Top Things to do in Northern Portugal
10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Northern Portugal That You Shouldn't Miss
Brimming with both history and natural wonder, Northern Portugal is home to Porto, the city that gave the country its name, as well as the important ancient town of Braga. Also here is Peneda-Gerês, Portugal’s only national park, a gorgeous wilderness area of mountains, gorges, water features and wildlife. Many picturesque villages and manor houses dot the countryside. Two areas are UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Alto Douro Wine Region, and the Paleolithic rock art in the Côa Valley.
Restaurants in Northern Portugal
1. Igreja Matriz de Santa Maria de Valega
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 145 reviews
Válega church is a true masterpiece of tile painting art and surely one of the remarkable churches in Portugal! On sunset the church facade, facing west, is particularly beautiful, bathed by sunlight. A true golden temple that sparkles with its amazing tiles of many colours. The patronage of the church belonged to private owners until 1150. Válega is located 6,5 km away from the city of Ovar and it sure deserves a visit!
Reviewed By AndreAlvesPT - Lisbon, Portugal
It's a not that known gem in the country. Beautifully tiled church in a tiny village and the interior is also imponent with painted walls, wooden ceiling and the cemetery adjacent to it is also an "attraction".
2. Miradouro de Sao Leonardo de Galafura
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 315 reviews
Reviewed By dexxyAberystwyth
Not easy to reach but well worth the effort. Continue down the road from Galafura to Covelhinas and on to Regua for a real treat.
3. Porto Augusto's
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,396 reviews
Reviewed By Alberto1102002 - Las Rozas, Spain
Fantastic, great experience and highly recommended. Our guide Sandra explained everything very warmly and solved our doubts. Best part is the final taste. The only thing is that Spaniards always like to eat something while drinking
4. Pocas Vinhos
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 184 reviews
Pocas lies in the hands of the 3rd and 4th generation, being one of the very few Port Wine company that was born Portuguese and still belongs to the same Portuguese family. The Old Tawny Ports have built Pocas’ reputation but DOC Douro wines have been proving their own quality over the last 30 years. Recently, Pocas received the award of “Fortified wine producer of the year 2018” by the Portuguese magazine “Revista de Vinhos”. Additionally, welcoming about 28 000 visitors per year, our Visitor Center has been also distinguished with the Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence. We have plenty of different reasons for inviting you to be part of a true family atmosphere, to feel the unforgettable aroma of the noblest wines, and to see up close a real day-to-day cellar routine.
Reviewed By johnmodesto - Modesto, United States
Pocas is far from the maddening crowd, located in a non touristy part of the city, you can take a bus there or walk up from the river. The cellars and tasting room are lovely, the guide friendly, with excellent English and willing to answer questions, she provided a detailed explanation of the different Port styles, this house also produces dry wines which you can try. The basic tour and tasting is 8 euros, for my wife and I we upgraded to a 12 and 15 euro tasting, 3 pours each, which meant we could try six different wines by sharing. The highlight was a 20 year old Tawny, but all the wines were tasty. A world class wine tasting visit and experience.
5. Quinta Seara d'Ordens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 39 reviews
Quinta Seara d'Ordens is a family estate of 3 brothers: António, José and Fernando Moreira. We produce wines since 1992 but the vineyard already exist in the same family since 1792.
Reviewed By kiki1301 - Montreal, Canada
This Quinta is amazing! We heard of it through the hostess of our AirBNB. It is a bit off the National 222 so less visited, but it's really worth the trip. We were kindly greeted by one of the young members of the family who run this winery. She took the time to explain the process of vinification of the Douro wines and port wines. The views from up there are absolutely breathtaking, some of the best we have seen in the Douro Valley. Our guide walked us around and showed us some of their olive trees, which produce a divine olive oil (really worth it!) And what about the tasting! We liked every single product that she made us try. Because of the custom regulations, we had to make some choices. Or else we would have bought much more bottles! There are numerous Quintas in the Douro Valley, many of them are more commercial and do mass production. This Quinta really stands out, we see that this family cares about what they do. We strongly recommend you to encourage this smaller producer who offers quality wines.
6. Ostraveiro
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 103 reviews
In Ostraveiro we make aquaculture of oysters and also guided visits to the production. A perfect place to be with family or friends to taste our delicacies. You can book our navy for private parties. - Guided tours: Thursday, Friday and Saturday by appointment and confirmation of availability. - Events or group up to 30 people: Thursday, Friday and Saturday by appointment and confirmation of availability. - Events or groups from 30 people: day to be agreed upon availability confirmation.
Reviewed By TCchills - Lisbon, Portugal
Over expectation from beginning to end. Cool place, amazing oysters and the ice cream, ohhh the ice cream...The owners (Sandra and Sandro) are superb. Congratulations for the project and may the oysters be with us ????
7. Pena Aventura Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 378 reviews
Pena Aventura is a Park dedicated to recreational activities and adventure sports in the nature where the adventure never ends. Pena Aventura Park is considered to be an excellent destination, located in the Region of Oporto and North of Portugal.
Reviewed By embudu - Faro, Portugal
My kids loved the Alpine Coaster. It was a great ride. A bit pricey. Good for a whole day with lot to do.
8. The Maritime Museum of Ilhavo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 239 reviews
Reviewed By Jorge007007 - Brasilia, Brazil
Very nice museum. We learned so much and understood very well the history of the portuguese people relation with codfish. The codfish aquarium is simple but great. One can learn also about history on boats and fishing boats from Aveiro and Portugal. I recommend visiting.
9. Quinta da Aveleda
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 329 reviews
Reviewed By Martinha_Mar - Guimaraes, Portugal
The visits to the historical gardens. The old cellar. The main house. The manueline window, the tea house on the lake and the Nossa Senhora da Vandoma Fountain. The picnic. Everything is gorgeous.????????
10. Mata Nacional do Bucaco
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 952 reviews
Reviewed By monteiro1234
We enjoyed a guided tour of the enchanting woods and gardens by a company called Living Place. We highly recommend the guided tour very delightful couple and knowledgeable.
