Authentic North
Porto, the birthplace of Portugal, the only national park and the green Minho.
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Porto
Night: PortoRibeira riverfront
Colourful houses stacked along the Douro, a World Heritage Site. Best early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Porto Cathedral (Sé)
Romanesque cathedral on the highest point of the old town, with views over the Ribeira and Gaia.
São Bento Station
A station hall lined with around 20,000 azulejo tiles that tell the story of Portugal.
Clérigos Tower
Climb the Baroque tower for the best 360° view over Porto.
Livraria Lello bookshop
Neo-Gothic bookshop with its famous staircase. Buy a timed ticket to skip the queue.
Bolhão Market
Renovated historic market: fish, fruit, cured sausages and local snacks.
Porto · Porto / Gaia · Vila Nova de Gaia
Night: PortoPalácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace)
19th-century palace with the dazzling Arab Room.
Dom Luís I Bridge and Jardim do Morro
Walk across the upper deck. The Jardim do Morro is the classic spot for sunset.
Port wine cellars
Visit one of the historic cellars on the Gaia riverbank, with a Port wine tasting.
Foz do Douro
Where the river meets the sea: a stroll along the seafront promenade, the Felgueiras lighthouse and the sunset.
Serralves Foundationoptional
Contemporary art museum, an Art Deco villa and a vast park.
Guimarães
Night: BragaGuimarães historic centre
The birthplace of Portugal and a World Heritage Site. Largo da Oliveira and Rua de Santa Maria.
Guimarães Castle and Palace of the Dukes of Braganza
The castle of Portugal's founding and the 15th-century palace, side by side on Monte Latito.
Penha cable car and Monte da Penhaoptional
Ride the cable car up to the sanctuary, with views over the city.
Braga
Night: BragaBraga Cathedral (Sé) and centre
The oldest cathedral in Portugal and the streets of the historic centre.
Bom Jesus do Monte
Baroque stairway and World Heritage Site. Ride up on the water-powered funicular of 1882 and walk down.
Sameiro Sanctuaryoptional
One of the largest Marian sanctuaries, with views over the Minho.
Peneda-Gerês
Night: Gerês (village)Pedra Bela viewpoint
Views over the Caniçada reservoir and the mountains of the National Park.
Arado waterfall
A waterfall tumbling over several tiers near the village of Ermida. Wear walking shoes.
Gerês village
A spa village in the heart of Portugal's only National Park. Base for the night.
Peneda-Gerês · Ponte de Lima
Night: Ponte de LimaSoajo and its granaries (espigueiros)
Granite village with a unique cluster of espigueiros (stone granaries) on the communal threshing floor.
Lindoso
Border castle surrounded by dozens of espigueiros (stone granaries).
Ponte de Lima
Portugal's oldest town, with its medieval bridge over the Lima. Try the arroz de sarrabulho (rich pork and rice stew).
Viana do Castelo
Night: Return to PortoSanta Luzia Sanctuary
Take the funicular up to the sanctuary: one of the most beautiful views over the Lima and the sea.
Viana historic centre
Praça da República, its fountain and Manueline houses. Home of the traditional Viana costume and gold filigree.
Cabedelo Beach
A wide sandy beach known for kitesurfing. Then return to Porto (about 1h).