Porto & North
Why go?
The north of Portugal is the oldest part of the country,
inhabitated since prehistoric times yet far less populated than the
south - and much less touristy throughout. It stretches from
historic Coimbra right up to Moncão near the Spanish border,
embracing the bucolic Minho, stunning Douro Valley and
Unesco-listed Porto on the way, as well as the Beira Alta and
Beira Baixa (though we’ve actually given these mountainous
regions their own guide).
Scenery wise, it’s an incredibly diverse mix, with long
sweeping (largely empty) beaches on the coast, and dramatic
mountain ranges and dense forests inland. Portugal’s first
National Park, Peneda-Gerês, and the gorgeous Natural
Parks (including the Montesinho and the Alvão) offer
stunning hiking, and in the mountains of the northeast lie the
prehistoric rock carvings of the Coa Valley;
unmissable.
Perhaps most famously though, northern Portugal is a mecca for
wine lovers. The Douro Valley produces world-class grapes
and its banks are sprinkled with vineyards and quintas (wine farms)
for tastings; Porto is home to the famous port wine industry; and
the deliciously light vinho verde was born in the Minho.