Northern Portugal is a fascinating blend of Portuguese charm and natural splendour, but is surprisingly one of the country’s least-visited regions.

This diverse region stretches from the Atlantic coastline to the Spanish border, encompassing the pristine beaches of Costa Verde, and the picturesque landscapes of the Douro Valley and Peneda-Gerês National Park, along with the vibrant cities of Porto, Braga and Viana do Castelo.

Given North Portugal’s rich variety of sights and attractions, planning an itinerary can feel overwhelming. To aid you, we have created this comprehensive guide that details the very best sights of the region, ensuring you don't miss any of its treasures.
Insight: For this guide, we have not considered any sights in Porto, as we want you to go beyond the common tourist areas and discover much more of this fantastic region.
Related articles: Where to go in North Portugal?

The following are the finest sights and attractions of Northern Portugal. Full details of each one are provided after the map.

1) Bom Jesus do Monte (Braga) - Hilltop sanctuary reached by a Baroque stairway depicting the ascension to heaven.

 

 

2) Pinhão - The prettiest town of the Douro Valley, join a boat tour, go wine tasting or simply admire the stunning scenery.

Pinhão

3) Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês – Wild and dramatic national park with jagged granite mountains, fast-flowing rivers and ancient forests.

4) Basílica de Santa Luzia - Neo-Byzantine basilica standing high above Viana do Castelo

5) Palheiros da Costa Nova (Aveiro) - Colourful striped fishermen's houses along a beautiful sandy beach

6) 516 Arouca and Passadiços do Paiva (Arouca) - World's longest pedestrian suspension bridge and scenic walkways along the Paiva River

7) Almeida - Historic frontier town enclosed by star-shaped fortress built to defend Portugal's eastern border

8) Parque Arqueológico do Vale do Côa - Prehistoric rock art hidden in the caves around the Côa Valley

9) Castelo de Guimarães (Guimarães) - Medieval stone castle and birthplace of the first Portuguese king

10) Ponte Romana (Ponte de Lima) – The historic crossing point of the Lima River and north Portugal’s prettiest town

11) Sé de Braga (Braga) - Majestic 11th-century cathedral blending Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque styles

12) Nossa Senhora dos Remédios (Lamego) - Stunning Baroque shrine with ornate double stairway and terraced gardens

13) Aveiro canals - Calm waterways with colourful moliceiro boats gliding through the city centre

14) Valença - Historic fortified border town overlooking the Minho River into Spain

15) Palácio de Mateus (Vila Real) – Spectacular 18th-century Baroque palace and famous wine estate

16) Paço dos Duques de Bragança - 15th-century palace inspired by north European architecture

17) Vidago Palace - Grand 19th-century thermal spa hotel known for its mineral springs

18) Igreja de Válega (Ovar) - Art Nouveau church adorned with exquisite azulejo tiles

19) Castelo de Bragança - Imposing 12th-century fortress with Portugal's tallest medieval keep

20) Citânia de Briteiros - Ancient Celtic hill fort settlement ruins

21) The Gil Eannes hospital ship - A lovingly restored hospital ship portraying the challenging lives of North Atlantic fishermen

22) Museu do Douro (Peso da Régua) - Museum dedicated to the Douro wine region's history

The following interactive map shows the location of all of these sights (Note: zoom in or out to see all of the points)

Legend: 1) Bom Jesus do Monte 2) Pinhão (Douro Valley) 3) Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês 4) Basílica de Santa Luzia 5) Palheiros da Costa Nova 6) 516 Arouca and Passadiços do Paiva 7) Almeida 8) Parque Arqueológico do Vale do Côa 9) Castelo de Guimarães 10) Ponte Romana (Ponte de Lima) 11) Sé de Braga 12) Nossa Senhora dos Remédios (Lamego) 13) Aveiro canals 14) Valença 15) Palácio de Mateus 16) Paço dos Duques de Bragança 17) Vidago Palace 18) Igreja de Válega 19) Castelo de Bragança 20) Citânia de Briteiros 21) Gil Eannes 22) Museu do Douro

Tours of the Douro Valley
An organised tour led by an experienced guide is often the best way to get the most from the Douro region. There are many excellent tours that combine wine tasting, a boat cruise and sightseeing in a single day. Some of the best tours offered by GetYourGuide include:

The Bom Jesus do Monte is one of Portugal's most spectacular religious sanctuaries.

It is famed for the Baroque stairway - a symbolic journey through 577 steps representing the path to spiritual enlightenment. Each level of this sacred ascent features ornate fountains and chapels depicting scenes from the Passion of Christ.

