North West Portugal: Steeped in history and the birthplace of the first king of Portugal Dom Afonso Henriques.

About North West Portugal

Portugal seeps history and it was here in Northern Portugal that their first king, Dom Afonso Henriques, was born in the beginning of the 12th century. Evidence of Portugal’s past can be found throughout this region. Porto (Oporto) is Portugal’s second largest city and the heart of Portugal’s industry; and the North West remains one of the wealthiest regions of the country. Throughout the region spectacular mansions lay testament to this region’s prosperity.

The river Douro has always been important trading route to the rest of the world and, in the 15th century this is where Portuguese sailors – who were the first to circumnavigate the world - began their exploration travels. From Porto, there are a number of river cruises along the river Douro as it meanders through the lush countryside (the reason why this region is known as the Costa Verde (Green Coast)). North West Portugal has the perfect climate for growing grapes and the area produces excellent wines: from light vinhos verdes, through rich full-bodied reds and, of course, Port. Many of the Port producers offer tours providing an opportunity to taste the different varieties.

The landscape is a picturesque combination of rivers, waterfalls, vineyards and farmland interspersed with ancient monuments, prosperous towns, quaintly charming towns and villages – linked by quiet roads with breathtaking views. Nature lovers must add the Peneda-Gerês National Park into their itinerary. The unspoiled and sometimes rugged coastline has beautiful beaches, charming holiday resorts and busy, traditional fishing towns providing fantastic seafood to the region.

As well as the local seafood, specialities of North West Portugal's cuisine include: "caldo verde", duck with rice, cod and pork fillets ("rojões"). Those with a sweet tooth should try the rich and varied pastries traditionally baked by nuns such as: S. Gonçalo and papos de anjo (angel tummies); or doce de travessa; arroz doce (sweet rice) and aletria; pão de ló and the pastries based on egg yolk/almond paste.

Traditional handicrafts in North West Portugal include:

Embroideries, linen, tapestries and textiles
Jewellery and filigree
Ceramics and pottery
Wood, leather, copper, tin, wrought iron, wicker and osier.

Map of North West Portugal

The Climate in North West Portugal

North West Portugal enjoys a mild climate – in winter the average temperature is 9°C/49ºF and in the summer the maximum temperature is about 25-28ºC/77-82ºF.

Average values	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
max day temp °C	14	14	16	18	20	23	25	25	24	21	17	14
min night temp ° C	5	6	7	8	11	13	15	15	14	12	8	6
daily hours of sunshine	4	5	6	7	9	9	10	10	8	6	5	4
daily hours of daylight	10	11	12	13	14	15	15	14	12	11	10	9
sea temperature	14	14	14	14	15	17	18	19	18	17	16	15

Towns and Villages in North West Portugal

ARCOS DE VALDEVEZ

This ancient and historic town is set in the heart of the High Minho region, close to the banks of the river Vez, at the foot of the Peneda mountain. This castle town is home to Nossa Senhora da Lapa - an impressive baroque church built in 1767.

Typical local cuisine includes roast veal and "cozido à portuguesa" (a rich meat stew with sausages and vegetables).

Nearby is the Peneda-Gerês National Park – one of Portugal’s most lovely areas of unspoiled scenery with charming villages.

Facilities include:

Restaurants

Cafés

Bars

Shops

Banks

Approximate Driving Times to Portuguese Airports:

Porto - 1 hour 5 minutes
Lisbon - 3 hours 40 minutes
Faro - 5 hours 50 minutes

BRAGA

Founded by the Celts in 300 BC, this town became an Roman administrative centre called “Bracara Augusta” in 27 BC. Today Braga, as it is now known, combines a historic religious importance with 21st century commercial and industrial prosperity.

Worth visiting are: the Cathedral (dating from the 12th-18th centuries); the Treasury and Sacred Art Museum; the Museum at the Biscainhos Palace; the Dom Diogo de Sousa Museum; the churches of Misericórdia, Pópulo and of Nossa Senhora Branca. There are several other sites of historical interest within just a few kilometres of the town.

