5 Days in Northern Portugal: Porto, Douro Valley & the Minho

Porto, wine country and the Minho

This guide pairs Porto with the Douro Valley to the east and the Minho region to the north,two landscapes that could not be more different yet are equally stunning. After three days in Porto and a full day among the Douro's terraced vineyards and historic wine estates, the final day takes you to Viana do Castelo and Ponte de Lima.

Viana do Castelo is one of northern Portugal's most handsome coastal towns, dominated by the Santa Luzia Basilica high on the hill above it and defined by its extraordinary Manueline architecture and lively fishing harbour. Ponte de Lima, just 24 km inland, is the oldest town in Portugal, set on a beautiful Roman bridge over the Lima River, surrounded by vineyards that produce the local Vinho Verde. This guide shows you exactly how to spend the day across both towns without wasting a single hour.