Minho Viana Portugal
5
Day Itinerary •
Portugal
Five days in the Minho and Viana do Castelo gives you the complete experience of the greenest and most ancient region in Portugal, from the extraordinary Viana do Castelo and the remarkable Santa Luzia basilica to the magnificent Bom Jesus sanctuary, the extraordinary Peneda-Geres National Park, the remarkable Vinho Verde wine estates and the extraordinary medieval towns of Barcelos and Ponte de Lima. This route covers the full Minho: the extraordinary Viana do Castelo, the remarkable Santa Luzia basilica, the extraordinary Bom Jesus and Braga cathedral, the remarkable Peneda-Geres National Park, the finest Vinho Verde estates, the extraordinary medieval bridge town of Ponte de Lima, the remarkable Barcelos market and the extraordinary hilltop citadel of Guimaraes.
Best Time To Visit
May to September for full green Minho experience. October for harvest.
Getting There
Drive from Porto (1 hour) or fly to Porto Airport (OPO).
Getting Around
Car essential throughout. Train connects main towns along the Lima valley.
Budget Per Day
Approx 70 to 140 euros per person per day
Difficulity
Easy to moderate , walking, driving and some national park hiking
DAY 1
VIANA DO CASTELO
MORNING
SANTA LUZIA BASILICA
The Santa Luzia Basilica above Viana do Castelo is the most extraordinary hilltop religious building in northern Portugal, its remarkable neo-Byzantine dome giving the finest panoramic view in the Minho over the Lima estuary and the Atlantic coast. The remarkable funicular from the town gives the finest ascent. The extraordinary mosaic interior is the finest in northern Portugal. Entry approx 2 euros. Drive: Funicular down
MIDDAY
VIANA OLD TOWN AND PRACA DA REPUBLICA
Viana do Castelo is the most extraordinary historic town in the Minho, its remarkable Praca da Republica with the finest Renaissance fountain in northern Portugal, the extraordinary Misericordia church loggia and the fine 16th-century town hall giving the most complete Renaissance square in Portugal. The extraordinary folk costume tradition is the finest in the country. Free. Drive: Walk to river
AFTERNOON
LIMA RIVERFRONT AND PRAIA DO CABEDELO
The Lima riverside gives the finest river walk in the Minho, its extraordinary views over the estuary to the dunes beyond giving the finest natural harbour panorama in northern Portugal. The remarkable Praia do Cabedelo across the estuary, accessible by ferry, is the finest Atlantic beach near Viana do Castelo. Ferry approx 2 euros.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Citania de Santa Luzia on the hill beside the basilica is the finest Iron Age Celtic settlement accessible from Viana, its remarkable circular stone house foundations giving the finest pre-Roman heritage in the Minho. Almost entirely unknown to tourists who visit only the basilica. Free.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Cafe in Viana old town Outstanding Portuguese coffee on the finest Renaissance square in northern Portugal. | Lunch: Restaurant in Viana Outstanding Minho lunch with local bacalhau and excellent Vinho Verde. | Dinner: Fish restaurant on the Lima waterfront Outstanding fresh Atlantic fish on the extraordinary Lima estuary waterfront.