Facilities include:

Shops
Supermarkets
Market
Restaurants
Cafés
Bars
Banks
Post Office
Health care

Approximate Driving Times to Portuguese Airports:

Porto - 40 minutes
Lisbon - 3 hours 15 minutes
Faro - 5 hours 30 minutes

CAMINHA

Set at the mouth of the river Minho and facing Spain, Caminha was once an important river port. The fortressed town is almost surrounded by water and part of its charm and attraction is that its architecture bears testament to its long history: from the 15^th century clock overlooking the main square and the 15^th century mansion of Solar dos Pitas; through ancient manor houses, and mediaeval defensive walls; to Gothic churches and Renaissance fountains.

There is a lovely town square with a central fountain which is a great venue to have a coffee .... or lunch.

Facilities include:

shops
cafés
bars
restaurants
nightclubs
banks

Approximate Driving Times from Portuguese Airports:

Porto - 55 minutes
Lisbon - 3 hours 45 minutes
Faro - 6 hours

ESPOSENDE

The county of Esposende has some of Portugal's loveliest beaches and clear blue sea - in places the sandy beaches extend up to about 18 kms (11 miles). It starts with the beach of Apúlia where there is soft sand, large dunes and a number of traditional windmills - and stretches onto Ofir-Fão, where pine woods frame the beautiful sandy beach.

The actual town of Esposende is surrounded by pine wood and is close to estuary of the River Cávado. It has some lovely historic houses, large squares, interesting churches and a ruined castle.

Specialities of the local cuisine include: roast rock-bass, grey mullet, flounder and shellfish; roast pork and sarrabulho (a dish made from pig's blood) - and all should be eaten with the local vinho verde (green wine)!

Traditional handicrafts include: basketry; rag quilts; stoneworks; and shell work.

Facilities include:

Restaurants
Cafés
Bars
Shops
Banks
Post Office

Approximate Driving Times from Portuguese Airports:

Porto - 30 minutes
Lisbon - 3 hours 15 minutes
Faro - 5 hours 30 minutes

PONTE DA BARCA

This is pretty riverside town derives its name from the arched bridge, dating from 1543, that crosses the River Lima.

There is an old belief that an expectant mother should ask the first person, who crosses the bridge after midnight, to safeguard her unborn child by “baptising” her “bump” with water from the river.

To the east of the bridge lies the old town centre which has a lovely 15th century Parish Church set in the main square; mansions dating from the 16th and 17th centuries, and lovely parks along the river.

Facilities include:

Restaurants

Bars

Cafés

Shops

A large market held every Tuesday

Bus services to Ponte de Lima, Braga and Viana do Castelo

Approximate Driving Times from Portuguese Airports:

Porto - 1 hour
Lisbon - 3 hours 40 minutes
Faro - 5 hours 50 minutes

PONTE DE LIMA

Ponte de Lima is one of the prettiest towns in the region. The town is approached by crossing an impressive bridge (with 24 arches, 4 of which (on the south bank) are of its original roman construction) – and this bridge gives the town its name. Worth seeing is the Parish Church, built in 1425 and restored and enlarged during the reigns of King Duarte and King Alfonso VI.

Facilities include:

Restaurants

Bars

Cafés

Shops

Pedestrianised areas

Town square with cafés

Supermarkets

Banks

Market - held fortnightly on a Monday

Health care

Bus service

Golf

River beaches

Open air swimming pool

Gardens

Nautical club where canoes can be hired

Riding school

Nearby:
- hang gliding

Approximate Driving Times from Portuguese Airports:

Porto - 50 minutes
Lisbon - 3 hours 30 minutes
Faro - 5 hours 40 minutes

PÓVOA DE LANHOSO

The town is dominated by a castle built on a huge rock – it is believed that there has been a building on this site for over 2,000 years. The castle is now a ruin which has a tragic history. One particularly macabre incident tells the story of a former owner, Rodrigo Gonçalves Pereira, who upon discovering his wife’s infidelity set fire to the interior of the castle burning all the people, including his wife, and the livestock. To the west of this town is the 11^th century Benedictine Mosteiro de Tibães which was rebuilt in the 19^th century.

