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?
Fun things to do in the north of Portugal
Multi-activity
Adventurous Days Out Discover more of Northern Portugal's spectacular landscapes from the waters of Matosinhos to the mountains of Geres and have lots of fun doing it. Adventure park holidays and exciting days out including rafting and canoeing, climbing, abseil and canyoning, mountain biking, paintball and more.
Serra da Estrela Adventures The Serra da Estrela national park could have been tailor made for adventure! Join us climbing, kayaking, hiking or for a multi-activity expedition in this stunning wilderness. Specialist guides and equipment are provided to ensure a truly memorable experience.
Extreme!
Drift Racing! A fantastic new experience for car lovers and adrenalin fiends! When drift racing a driver intentionally oversteers causing a slide or drift in the rear wheels while maintaining vehicle control and a high exit speed. Sounds fun? Come and give it a go!
On the Water
Rafting in Northern Portugal The North of Portugal is particularly popular for rafting as it has spectacular mountainous scenery and clean, fast flowing rivers. We offer rafting adventures on the Minho and Paiva rivers- suitable for beginners and experienced rafters.
Cruises Along the River Douro Sail to the heart of wine country and discover the beauties of the Douro river onboard a luxurious modern yacht. Day cruises and holidays available. The most relaxing, romantic and comfortable way to explore this spectacular region.
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.
If you want to surf... ...have an adventure, fun, parties, enjoy peace, quiet and comfort, try new food and meet new friends. We offer all ages the opportunity to learn to surf on the beaches of Figueira da Foz, where you can feel close to nature. After a day's surfing, you can relax over a nice dinner in a friendly family atmosphere.
Explore The Countryside
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.
Walking Tours in Northern Portugal 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 relaxing guided and self guided walking holidays throughout Portugal.
Horse Riding in Peneda Geres National Park Discover one of Europe's last wildernesses - wolf and wild horse country! We offer holidays and trail rides in the heart of the national park if you love horses and the great outdoors then this is one experience not to be missed.
Horse-Riding Holidays in the Heart of Portugal. Join us for a fabulous riding holiday at our beautiful farm in the undiscovered green heart of Central Portugal. Stunning scenery, lovely horses, great home cooked food. All riding standards catered for including families. 20% discount offered for winter bookings.
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.
While we take every care to provide up-to-date and accurate information we cannot be held
responsible for any loss, injury or harm incurred and disclaim all responsibility.
Discover more of Northern Portugal's spectacular landscapes from the waters of Matosinhos to the mountains of Geres and have lots of fun doing it. Adventure park holidays and exciting days out including rafting and canoeing, climbing, abseil and canyoning, mountain biking, paintball and more.
The Serra da Estrela national park could have been tailor made for adventure! Join us climbing, kayaking, hiking or for a multi-activity expedition in this stunning wilderness. Specialist guides and equipment are provided to ensure a truly memorable experience.
A fantastic new experience for car lovers and adrenalin fiends! When drift racing a driver intentionally oversteers causing a slide or drift in the rear wheels while maintaining vehicle control and a high exit speed. Sounds fun? Come and give it a go!
The North of Portugal is particularly popular for rafting as it has spectacular mountainous scenery and clean, fast flowing rivers. We offer rafting adventures on the Minho and Paiva rivers- suitable for beginners and experienced rafters. 
Sail to the heart of wine country and discover the beauties of the Douro river onboard a luxurious modern yacht. Day cruises and holidays available. The most relaxing, romantic and comfortable way to explore this spectacular region.
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.
...have an adventure, fun, parties, enjoy peace, quiet and comfort, try new food and meet new friends. We offer all ages the opportunity to learn to surf on the beaches of Figueira da Foz, where you can feel close to nature. After a day's surfing, you can relax over a nice dinner in a friendly family atmosphere.
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. 
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 relaxing guided and self guided walking holidays throughout Portugal.
Discover one of Europe's last wildernesses - wolf and wild horse country! We offer holidays and trail rides in the heart of the national park if you love horses and the great outdoors then this is one experience not to be missed.
Join us for a fabulous riding holiday at our beautiful farm in the undiscovered green heart of Central Portugal. Stunning scenery, lovely horses, great home cooked food. All riding standards catered for including families. 20% discount offered for winter bookings.
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.
Blink
Del.icio.us
Digg
Furl
Google
Simpy
Spurl
Technorati
Y! MyWeb