What to do in North Portugal

Tourist North

The North has a lot of natural beauty, a lot of history and rich heritage, including the World. From Minho to Douro and its Vineyard Region (World Heritage, Unesco). Oporto, northern metropolis and global city, Braga (capital of Minho), Viana do Castelo and Guimarães, to name but the main ones.





There are 5 districts (states), 86 municipalities and 1,426 civil parishes (freguesias). The municipalities are organized in eight Inter-Municipal Communities (CIM) [CCDRN].

1. Porto

With its Historic Center listed as a World Heritage Site by Unesco, the second most important city in Portugal is also has just been chosen Best European Destination 2017.

2. Douro

The Douro River, an important means of communication and the largest wine-producing region in Portugal, crosses the north of the country, from east to west. Find out more: Discovering the Douro

3. Braga

The oldest city in Portugal, Braga is capital of the district and municipality of the same name. Braga is also the capital of Minho.

4. Viana do Castelo

Viana do Castelo, capital of the district and municipality of the same name, is located in Alto Minho (or Minho-Lima), northern Portugal. The River Minho separates Portugal from Spain between Melgaço and Caminha, at its mouth.

5. Guimarães

City of great historical importance - birthplace of Portugal - Guimarães is the capital of the municipality of the same name; is situated 24 km to the north of Braga, the Metropolis of Minho.

6. Vila Real

Capital of the province of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro, located in the northeast of Portugal. Vila Real is the largest city in the north of the Douro Vinhateiro.

7. Bragança

City, county and district of the North Region of Portugal. The city is also the capital of the former province (and current sub-region) of Alto Douro Trás-Os-Montes.

8. Vila Nova de Gaia

The municipality and the city of Vila Nova de Gaia are part of the District of Porto, in the North Region of Portugal. The city is located on the left bank of the Rio Douro. In V. N. de Gaia are the cellars of the famous Port Wine.