Northern Portugal Vacations, Portugal

Porto, the country's second largest city, is an attractive and convenient centre from which to begin an exploration of the region. Magnificently set on a rocky cliff astride the River Douro, it is perhaps most famous for the port-producing suburb of Vila Nova de Gaia, supplied by vineyards further inland along the river. The Douro Valley is traced by a spectacular rail route, with branch lines following valleys north along the River Tâmega to Amarante and along the Corgo to Vila Real – the main centre for transport connections into the ancient, isolated region of Trás-os-Montes and its old capital of Bragança. In the northwest, the Minho, considered by many to be the most beautiful part of the country, is a lush wilderness of rolling mountain forests and rugged coastlines (the Costa Verde), with some of the most unspoilt beaches in Europe. A quietly conservative region, its towns have a special charm and beauty, amongst them the religious centre of Braga, and the self-proclaimed birthplace of the nation, Guimarães.

Source: hostelbookers.com

Things To Do and See

in Northern Portugal

Bom Jesus do Monte, Braga
Attraction type: Religious site

Se (Cathedral), Braga
Attraction type: Architectural building;

Art gallery; Museum; Arena/stadium/field; Religious site

Church of St. Francis (Igreja de Sao Francisco), Porto
Attraction type: Historic site; Religious site

Fundacao de Serralves

(Museu Nacional de Arte Moderna), Porto
Attraction type: Art museum

Museu Nacional de Soares dos Reis, Porto
Attraction type: Art museum

Se (Cathedral), Porto
Attraction type: Religious site; Historic site

Taylor's, Porto
Attraction type: Winery

Solar Vinho do Porto, Porto
Considered one of the finest locations for

sampling ports, Solar Vinho do Porto, is an 18th-century villa.
Attraction type: Historic home; Winery

Casa da Musica, Porto
A wide variety of musical events are held at this new concert hall.
Attraction type: Architectural building; Theater

Ferreira, Porto
Attraction type: Winery

House of the Prince (Casa do Infante), Porto
Attraction type: Historic home; History museum