Facilities include:

Restaurants

Bars

Beach-side cafés

Shops

Water slides

Discotheques

Tennis courts

Banks

indoor fresh fish & produce market

Health care

Bus service

Casino

Post office

Approximate Driving Times from Portuguese Airports:

Porto - 55 minutes
Lisbon - 3 hours 30 minutes
Faro - 5 hours 45 minutes

PÓVOA DE VARZIM

Póvoa de Varzim successfully combines a traditional fishing town with a seaside resort (the latter a favoured destination of the Portuguese). The busy harbour is guarded by a small fort and, unsurprisingly, the local food features plenty of fresh fish and seafood!

The port and pretty fishermen’s quarter lies at one end of the town where you can see brightly-painted boats and women mending fishing nets. The town has a wide, sandy beach which is ideal for bathing, surfing and most other kinds of water sports. At the other end of town is the seaside resort with:

Facilities include:

Restaurants

Bars

Beach-side cafés

Shops

Water slides

Discotheques

Tennis courts

Banks

indoor fresh fish & produce market

Health care

Bus service

Casino

Post office

Approximate driving time from Portuguese Airports:

Porto - 20 minutes
Lisbon - 3 hours 15 minutes
Faro - 5 hours 20 minutes

VIANA DO CASTELO

Sitting on the northern bank of estuary of the River Lima, Viana do Castelo is particularly well-known for its handicrafts, colourful regional costumes, Summer festival and cuisine.

The Sanctuary of Santa Luzia dominates the town and commands outstanding views - not only of the town but also the river and the sea beyond. Places of historical interest include: the mother-church and the ancient Paços do Concelho (both Gothic); Casa da Misericórdia (Renaissance); the medieval Casa dos Arcos; the Convent of Santa Ana (16^th century); and the Regional Museum.

Facilities include:

Restaurants
Bars
Cafés
Shopping Mall
Supermarkets
Railway station with links to Porto and the south
Summer festival
Hospital
Nearby beaches

Approximate Driving Times from Portuguese Airports:

Porto - 1 hour 15 minutes
Lisbon - 3 hours 30 minutes
Faro - 5 hours 30 minutes

VILA PRAIA DE ÂNCORA

During the summer, the small fishing village of Vila Praia de Âncora becomes a popular beach resort. Fishing boats still use its little, fortified harbour where the narrow entrance is lit to guide the boats home.

Historically, Vila Praia de Âncora was an important point on the pilgrim route to Santiago in north-west Spain. On the old beach path stands the tiny chapel of Santo Isidoro, which features a 17^th century granite altarpiece and a front porch designed to provide shelter from bad weather.

Facilities include:

Medical Centre
Dentists
Chemists
Excellent shopping facilities including fresh fish and prduce market
Cinema
Cafés
Bars
Restaurants
Banks
Bus services to Viana do Castelo
Train service to Porto and north to Spain

Approximate Driving Times from Portuguese Airports:

Porto - 50 minutes
Lisbon - 3 hours 40 minutes
Faro - 5 hours 50 minutes

PORTO

Arguably one of the most beautiful of Portugal’s cities, Porto is Portugal’s second largest city and the country’s commercial and business centre. Situated on the estuary of the Douro River and very close to the Atlantic Ocean, it comprises 5 distinct areas: Porto, Gaia, Maia, Matosinhos and Gondomar.

Porto has a rich cultural and social life, and, as a result of its reputation for vibrancy, honesty and integrity of its businesses it is known as the “City of Work”. One of its most famous exports is Port Wine which comes from Douro Valley, 100 kms east of the city.

UNESCO classified as “World Heritage” the mediaeval area of the within the 14^th century Roman wall. Here are the oldest buildings in the city, charming streets and pleasant public areas – all overlooked by a 12^th/13^th century Cathedral, which sits on a hill.