At the summit stands an elegant neoclassical church, surrounded by peaceful wooded gardens. The site offers breathtaking views across Braga and the Minho region.

For those preferring not to climb the stairs, the historic Elevador do Bom Jesus provides a unique alternative. It's the world's oldest water-balanced funicular still in operation, using an ingenious system of water counterweights to transport visitors up the steep hillside.

This blend of Baroque grandeur, religious symbolism, engineering innovation and natural beauty makes the Bom Jesus do Monte the finest tourist attraction in Northern Portugal.

The water powered funicular is a much easier way to reach the summit of the hill

Pinhão is the prettiest town in the Douro region and sits at the confluence of the Douro and Pinhão rivers. It is surrounded by terraced vineyards that climb the steep hillsides of the Douro Valley.

Pinhão lies at the heart of the Douro port wine production, and there are three excellent quintas (wine estates) offering guided tours and tastings. From the town's charming harbourfront, boat tours depart offering a relaxing way to further explore the region's picturesque landscapes. For the more adventurous, hiking trails lead up the hills to stunning viewpoints, such as the Miradouro Casal de Loivos.

Pinhão can be reached by train from Porto and is a stop along the scenic Linha do Douro railway (guide here). The town is also close to the N222 road, which is often regarded as one of Europe's most beautiful driving routes.

Pinhão is small but wonderful, and if you are planning a trip to the Douro Valley, Pinhão should be your primary destination.

Pinhão waterfront surrounded by the terraced vineyards

The Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês is a breathtaking wilderness that spans the country's northernmost reaches along the Spanish border. This spectacular park combines dramatic granite peaks, ancient oak forests, crystal-clear waterfalls, and traditional villages.

The park's highlights include the stunning viewpoint at Pedra Bela, the historic sanctuary of Senhora da Peneda, and the picturesque village of Soajo with its cluster of traditional granite espigueiros (grain stores). The scenic Vilarinho das Furnas reservoir, which submerged an ancient village, tells a fascinating story of the region's past. The park is home to diverse wildlife, including the rare Garrano wild horses, wolves, and golden eagles. Crystal-clear lagoons like Poço Azul and the cascading Tahiti waterfall offer perfect swimming spots during summer months.

Outdoor enthusiasts can explore over 200 miles of marked hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to challenging mountain treks. The park is also perfect for mountain biking, rock climbing, and canyoning. During spring, the landscape bursts with colour as wildflowers carpet the meadows.

Standing high above Viana do Castelo, the Basilica of Santa Luzia is a stunning neo-Byzantine basilica. The church's design was inspired by Paris's Sacré-Cœur, featuring a striking combination of Byzantine and Romanesque elements with an impressive central dome.

Its bright white limestone exterior is adorned with ornate sculptures and decorative details, while the interior includes a beautiful stained-glass windows and intricate mosaics. Visitors can ascend to the church's dome for panoramic views of the city, and the Lima River estuary.

The Basilica was started in 1904 and only finished in 1959

The view over Viana do Castelo from the top of the top

The beach houses of Costa Nova are one of northern Portugal's most photographed sights. These pretty striped buildings line the beach and harbourfront and are known as palheiros (haystacks), as they originally had thatched roofs made of straw or reeds.

They were constructed as warehouses and shelters for the local fishing community, and were built raised on stilts to protect them from the tides and shifting sands.

Today, many have been converted into holiday homes and restaurants but still maintain their distinctive striped paintwork - a tradition that began as a practical way to maintain the wooden structures, using leftover paint from fishing boats.

Costa Nova is a delightful place for a beach day trip during the summer months and boasts a glorious sandy beach.

The Paiva Walkways (Passadiços do Paiva) offer a spectacular 8.7km wooden pathway that follows the meandering Paiva River through the region’s dramatic landscapes.

The trail features the world's longest pedestrian suspension bridge, the 516 Arouca, which spans an awe-inspiring 516 metres across the river valley at a dizzying height of 175 metres.

The walkway itself winds through ancient forests and rocky outcrops, with wooden stairs and viewing platforms providing access to the region's rich geological features. The complete hiking circuit typically takes 2.5-3 hours one way, with the return journey usually made by shuttle bus.

The best way to visit is through an organised hiking tour, with numerous companies offering day trips from Porto.

Almeida is a heavily fortified border town that is encircled by massive star-shaped fortifications.

The fortress stands as one of the finest examples of early 19th-century military engineering. Its formidable walls withstood multiple sieges during the Peninsular Wars, though the central castle was tragically destroyed in a devastating gunpowder explosion in 1810.

