 |
|
|
| |
 |
North & Centre of Portugal |
 |
|
|
|
The natural beauty of Portugal's oldest region forms the backdrop for this proud and traditional land.
The Douro river is the longest in northern Portugal. It winds its sinuous way past mountains and cliffs until it reaches the Atlantic near the city of Porto.
Many dams have been built to make the river navigable, which for the visitor means that plenty of pleasure-boats depart from Porto.
Between Mesão Frio and Pinhão lies the stretch where the valley sides are lined with terraced vineyards that produce the famous Port wine. But this region is famous for other things besides the wine that is made nowhere else in the world. Signs of prehistoric men are seen in the ancient cave paintings in Vila Nova de Foz Côa.
Elsewhere, medieval castles and convents or Romanesque little churches dot the landscape.
A paradise of unspoiled natural resources, the region is a perfect place for mountain trekking, canoeing or simply resting.
Three towns that set the tone for this charming area of Portugal are Viana do Castelo, lying upon the estuary of the Lima river; Braga, rich in ecclesiastical history; and the medieval Guimarães. |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
River Zezere & Trás os Montes |
|
|
|
|
Zezere River
|
Surprisingly beautiful views await walkers on the banks of the River Zezere.
Forests of rare beauty and magnificent open spaces, all surrounded by the serene river.
Villa near the Zezere River |
|
Tràs os Montes |
A remarkable region consisting of high mountains, vast plateaux and deep valleys.
There are several National Parks with a large variety of animal and plant species.
Among its attractions, the thermal city of Chaves is rich in history; the village of Vidago is also very pleasant with its thermal baths situated in a beautiful park. Barcelos is a city dedicated to arts and crafts.
The region has many very attractive small villages with majestic viewpoints and numerous historic vestiges.
Villa in Tràs os Montes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Moinho |
|
|
|
|
Viana do Castelo lies 70 km north of Oporto, surrounded by green mountains, by the vivid blue reflections of the Atlantic Ocean and on the banks of the river Lima.
A contrasted scenery is suggested by the sea with its golden sandy beaches, by Santa Luzia hill that draws the horizon and by the Lima River that bathes the serene fluvial beaches, which represents, without any doubt, one of the most beautiful landscapes, generated by nature and fortunately preserved by Humanity.
Enjoy walking on foot or on a bicycle, through the mountains, where the atmosphere is healthy with aromas of a diversified flora, in order to discover the beautiful corners of the municipality. We will always meet warm-hearted inhabitants ready to indicate us the right way to reach a watermill, a waterfall or a chapel.
You will have the opportunity to meet groups of pilgrims, in the direction of Santiago de Compostela, or even naturalist adventurers, who take advantage of the selected geographical conditions of the stopping places, in order to practice mountaineering as well as other "radical sporting activities".
The city of Viana do Castelo is like a living museum, with countless monuments and mansions of different periods and styles. But it is also the capital of the rich Minho folklore, with an important handicrafts industry and animated festivals
Villa in Viana do Castelo
|
|
Vila Praia de Ancora
|
Vila praia de Ancora, a fishing village in North West Portugal, in the heart of the Minho province. It is perfectly situated between sea, mountains, and countryside.
Attractive town, at the end of the Ancora river, nested in a valley protected against winds by the surrounding green hills.
It offers numerous attractions between its beaches, its magnificent landscapes, its many monuments and exceptional history.
You will find activities like watersports, fishing, as well ad typical local gastronomy.
Villa in Vila Praia de Ancora |
|
Esposende |
Esposende is a charming small town with beautiful beaches, cafés, local restaurants and small shops. The climate is excellent in this region from May to October, and you can spend calm holidays there, making the most of nature the sea, rivers, beaches and mountains, as well as tourist centres nearby, offering golf, horseriding, watersports and nightclubs.
Esposende is 47 km North of Oporto
Villa in Esposende
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