DAY 2
BRAGA
MORNING
BOM JESUS DO MONTE SANCTUARY
Bom Jesus do Monte is the most extraordinary pilgrimage sanctuary in Portugal, its remarkable baroque staircase of 577 steps and the extraordinary hydraulic funicular, the oldest water-powered funicular in the world since 1882, giving the finest sanctuary experience in northern Portugal. The views over Braga from the top are remarkable. Free. Drive: 20 min drive
MIDDAY
BRAGA CATHEDRAL AND OLD TOWN
Braga Cathedral is the most extraordinary religious building in northern Portugal, the oldest in the country founded in 1070, with the remarkable treasury containing the finest collection of religious silver in Portugal. The extraordinary baroque old town with remarkable fountains and the Archbishop's Palace gives the finest city promenade in the Minho. Entry approx 3 euros. Drive: 30 min drive
AFTERNOON
CITANIA DE BRITEIROS IRON AGE SETTLEMENT
Citania de Briteiros is the finest Iron Age Celtic settlement in Portugal, its remarkable hilltop ruins of circular stone houses giving an extraordinary insight into pre-Roman Iberia above the Cavado valley. The extraordinary reconstructed round houses and the remarkable views over the Minho landscape give the finest prehistoric heritage in northern Portugal. Entry approx 3 euros.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Sameiro Sanctuary above Braga gives the finest panoramic view over the entire Minho valley from the highest point in the Braga hills. The remarkable neoclassical church and the extraordinary gardens give the finest afternoon experience above Braga. Entry free.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Cafe in Braga before Bom Jesus Outstanding Portuguese coffee in the finest religious city before climbing the extraordinary baroque staircase. | Lunch: Restaurant in Braga old town Outstanding Minho lunch in the most extraordinary baroque city. Local bacalhau and Vinho Verde. | Dinner: Restaurant in Braga or Viana Outstanding northern Portuguese dinner after the Bom Jesus and Braga day.
DAY 3
PENEDA-GERES
MORNING
PENEDA-GERES NATIONAL PARK
Peneda-Geres is the most extraordinary national park in Portugal, its remarkable granite mountains, ancient oak forests and extraordinary waterfalls giving the finest wilderness in the country. The extraordinary wild Garrano ponies of the Minho and the remarkable Vilarinho das Furnas reservoir give the finest natural landscapes in the park. Entry free. Drive: 30 min drive
MIDDAY
TAHITI WATERFALL AND CALDAS DO GERES
The waterfall walks in Geres give the most extraordinary natural experience in northern Portugal, the remarkable Cascata do Arado and the extraordinary Tahiti falls giving the finest waterfall walks in the Minho. The remarkable Caldas do Geres spa village with its extraordinary thermal springs and 19th-century spa gardens gives the finest mountain spa atmosphere. Free walks. Drive: 30 min drive
AFTERNOON
CASTRO LABOREIRO REMOTE VILLAGE
Castro Laboreiro is the most extraordinary remote village in the Peneda section of the national park, its remarkable medieval castle ruins and extraordinary views over the Laboreiro plateau and into Galicia giving the finest remote village experience in the Minho. The ancient Castro Laboreiro mountain dog breed still guards the village flocks. Free.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Roman road in the Geres national park is one of the finest surviving sections of Roman road in Iberia, its remarkable granite slabs passing through extraordinary landscape with milestones in original positions. Free. The finest Roman heritage in the Minho.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Hotel breakfast before Geres drive Early start for the national park. The extraordinary granite mountains are finest in morning mist. | Lunch: Restaurant in Caldas do Geres Outstanding Minho mountain lunch in the finest spa village. Local trout and Vinho Verde. | Dinner: Restaurant in Viana or Ponte de Lima Outstanding Minho dinner after the extraordinary national park day.
DAY 4
PONTE DE LIMA AND VALENCA
MORNING
PONTE DE LIMA MEDIEVAL TOWN
Ponte de Lima is the most extraordinary medieval town in the Minho, its remarkable Roman-medieval bridge over the Lima river, the oldest still in use in Portugal, and the extraordinary tree-lined promenade giving the finest riverside town atmosphere in northern Portugal. The remarkable towers of the medieval walls and the extraordinary Church of Santo Antonio give the finest heritage walk in the Lima valley. Free. Drive: 30 min drive
MIDDAY
VINHO VERDE QUINTA WINE TASTING
The Minho produces the most extraordinary Vinho Verde in Portugal, the remarkable light, slightly sparkling white wine from the granite valleys of the Lima and Ave rivers giving the finest young wine in the country. Quinta de Soalheiro, Quinta da Aveleda or Quinta do Ameal offer the finest estate tours and tastings in the Minho. Tastings approx 5 to 15 euros. Drive: 30 min drive
AFTERNOON
VALENCA FORTIFIED TOWN
Valenca is the most extraordinary fortified border town in Portugal, its remarkable 17th-century Vauban-style double walled fortification above the Minho river giving the finest military engineering in northern Portugal. The extraordinary views across the river to Spain and the remarkable cobbled streets of the fortified town give the finest border heritage experience in the country. Entry free.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Insua island fortress in the Minho river near Caminha is the finest offshore fortification in northern Portugal, its remarkable 16th-century monastery-fortress visible from the Caminha waterfront giving the most atmospheric border monument in the Minho. Boat trips from Caminha. Approx 10 euros.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Cafe in Ponte de Lima Outstanding Portuguese coffee on the finest medieval riverside promenade in northern Portugal. | Lunch: Quinta restaurant at Vinho Verde estate Outstanding Minho lunch with the finest Vinho Verde at the source. Local fish with the estate wine. | Dinner: Restaurant in Valenca or Viana Outstanding northern Portuguese dinner in the extraordinary fortified border town or Viana.