The impressive defensive structure features walls that stretch 2.5 km in circumference, with six gates and deep protective moats reaching heights of 12 metres. Today, the entire historic town still exists within these well-preserved fortifications, which were ingeniously designed to resist the most powerful artillery attacks of their era.

The Fortress of Almeida

Hidden within the Côa Valley lies one of the world's most significant collections of Palaeolithic rock art. This extraordinary site contains thousands of ancient engravings dating from 22,000 - 10,000 BCE, predominantly depicting animals such as horses, ibex and fish, alongside some human figures.

This irreplaceable heritage was saved from destruction in the 1990s when plans for a dam threatened to flood the entire region. Today, the area is carefully protected, with access to key sites only permitted through organised tours.

The Côa Museum complements these ancient artworks with comprehensive exhibitions featuring life-size replicas, interactive displays and detailed insights into the Palaeolithic period.

The Côa Museum standing at the top of the valley

The Castelo de Guimarães is a medieval fortress fondly regarded by the Portuguese, as it was the birthplace of Portugal's first king, Afonso Henriques, in 1109. The castle sits atop giant boulders and is surrounded by thick granite walls and the centre is the impressive Torre de Menagem (Keep Tower).

The castle appears in a wonderful state of preservation, as it underwent a major restoration during the 1940s by the Estado Novo regime. This work coincided with the celebrations marking the 800th anniversary of Portugal's foundation (1140-1940).

Ponte de Lima is Portugal's oldest vila (chartered town), which gets its name from the beautiful Roman bridge (ponte) that crosses the Lima River.

The town is known for its charming medieval character, well-preserved historic architecture and cobblestone streets.One of the town's most distinctive features is the long riverside promenade. This creates a delightful setting for the town's famous biweekly market, which dates back to 1125.

Ponte de Lima lies at the heart of the Vinho Verde wine region, a light sparkling wine, which gets its 'green' name from the use of young grapes.

Ponte de Lima is only a small town but one of the most picturesque in Northern Portugal.

The Ponte de Lima bridge

The medieval centre of Ponte de Lima

The Sé de Braga is Portugal's oldest cathedral, dating back to the 11th century. This historic building combines various architectural styles, from its original Romanesque design to Gothic, Baroque and Manueline additions, reflecting centuries of alterations and expansions.

The cathedral's façade features impressive twin towers, whilst its interior houses numerous treasures including the gilded choir stalls, ornate chapels, and two historic pipe organs.

The Nossa Senhora dos Remédios sanctuary stands majestically atop Monte de São Estêvão in Lamego, rivalling the grandeur of Bom Jesus do Monte in Braga. The ornate Baroque staircase, adorned with azulejos (traditional Portuguese tiles), intricate statues and fountains, leads visitors up 686 steps to the stunning church.

Lamego itself is one of the Douro Valley's most charming historic towns, where elegant baroque mansions and medieval streets blend seamlessly with the surrounding vineyard-covered hills. This picturesque town serves as an ideal base for exploring the Douro region.
Related articles: Guide to Lamego

The canals played a crucial role in the city's salt and seaweed trade (the latter being used as fertiliser), connecting the Ria de Aveiro lagoon to the city.

To navigate the shallow waterways of the lagoon, specially designed shallow-drafted boats were constructed. These traditional vessels, known as moliceiros, are characterised by their distinctive curved prows and elaborate paintings depicting local life, folklore and occasionally humorous situations. Today, these graceful boats have been repurposed to carry tourists on guided tours of the city, becoming one of Aveiro's most beloved attractions.

Aveiro also boasts some of Portugal's finest Art Nouveau buildings. These elegant structures, built with wealth brought back by Portuguese traders from Brazil, showcase distinctive ceramic tiles, wrought-iron balconies and intricate floral motifs that exemplify the movement's artistic ideals.
Related article: Guide to Aveiro

Valença is a historic fortress town sitting on the northern border with Spain along the Minho River. Within the town is the Fortaleza de Valença an impressive military fortification with a double-walled fortress built in a star-shape.

The walls are remarkably well-preserved and you can walk along most of them, offering spectacular views over the Minho River, and the Spanish town of Tui.

The Fortaleza de Valença overlooking the Minho River

The Palácio de Mateus, located near Vila Real, is one of the country's finest examples of Baroque architecture. Completed in the first half of the 18th century, it was designed by Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni, who left an indelible mark on Portuguese architecture, particularly in the northern region.

