Portugal is a country full of history that also always leaves us wanting more, since it has hundreds of interesting corners. From north to south we find incredible cities in which to discover fado, such as Lisbon and Porto, and with areas that are facing the sea, such as the Algarve. On this occasion we will refer to those places that can be seen in the north of Portugal, a large region that has charming cities and towns.
At north of Portugal We have many places to see, so we will entertain ourselves if we make a route by car. We will see some of the most interesting points. If you are going to start a trip through these corners, take note of everything that you are going to discover.
Viana do Castelo
Viana do Castelo is one of the northernmost cities of Portugal, near the border with Galicia and in the coastal area. It is a summer resort but also one of those destinations that can be visited quickly. One of the most interesting points of this place is the church of Santa Luzia. The ascent to the church by a winding road is already interesting, since there are some viewpoints that allow us to see the city from above. Upon reaching the top we will have the best view of the sea, the nearby beaches and the city, hence this church is one of the most visited in this area. It is possible to enter the church and at the back is the access to the dome. If we go down to the city and go to the port area, we can visit the Gil Eanes ship, which was a hospital ship for Portuguese fishermen that today works as a kind of museum. If you are going to stay longer, you have to visit the beaches, such as Cabedelo, where you can practice sports such as kitesurfing. Do not forget that the vast majority of the beaches in Portugal are open to the sea and have a lot of wind and waves.
Braga
Braga is another of those Portuguese destinations that you have to go through at least once. The Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte It has a famous baroque staircase of great beauty that has to be immortalized by all the tourists who come there. Already in the city center you can visit its cathedral, which is the oldest in the country, from the XNUMXth century. Inside you can visit a museum that houses the treasure. The Republic Square is the center of the city and has a great animation, with cafes and restaurants. If we want to see a typically Portuguese place we have the Palacio do Raio, with a beautiful facade covered with tiles. Another essential visit is the Museo dos Biscainhos, located in an old Baroque palace that houses an archaeological museum.
Vila Real
This town is further inland and has some worthwhile spots. The Baroque-style Mateus Palace It is one of them, located on the outskirts and built in the Baroque style. Already in the city center you can visit the Capela Nova, with a beautiful façade by the same architect as the palace. The church of Sao Domingos takes us to the Gothic style with a certain austere touch. In the city you should also visit the museum of archeology and numismatics. If you want to go hiking, near the city is the Aldao Natural Park.
Porto
The city of Porto is one of the main tourist spots in the north of Portugal. The city whose wine is famous, which has many places of interest such as the Clerigos Church, Lello bookstore, Stock Exchange Palace or of course the bank of the river Douro, where you can take a cruise to learn about the history of the barges that crossed it and its bridges. It is advisable to spend at least two days in this city to be able to see everything in depth. From Sé to Ribeira, Mercado do Bolhao, Sao Bento station, Vila Nova de Gaia, where you can find the Porto wineries or Rúa Santa Catarina, full of shops.
Aveiro and Costa Nova
Going from the city of Porto to a half hour we find another essential destination. In Aveiro we can see the ships of the moliceiros, which have become its best tourist attraction. They are decorated boats that give a lot of color to the town for which they have nicknamed it the Portuguese Venice. It is possible to take a ride on the boats and see the beautiful old town of this small town. A short distance away is Costa Nova, a coastal area that stands out for its houses painted with colorful stripes.