The far north of Portugal | Portugal Itinerary

Route

You begin in Porto and immediately drive into the Douro Valley. From there, you continue via Vale do Coâ and Bragança to Vidago near the Spanish border. The journey then leads to Amarante and the Minho region before ending once again in Porto. A logical loop through the mountainous north, without long detours.

Pace

Nine days divided between several two-night bases. Douro, Vidago, Amarante and Porto each receive the time they deserve. You combine nature, heritage and wine without changing hotels every day.

Highlights

The terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley, the baroque Solar de Mateus, the prehistoric rock engravings of Vale do Coâ and the spa town of Vidago. The monumental Santuário de Bom Jesus do Monte in Braga, the border town of Valença do Minho and finishing in Porto with its port wine lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia. Mountains, vineyards and Atlantic coastline in one journey.

Accommodation

You stay in carefully selected properties: wine hotels in the Douro, an elegant spa hotel in Vidago, a characterful stay in Amarante and a city hotel in Porto. Each hotel reflects the atmosphere of its region.

Profile

For travellers who wish to discover the greener, lesser-known side of Portugal. Ideal for those who appreciate mountain landscapes, wine culture, heritage and a route that balances relaxation with meaningful experiences.

Day 1: Departure to Porto - Douro valley

You will arrive in Porto, where you will first collect your rental car. A scenic drive along the winding Douro with impressive landscapes and vineyards, will take you to a Caractère hotel of your choice, in which you will stay for two nights.

Day 2: From the 'Solar de Mateus' to Amarante

Today you will visit the famous winery 'Solar de Mateus' near Vila Real, a jewel of baroque. Passing through Vila Real, you then drive to Amarante, idyllically situated on the banks of the Tâmega.

Day 3: Vale do Coâ - Bragança - Chaves - Vidago

You leave the Douro region towards Vale do Coâ, an important open-air paleolithic engraving site and the Parque Arqueológico do Côa with an impressive contemporary museum. After this, continue to Bragança, the city with a glorious past referring to one of its most distinguished families. Depart Bragança towards Vidago via Chaves, known for its exquisite smoked ham (presunto), where you will stay two nights at a Caractère hotel.

Day 4: Pedras Salgadas - Vila Pouca de Aguiar

A day programme will take you to the Pedras Salgadas park with its beneficial water springs. Then you will head to Vila Pouca de Aguiar, where you will visit the Castelo de Pena de Aguiar, the remains of a medieval castle whose origins date back to Roman rule.

Day 5: Bom Jesus - Braga - Telões - Viana do Castelo - Vila do Conde

Through the beautiful Parque Nacional do Peneda Gerês, covering an area of 72,000 hectares, or through Guimarães, the former capital of Portugal you will continue your journey towards Bom Jesus and Braga. The world-renowned Santuário de Bom Jesus do Monte and its impressive 'Staircase of the 5 Senses' is the absolute highlight of Portuguese Baroque. Braga is the country's most important religious centre. This was where Afonso Henriques proclaimed himself the country's first king. Afterwards, you will head to Telões (Amarante) where you will stay for 2 nights.

Day 6: Valença do Minho: flirting with the Spanish border

Historic Valença do Minho is a pleasant town enthroned high above the Minho River, with plenty of historical monuments. Just across the Spanish border, you will visit charming Baiona, a lively seaside town with a lovely fishing port.

Day 7: Viana do Castelo - Povoa de Varzim - Porto

Your day starts with a visit to Viana do Castelo, a charming seaside town in the Minoan region located on the Atlantic Ocean, with numerous Manueline- and Renaissance-style houses. The centre of Viana is the Praça da Republica, which is the central square full of beautiful buildings that best reflect Viana's glory days. After this, you will pass through Povoa de Varzim to Porto where you will stay 2 nights in a Caractère hotel of your choice.

Day 8: Porto

Apart from its beautiful historic centre, Porto is also known for its many port houses located in the city, including the big names Taylors, Sandeman and Ramos Pinto. A tasting is a must!

Day 9: Going home

On the ninth day of your trip, you will return your rental car and wait for your return flight. Don't feel like returning home yet? We will be happy to arrange an extension at one of our Caractère hotels of your choice.

Frequently asked questions about a Northern Portugal road trip

What is the best time to visit Northern Portugal?

April to June and September to October are ideal. Pleasant temperatures, green valleys and quiet roads. In September, you experience the grape harvest in the Douro Valley.

Is a rental car necessary for this road trip?

Yes. Many villages, vineyards and natural areas are outside the public transport network. With a car, you enjoy maximum flexibility. Daily driving distances remain manageable.

What makes this road trip different from a classic Portugal itinerary?

This route focuses on the far north: Douro terraces, prehistoric art in Vale do Coâ, spa towns and religious heritage in Braga. Less beach, more character and landscape.

How does Northern Portugal differ from the south?

The north is greener and more mountainous. Vineyards on steep hillsides, river valleys and historic towns shape the scenery. The pace is slower and tourism less pronounced than in the Algarve.