DAY 5
BARCELOS AND GUIMARAES
MORNING
BARCELOS THURSDAY MARKET
The Barcelos Thursday market is the most extraordinary traditional market in Portugal, its remarkable weekly gathering in the largest market square in the country giving the finest collection of local crafts, the extraordinary Barcelos cockerel pottery and the most authentic rural market atmosphere in northern Portugal. The remarkable medieval bridge over the Cavado and the extraordinary Archaeological Museum give fine heritage context. Market free. Drive: 45 min drive
MIDDAY
GUIMARAES UNESCO OLD TOWN
Guimaraes is the birthplace of Portugal, its remarkable UNESCO old town of medieval mansions, extraordinary churches and the finest Largo da Oliveira square in northern Portugal giving the most complete medieval townscape in the country. The extraordinary castle and the remarkable Palace of the Dukes of Braganza give the finest heritage in the Minho. Free to explore. Drive: 1 hr drive to Porto
AFTERNOON
RETURN TO PORTO
driving The return drive to Porto through the extraordinary Minho landscape passes through the finest Vinho Verde wine country in Portugal, the remarkable terraced granite vineyards and the extraordinary quintas along the Ave and Cavado valleys giving the finest farewell to the greenest region in Portugal. The remarkable A3 motorway gives the finest approach to Porto. Free.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Penha cable car above Guimaraes gives the finest panoramic view over the entire Minho region from the forested hilltop above the city. The remarkable granite chapel complex at the summit is extraordinary. Cable car approx 5 euros. The finest elevated view in the Minho.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Early cafe before Barcelos market Early start for the Thursday market. The extraordinary Barcelos market at 8am is entirely without tourists. | Lunch: Tasca in Guimaraes old town Outstanding Minho lunch in the finest medieval square in northern Portugal. Local rojoes and Vinho Verde. | Dinner: Farewell dinner in Porto Outstanding final Portuguese dinner in the extraordinary Ribeira waterfront.
Where To Stay
Viana do Castelo, Nights 1 to 2 The finest base for the coast and Lima valley. Hotels from 70 to 160 euros. Braga or Caldas do Geres, Night 3 Braga for Bom Jesus and Citania. Geres for the national park night. Hotels from 65 euros. Budget option Guesthouses in Viana or Braga from 40 euros. Both are compact, walkable and excellently connected.
Top Tips
1. Santa Luzia funicular at dusk gives the most extraordinary sunset view in the Minho. The Lima estuary and the Atlantic turning golden is the finest scene in the north.
2. Bom Jesus: walk up the 577 baroque staircase and take the remarkable funicular down. The hydraulic counterbalance mechanism is the finest engineering curiosity in Portugal.
3. Peneda-Geres in morning mist is the finest landscape in Portugal. Drive through before 9am for extraordinary views and the wild Garrano ponies grazing on the road.
4. Barcelos Thursday market at 8am: entirely Portuguese, no tourists, the finest local crafts and the most authentic cockerel pottery direct from the makers.
5. Vinho Verde at source: the Alvarinho grape from around Monção and Melgaco produces the finest Vinho Verde in Portugal. Ask quintas for the single quinta wines.
6. The Minho Roman road in Geres is one of the finest in Iberia. The granite milestones are still in their original Roman positions 2000 years later.
Total Budget
70 to 140 euros/day