Unspoilt, undiscovered. and unusually beautiful the Porto e Norte de Portugal (Oporto and Northern Portugal), previously named the Green Coast, is a verdant stretch of forests, rivers, mountains, villages, churches, castles, and cathedrals that cover Portugal’s most northern provinces of Douro, Minho and Trás-os-Montes. This ‘green coast’ also has some exceptional sandy beaches. For many this is real Portugal, where nothing of the traditions and landscapes have been sacrificed to tourism, or greatly damaged by the pressures of the twentieth century. It’s also Portugal at its most affordable – the shops are cheaper, and the restaurants better value than in any other region in Portugal. Oporto and Northern Portugal is also home of some of Portugal’s most famous wines.
Port from Oporto, Vinho Verde and Rosé from Minho and Lower Douro valley, and the rich red Dão. And the cuisine is equally impressive. Fish is a speciality of the coastal regions, particularly salmon, sole, shad, lamprey, bass and trout are widely available – not forgetting Portugal’s national dish bacalhau (cod). Other specialities include Caldo Verde (soup), Cabrito (roast kid), Caldeirada (fish stew), Leitão (roast suckling pig) and Melão Casca de Carvalho (peppered melon).
Oporto and Northern Portugal has so much to offer, and lots to see, so a hire car is recommended if you want to make the most of this fascinating region. Visit Santoinho, a Portuguese farm in Viana do Castelo offering live music, folklore, dancing and drinking until the early hours. There are several golf courses in the region, and the area is perfect for taking advantage of regular cruises down the Douro river.
Oporto – A visit to Oporto, a World Heritage Site and Portugal’s second city, is a must. Home of Port wine, with its history, elegance and excellent shopping and great nightlife.
Vila do Conde – Let time stand still in Vila do Conde, a charming old fishing town just 17 miles from Oporto, with its sandy beaches, rocky reefs, and magnificent 14th century convent of Santa Clara.
Póvoa de Varzim – A modern town, if you enjoy nightlife head for the Casino with its restaurant, cabaret, dancing, and of course the lure of the gambling tables. By day it’s a bustling seaside resort with a fine beach, lots of restaurants, shops and many activities.
Ofir – This superb, quiet beach resort, 29 miles from Oporto, offers a superb stretch of fine white sands flanked by pine woods, and the blue Atlantic. Unspoilt, undiscovered. and unusually beautiful the Porto e Norte de Portugal (Oporto and Northern Portugal), previously named the Green Coast, is a verdant stretch of forests, rivers, mountains, villages, churches, castles, and cathedrals that cover Portugal’s most northern provinces of Douro, Minho and Trás-os-Montes. This ‘green coast’ also has some exceptional sandy beaches. For many this is real Portugal, where nothing of the traditions and landscapes have been sacrificed to tourism, or greatly damaged by the pressures of the twentieth century. It’s also Portugal at its most affordable – the shops are cheaper, and the restaurants better value than in any other region in Portugal.
Oporto and Northern Portugal is also home of some of Portugal’s most famous wines. Port from Oporto, Vinho Verde and Rosé from Minho and Lower Douro valley, and the rich red Dão. And the cuisine is equally impressive.
Fish is a speciality of the coastal regions, particularly salmon, sole, shad, lamprey, bass and trout are widely available – not forgetting Portugal’s national dish bacalhau (cod). Other specialities include Caldo Verde (soup), Cabrito (roast kid), Caldeirada (fish stew), Leitão (roast suckling pig) and Melão Casca de Carvalho (peppered melon).
Oporto and Northern Portugal has so much to offer, and lots to see, so a hire car is recommended if you want to make the most of this fascinating region.
Visit Santoinho, a Portuguese farm in Viana do Castelo offering live music, folklore, dancing and drinking until the early hours. There are several golf courses in the region, and the area is perfect for taking advantage of regular cruises down the Douro river.
Oporto – A visit to Oporto, a World Heritage Site and Portugal’s second city, is a must. Home of Port wine, with its history, elegance and excellent shopping and great nightlife.
Vila do Conde – Let time stand still in Vila do Conde, a charming old fishing town just 17 miles from Oporto, with its sandy beaches, rocky reefs, and magnificent 14th century convent of Santa Clara. Póvoa de Varzim – A modern town, if you enjoy nightlife head for the Casino with its restaurant, cabaret, dancing, and of course the lure of the gambling tables. By day it’s a bustling seaside resort with a fine beach, lots of restaurants, shops and many activities.
Ofir – This superb, quiet beach resort, 29 miles from Oporto, offers a superb stretch of fine white sands flanked by pine woods, and the blue Atlantic.
Esposende – Lies on the bank of River Cavado estuary, opposite Ofir. An old fishing town with a pretty beach, many restaurants, cafés, etc. Dating back to the middle ages with some fine old buildings. 16th century church, Chapel of our Lord of the Navigators and the 18th century Council Palace should not be missed.
Viana do Castelo – 44 miles from Oporto, this pleasant holiday resort is situated on the banks of the Lima River below the slopes of Santa Luzia. Historically fascinating, this important ancient town is renowned for its colourful folklore, embroidery, jewellery, ceramics, good restaurants, cafés and shops.
Afife, Apulia, Vila Praia de Ancora, Moledo and Caminha – Cast you eyes along the magnificent golden sands. Ponte de Lima and Arcos de Valdevez – All rich in architecture and set in landscapes of un-forgettable beauty.
Caniçada – Geres National Park – 170,000 acres of the most beautiful mountains, countryside and abundant wildlife.
Barçelos – The town which gave Portugal its national symbol – the cockerel. Also home of one of the biggest and most colourful open-air markets every Thursday.
Guimarães – It was here that Portugal was born in 1143 when D. Afonso Henrique became the first King of Portugal in Guimarães.
Amarante – A lovely town, reflected in the water of the Tamega river.
Douro Valley – A beautiful combination of countryside and Port Wine vineyards with the magnificent beautiful River Douro passing through Resende, Baio, Regua, Lamego and many more.
Bragança – A wonderful and friendly majestic city with medieval castle and walls. Wherever you go, Oporto and Northern Portugal offers a colour all of its own!
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