The Palácio de Mateus most striking feature is its ornate facade, with elaborate baroque decorations, twin staircases, and pinnacles adorning the roofline that create a distinctive silhouette. The exterior of the palace might look familiar to wine enthusiasts, as its iconic façade appears on every bottle of Mateus Rosé wine, although the wine isn't actually produced at the estate.

Inside, the palace houses a significant collection of religious artifacts, antique furniture, paintings, and a notable library containing rare books and manuscripts.

Palacio de Mateus

The Palace of the Dukes of Bragança stands as a stunning example of 15th-century architecture that beautifully combines Portuguese and Northern European influences. Built between 1420 and 1422 by Afonso, the first Duke of Bragança, the palace reflects the powerful status of the Bragança family, which would later become Portugal's royal dynasty.

The palace has strong European influences with its distinctive tall chimneys, cross-shaped layout, and majestic great hall, the palace combines the roles of military stronghold and noble residence. After falling into disrepair and serving as military barracks in the 19th century, it underwent extensive restoration during the Estado Novo period (1937-1959), reviving its medieval grandeur.

Today, the Paço dos Duques de Bragança houses an exceptional collection of period furniture, Flemish tapestries depicting North African campaigns, medieval weapons, and historical artifacts

Set amid 250 acres of manicured gardens and ancient woodlands, the elegant Vidago Palace Hotel is renowned for its thermal spas. The palace, originally commissioned by King Carlos I in 1908 and completed in 1910, is distinguished by its pink-hued façade and four graceful copper-domed towers that rise above the landscape.

The palace is famed for its thermal spa complex, which harnesses the region's mineral-rich springs for wellness treatments. The facility combines historic charm with modern luxury, featuring both traditional thermal baths and contemporary spa amenities. After extensive renovation in 2010, the palace hotel seamlessly blends early 20th century grandeur with modern comfort.

The Igreja de Válega is Northern Portugal's most colourful church and is a beautiful example of azulejos (tile painting). This early 20th-century church stands out for its extraordinary tile-covered façade and interior, where vibrant azulejos paintings cover nearly every surface, depicting biblical scenes and geometric patterns.

Created by artists Jorge Colaço and Narciso Correia between 1927 and 1933, the church features an impressive mix of Art Nouveau and traditional Portuguese decorative styles.

This hidden gem sits between Porto and Aveiro and is worth a stop when driving between them.

A lovingly restored hospital ship which is moored in Viana do Castelo harbour, is northern Portugal’s most fascinating museum.

Built in 1955, this hospital ship served as a vital lifeline for Portugal's cod fishing fleet operating in the harsh waters of the North Atlantic, particularly off Newfoundland and Greenland. Its primary mission was to provide medical care, supplies, and support to thousands of Portuguese cod fishermen working in these remote and dangerous waters. The Gil Eannes was equipped with a 33-bed hospital, surgery facilities, pharmacy, and even dental services.

The museum provides a compelling window into the challenging lives of North Atlantic fishermen and the medical advances that supported their dangerous work

The primitive operating room

The Castelo de Bragança is one of Portugal's most impressive medieval fortresses, which protected both Bragança and the northern border. Built in the 12th century and extensively fortified during the 15th century, the castle features a distinctive 33-metre-high keep (Torre de Menagem), and is one of the tallest and best-preserved in Portugal. The castle complex is surrounded by walls with fifteen formidable towers and includes a military museum housed in the keep.

The castle complex is surrounded by formidable walls reinforced by fifteen robust towers, creating a fine example of medieval defensive architecture. Today, visitors can walk the complete circuit of walls, offering panoramic views of Bragança and the surrounding Trás-os-Montes landscape that this fortress has watched over for centuries.

The Citânia de Briteiros is an impressive Iron Age settlement, that offers extensive insight into pre-Roman Celtic life in northern Portugal. This well-preserved archaeological site features the stone foundations of over 150 circular dwellings, intricate street layouts, and sophisticated water systems dating back to the 2nd century BC.

The ancient city is one of the most significant examples of Castro Culture in the Iberian Peninsula, with excavations revealing evidence of continuous occupation from the Bronze Age through Roman times. Today, visitors can walk among the ancient stone walls, explore the remnants of family compounds, and discover carved stone decorations that have survived over two millennia.

The Museu do Douro (Douro Museum) occupies a beautifully restored 18th-century palace in Peso da Régua and serves as the main cultural center dedicated to the Douro wine region's heritage. The museum tells the comprehensive story of the Douro Valley's wine-making tradition and its classification as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The museum features permanent exhibitions that showcase the region's viticultural history through photographs, tools, documents, and multimedia displays.