Norte Holidays from £269

Norte

With vast vineyards, windswept beaches and culture-crammed cities, this region offers an authentic glimpse at Portuguese life, far away from the beach resorts.

Portugal’s Norte region is a northern corner of the country carpeted with lush vegetation and known for its rich culture. Stop by an archeological site, relax with a glass of wine in the vineyards and go hiking through stunning UNESCO-listed landscapes. 

The capital of Norte, Porto, is sure to delight any visitor. Wander the magical interior of the Museu da Misericórdia do Porto, an elegant church decorated with blue and white painted tiles. See the pink Casa de Serralves and the manicured gardens surrounding this art deco house. In the evening, enjoy a dinner of delicious regional produce including smoked meat and petiscos, which are Portuguese snacks.

The UNESCO-listed Douro region is known for its quaint vineyard villages, historic monuments and beautiful monasteries. Stop at Lamego, next to the river, to climb the steps of the Santa Maria de Almacave and dine at restaurants with the locals enjoying sausages or dishes made from lamb and rabbit. Explore the vineyards in Ucanha or Salzedas for an inside look at Portugal’s winemaking industry.

Inside the Douro International Natural Park, visit the town of Miranda do Douro, which is just a short drive away from Spain. Here, look for rare bird species while cruising down the river.

Experience the beautiful Portuguese coastline on the beaches of Moledo or Afife. Try kitesurfing in Esposende or Viana do Castelo, or practice surfing in the powerful seas off of Arda Beach.

Getting to Norte is easy, as Porto offers air connections to major European cities such as London, Paris and Amsterdam. For a scenic journey, take a train into Porto’s main station. While you’d be better off taking the bus or taxi in the major cities, renting a car is the best way to explore the more remote sites.

Take note of a few conversational Portuguese words before you arrive. While Norte is highly industrialized in the western regions, it also promotes itself as a hotspot for tourism due to its natural beauty.