Venture north from Lisbon and you’ll find a wealth of cultural and culinary delights in Northern Portugal, famed for its crepuscular wine cellars, revered pilgrimage sites, and picturesque valleys. In Porto, buildings smothered in azulejos (hand-painted tiles) tumble toward the Douro River (Rio Douro) and a haphazard historic center confirms its UNESCO World Heritage status at every turn. Combine tasting port, Porto’s world-renowned fortified wine, with a sightseeing tour and river cruise for an authentic glimpse into the capital of Northern Portugal. In contrast to Oporto’s densely packed architecture are the sweeping valleys and bounteous vineyards of the Douro Valley, where wineries and miradouros (lookout points) revealing stunning natural landscapes blend harmoniously. Use Porto as a base for day trips to Guimarães, undoubtedly the best preserved of Portugal’s medieval enclaves; historic Braga; and Santiago de Compostela, a holy and autonomous region located across the Spanish border in Galicia. Northern Portugal also offers easy access by train and plane to other Portuguese treasures, including the capital city, Lisbon, and the gorgeous beaches of the Algarve. If you’re planning to combine your Portugal trip with visits to other European cities but don’t have enough time to make it to Venice, don’t worry—Aveiro, known affectionately as the Venice of Portugal, boasts canal networks lined with moliceiros (colorful boats) with a traditional fish market and an impressive art museum.
Local Currency Euro (€) | Time Zone WEST (UTC +1) | Country Code +351 | Language(s) Portuguese | Attractions 35 | Tours 1,220 | Reviews 52,619 |
Wine lovers travel from around the world to northern Portugal’s UNESCO-listed Douro wine region, where hillside vineyards follow a beautiful river valley. As the river approaches the sea, it flows past Porto, a city with well-preserved historic architecture. Outdoors lovers, meanwhile, head to northern Portugal’s beaches, hiking trails, and forests.
...MoreNorthern Portugal is the country’s most populous region and includes the cities of Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia, Braga, Matosinhos, and Guimarães. Its landscape climbs from sandy beaches to the mountainous terrain of Peneda-Gerês National Park and Alvão Natural Park, while a series of rivers flow toward the Atlantic Ocean.
...MorePorto is the largest city in northern Portugal and the capital of the Porto district. Well-preserved architecture and cobblestone streets within its UNESCO-listed historic center draw visitors from around the world. Throughout the city are tasting rooms featuring locally made port and wines from the nearby Alto Douro wine region.
...MorePortugal’s varied landscape offers plenty of natural beauty. In the south, the Algarve has dramatic coastal cliffs and hidden beaches, while national parks draw outdoors lovers to the forested northern mountains. Well-preserved historic architecture is another visitor highlight: The country’s most beautiful cities include Lisbon, Porto, Sintra, Cascais, and Braga.
...MoreNorthern Portugal is known for fine wines, scenic beauty, and historic architecture. The UNESCO-listed Alto Douro wine region is home to some of the country’s top vineyards, while outdoorsy destinations range from windswept beaches to inland mountain forests. Fascinating history is on display in cities including Porto, Braga, and Guimarães.
...MoreLisbon is Portugal’s capital city, a can’t-miss destination for visitors. Highlights include riding trams through hilly neighborhoods, strolling historic Belém, catching a soulful fado performance, and sampling local seafood in Alfama. The city also houses Portugal’s top art museums, from Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga to Calouste Gulbenkian Museum.
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