Top Things to do in Northern Portugal
10 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. Ponte de Dom Luis I
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Built in 1886, this bridge links Porto and Gaia.
Reviewed By Gary S - Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
Well we picked the wettest Easter on record to visit Porto.
We did the lower part of the bridge on the pouring rain and the return from the Dark Side by the upper bridge in what can only be described as crazy windswept outward bound type adventure. People were blown sideways. Umbrellas broken beyond repair.
What a day.
It's just a bridge...looks the bees knees. It was built back in 1792...so with those winds it has stood the test of time.
We were shot blasted but survived.
2. Quinta da Regaleira
Overall Ratings
5 based on 9 reviews
Classified as World Heritage by UNESCO and built at the turn of the 20th century, this romantic architectural complex is comprised of a Palace, a Chapel, and Gardens with grottos.
Reviewed By Kim G - Pacific Grove, California
Predating 1697, this intricately adorned palace of Carvalho Monteiro, received the loving craftsmanship of architect Luigi Manini, whose works include Milan's La Scala. Monteiro, a highly educated scientific capitalist, who graduated Law from University of Combria, was born in Rio de Janeiro, and of Portuguese decent. It was this philanthropist's concept for the "mysterious iconographical program" of this highly unusual property, with loving attention spanning from 1898-1912. The Palace reflects Romanticism of the time, and is designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The expansive Gardens are intimate in their layout with unusual and hidden meanings, while the chapel bares Masonic markings. We walked to the Palace from town without much difficulty, although it was a distance. Strolling gives you an intimate peek at what lies ahead, as you pass by the detailed grounds and the ornate Gothic façade comes into view. The Palace was undergoing renovation to the 2nd floor, but the first floor offered such remarkable workmanship in stone and wood that we were altogether satisfied. Having served as the family's summer residence, the Palace was also known as "The Palace of Monteiro the Millionaire". This is a highlight and must-see of Sintra!
3. Lisbon Oceanarium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Opened in 1998, the Oceanário was the centerpiece of the XXth Century's last World Fair, themed "The Oceans, a Heritage for the Future", and eternally binds Lisbon to the Oceans.MissionThe Oceanário’s Mission is to promote knowledge of the oceans and bring up the public about the duty of protecting natural heritage, through changing their daily habits.While walking through impressive and unforgettable exhibits, visitors are encouraged to learn fascinating things about the oceans and, more importantly, how to make decisions in their daily lives that actively promote the conservation of nature.
Reviewed By 28kath60 - Manchester, United Kingdom
Loved it, especially the Penguins. Made up for disappointment,net of not seeing any at the Zoo. Money well spent
4. Seconds and Minutes
Overall Ratings
5 based on 224 reviews
We are specialized in tours and transfers. Total adapt to your needs, in private or in groups.
Reviewed By christicor1 - New York City, New York
A group of 3 friends, we were picked up at our hotel in Porto heading to Lisbon on a 2 day trip. Our driver and guide André was great ! He is very knowledgeable, attentive and polite and we have learned a lot of history,...MoreEncountering three amazing women and with such apettite for knowlledge made our job really delightfull! Thank you Mrs Cristina, Ângela and Claudia for choosing Seconds and Minutes. Whenever you return to Portugal you have your friends and guides from Seconds and Minutes to welcome you!
5. Go Surf Lisboa
Overall Ratings
5 based on 121 reviews
Daily Surf Trips around Lisbon. We teach you how to Surf, the easy way. The FUN way! The experience of a lifetime! Half a day Surftrip - Full day Surftrip We pick you up, and drive to the best waves around Lisbon. Best Surf lessons in town, best gear, best ride. All year round, 7 days a week. The waves are waiting for you!
Reviewed By Richard R - Manchester, United Kingdom
Filipe was excellent at arranging this trip with me 11 of us on a stag do We spent the whole day at the beach, picked up from our apartment in the minibus and car. We had a great 2 hour lesson followed by lunch pre...MoreHey Richard, Thank you for your comment! We had a very nice time with you and your group. Cheers!
6. Anima Durius Douro River Cruises
Overall Ratings
5 based on 170 reviews
Welcome Aboard! Anima Durius is a registered tourism company created to provide you unique and memorable experiences. We offer you two beautiful sailboats so you can enjoy the peace and the lush of Douro's landscape. With or without skipper, come live moments of pleasure, in contact with nature, the wind, in the calm and sheltered waters of the river Douro. We also provide wine tastings and guided tours of Quinta dos Pocos, one of the region's oldest estates and property of the family. Discover with us the most beautiful places and the best gastronomy of the region. Embark on an indelible passion of fresh water that will exceed your expectations!
