Joao, Porto (23Jun)
This festival celebrates the Patron saint of Porto, Saint John and includes musical entertainment, street parties and a wonderful fireworks display.

Medieval journey to Santa Maria da Feira (26Jul-05Aug)
This 10-day fair sees the Rossio square of Santa Maria da Feira, south of Porto,  transported back to medieval times with street entertainment, handicrafts stalls and food sellers.

Feast of Nossa Senhora da Agonia (Aug)
This three day festival in Viana do Castelo is in celebration of the Virgin of Agony, an  inspiration for fisherman.

Note: Dates subject to change.      

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