Discover the North of Portugal

Browse our listings for the north of Portugal

Northern Portugal stretches from Coimbra to the Spanish border above Moncão, embracing the traditional regions of Minho, Trás os Montes, Alto Douro, Douro Litoral, Beira Alta and Beira Baixa. It is one of the less well-known regions of Portugal but contains some of the country's most diverse, dramatic and unspoilt scenery.

The north's wide open spaces, lush valleys and bleak mountains, its rural charm and lack of pollution all make it a popular destination with walkers, cyclists, horse-riders and anglers. Some of the region's natural highlights include the Peneda-Geres national park, and the natural parks of Serra da Estrêla, Montezinho, Alvão and Douro Internacional. Here amongst areas of outstanding natural beauty, you'll find rare plants and animals and ancient villages offering a friendly welcome and fresh local delicacies. You'll soon feel a world away from your every day life!

Interestingly the mountains of Serra da Estrêla are also the only place in Portugal where you can ski or snowboard in winter.

Northern Portugal's coastline, known as the green coast welcomes laid-back surfers and other watersports enthusiasts while divers are attracted to its marine life and numerous, interesting wrecks.

If you want to visit the north of Portugal you can take the train or fly into Porto (aka Oporto) the region's capital and Portugal's second largest city. It is an attractively quirky, hillside city that, along with neighbour Vila Nova de Gaia, is home to the famous port wine industry. A guided tour of one of the port lodges is highly recommended as you get a fascinating insight into how the wine is made and plenty of free tastings! Many parts of the north of Portugal are characterised by carefully tended vineyards and the wine they produce here is some of the best in the country.

Finally did you know that the kingdom of Portugal was first proclaimed in the 12th century in the north of the country and there are lots of interesting historic towns to visit here including Braga, Guimarães, Bragança and Viseu?

Things to do and places to stay in the north of Portugal

Adventurous Days Out Discover more of Northern Portugal's stunning landscapes from the waters of Matosinhos to the mountains of Geres and have lots of fun doing it. Pick and mix adventures in Northern Portugal including rafting and canoeing, climbing, abseil and canyoning, horse-riding, mountain biking, trekking, paintball and boat tours Read on...

Walking Tours in Portugal, Madeira and the Azores Our walks are designed and led by experienced, enthusiastic walkers who want to show you each region's most beautiful scenery and give you a taste of its history, culture, wildlife and gastronomy. We offer day tours in Lisbon, the Algarve and Madeira and relaxing guided and self guided walking holidays throughout Portugal, Madeira and the Azores. Read more...

Surfing in North Portugal The north of Portugal is one of surfing's best kept secrets with great waves, beautiful beaches and no crowds. Join us at our watersports centre near Porto all year round for a surfari or surfing lessons. We also offer windsurfing, kitesurfing and diving.

Discover The Real Portugal By Bike Our cycling holidays are designed for people who want to wake up in the morning knowing that the distance ahead of them is easily covered with great cycling, beautiful countryside and time to enjoy all the good things Portugal has to offer. We currently organise cycling holidays in the Algarve and Northern Portugal and day trips. Read on...

Cycle the Port Wine Route Take a boat up the Douro river from Porto and then cycle back down over 6 days, self-guided. Stay in some fantastic manor houses and working vineyards, cycling between 25 and 40 kms a day. Luggage transfer is included, minimum groups of 4 riders. Visit our website for more information

Hot Air Balloon Flights Join us for a trip you'll never forget. Take to the skies and soar over the sea and beaches, green and tranquil countryside, historic villages and bustling towns... A romantic, exhilarating, extraordinary experience! All ages are welcome and VIP flights are available. Read on...

Adventurous Horse Riding in Northern Portugal. From our captivating guesthouse in rural Northern Portugal we offer hour, day or week long rides, kayaking, mountain biking and walking or you can just relax in a romantic atmosphere. Experienced and inexperienced riders and children are welcome. Our guests enjoy tranquility, outstanding natural beauty, culture, good food and good company. Read more here or phone 00351 235 466 306