Reviewed By joey61 - NC
Paolo was a most gracious captain and host! We were 2 couples, that only had one day in the valley, and we felt spending it with Paolo gave us a taste of all there is to do in the area. It was too chilly to swim, but we did enjoy a couple hours on the boat. He told us about the wineries, the port industry and the history of the valley. Afterwards we drove to his family's vineyard which had spectacular views of the river and valley. We walked through the vines and he gave us a tour of their production area. Then he prepared a nice lunch for us and we sampled the wines they produced. We felt like we were leaving a good friend at the end of our day. If you're short on time and want something that checks all the boxes, this is a fun way to do it. If you have more time, it would be a great way to familiarize yourself with the area and get an insiders view about where to visit or do tastings. Highly enjoyable day with a very sweet man and his dog!
7. Wanted Surf School
Overall Ratings
5 based on 87 reviews
Wanted Surf school counts on a young, dynamic and experienced staff team in order to provide an excellent service. We love to work everyday to make sure your experience is unforgettable. We wants that everyone will have the possibility to enjoy the best possible Surfing experience, underlining the importance ofan obligatory environmental and Social Conscience. Because Wanted Surf School is not just a school of Surfing, but a FAMILY!
Reviewed By Brent V
Great time with these guys, First time Surfing but they make you feel at home at once. The atmosphere was on point from the moment they picked us up until the drop off. Thx again for the great experience and the local lunch after the...MoreBig Brent! It´s really nice to read this words. What a nice morning we spent with you and the rest of the Belgium crew! U guys rock! Big hug for everyone and see you in Antwerp!
8. Portugal Bike
Overall Ratings
5 based on 203 reviews
Discover Portugal ...On a bicycle! Travelling with Portugal Bike will connect you deeply with the country, becoming part of its everyday life, observing details that typical tourists miss and enjoying spontaneous encounters along the way. Portugal Bike is a Portuguese-owned company offering you bicycle tours, that help you to enlarge your horizons and your knowledge, showing you historic evidences and amazing landscape together with very good food and wines. Our goal is that you visit Portugal ...Riding a bicycle!
Reviewed By KL C - Boise, Idaho
Our Group of 4 recently biked the self-guided version of "The Charming Pousadas in Alentejo". It was a great trip. Cristina was very helpful. Great places to stay. Excellent breakfast meal included in cost of trip.
The self-guided trip navigation relies on Reading and following the provided GPS. Two GPSs were helpful. Good documentation also provided on paper, but you need to do the homework prior to using both methods. Also it is helpful to know some of the helpful Portuguese phrases.
9. CMTour
Overall Ratings
5 based on 209 reviews
The CMTOUR there to provide you something never lived, something that will keep your mind for the rest of your life ... The CMTOUR Tour organizes tours of the Douro region, with a wide range of activities to provide unique moments. Within our activities we have visits to Quintas wineries of the region, wine tasting, olive oil tasting, viewpoints visits, visits to wine-producing villages, walks in Rabelo boats, VTT riding. Apart from these we make transfers service anywhere in the country and travel to Europe, also organizes events and fairs.
Reviewed By justjans - Traralgon, Australia
I really enjoyed all facets of this tour apart from lunch. We had the choice of a small, bony, grilled mackerel or a tripe dish. I hate bones but I hate trip more so bones won. A very miserable salad (on slice of tomato per person) and some lettuce and potatoes accompanied it. The vineyards were great-two very different ones-one big and flashy, the other a family affair. The boat ride was very pleasant down the Duoro too. The air conditioner failed in the vehicle on the return journey making for a horrible ride for the three of us in the back with no window to open. Our driver and guide Sergi was 10 stars!
10. Quinta Santa Eufemia
Overall Ratings
5 based on 138 reviews
Quinta Santa Eufemia was founded in 1864 by Bernardo Rodrigues Carvalho, and now is managed by the fourth generation of the Family who have been producing these fine old Douro Port wines, preservinf the alge-old-skills of winemaking and ageing.Situated on the left side of the river Douro, with over 45 hectares under vines, the vineyard produces grapes of the richest varieties, trodden in the traditional way and fermented on granite vats in order to extract their finest essences.The wine is aged in oak casks before being selectively blended to satisfy the most refined palates.
Reviewed By JimS48 - Toronto, Canada
Came on a tour with seven other people. One of the owners (Theresa) led the taste test. Her sister is the vintner. We tasted 1 white and four red ports. I know now which ports need to be drunk quickly because they will oxidize -...MoreThank you for your words, but please do not keep my port wine "forever"; do not forget that we need to sell some bottles ;)
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