Facilities include:

Shops
Supermarkets
Banks
Post Offices
Restaurants
Cafés
Bars
Nightclubs
Railway Station
Bus Services
International Airport

Activities include:

Golf
Beaches
Boat tours up the River Douro
Oporto International Film Festival – specialising fantasy and sci-fi films

Approximate Driving Time from Portuguese Airports:

Porto - 20 minutes
Lisbon - 2 hours 50 minutes
Faro - 5 hours

FOZ DO DOURO

One of Porto's most prestigious areas, Foz do Douro has lovely views of the city and is a very popular beach resort with palm fringed beaches and lovely views of the coast from the harbour lit breakwater.

Facilities include:

Restaurants
Bars
Cafés
Shops
Supermarkets
Banks
Daily Market
Health care
Bus service
British School
Beach
City park with:
- lakes
- ponds

Approximate Driving Times to Portuguese Airports:

Porto - 20 minutes
Lisbon - 2 hours 50 minutes
Faro - 5 hours

MATOSINHOS

Matosinhos is famous for its large port, beaches, and high-quality fish and seafood restaurants. It is situated on the north bank of the River Leça, in the northern suburbs of Oporto.

Beyond the port and situated on a hill close is the 18^th century church of Bom Jesus (also known as the Igreja do Senhor de Matosinhos) which has a wooden statue of Christ on the cross. Legend has it that this statue was washed up on the beach in the 10^th century – but it was missing an arm - 50 years after its discovery, an old woman looking for firewood found the wooden arm and took it to the shrine, where it miraculously attached to the statue.

Facilities include:

Restaurants
Bars
Cafés
Shops
Supermarkets
Banks
Daily Market
Health care
Bus services
Beach
Surfing

Approximate Driving Times to Portuguese Airports:

Porto - 10 minutes
Lisbon - 2 hours 50 minutes
Faro - 5 hours

VILA DO CONDE

This town’s origins are of an ancient medieval shipyard. Full of history, the town is famous for its lace.

Facilities include:

Restaurants
Bars
Cafés
Shops
Supermarkets
Banks
Market - held every Friday
Health care
Public transport - easy access to the Metro and Bus services

Approximate Driving times from Portuguese Airports:

Porto - 20 minutes
Lisbon - 3 hours, 10 minutes
Faro - 5 hours, 50 minutes

MAIA

Once know as "the Land of Maia", that stretched between the Douro and Ave rivers, Maia was instrumental in the foundation of Portugal as a nation. There is still evidence of Maia’s history, including the Roman bridge over the River Leça, the Quinta dos Cónegos (an estate once used by the bishops of Oporto), numerous Churches, the former convent & monastery at Moreira da Maia and the statues in the Maia Gardens.

Local handicrafts include:

embroideries
ceramics & pottery
wood carving
leather work
tin & ironwork

Local cuisine includes specialities such as:

roast cod
sardines in vinegar sauce
roast kid
cozido à portuguesa (a variety of sausages, meat and vegetables)
and local vinho verde (green wine).

Facilities include:

Restaurants
Bars
Cafés
Shops
Supermarkets
Banks
Health care
Public transport (bus services and metro)
Maia Zoo

Approximate Driving times from Portuguese Airports:

Porto - 15 minutes
Lisbon - 2 hours 22 minutes
Faro - 5 hours

Golf Courses in North West Portugal

ESTELA GOLF CLUB

Estela Golf Course
Holes	18
Par	72
Length	6,017 m
Driving Range	YES
Putting Green	YES
Restaurant	YES
Bar	YES

This course is a links course built on a three kilometre stretch of sand dunes with lovely Atlantic views and earned its reputation whilst hosting two events in the European Professionals' Circuit.

Only about 15 minutes from Porto's Francisco Sa Carneiro International Airport, the Estela course was inaugurated in January 1989. It was designed by the Portuguese architect Duarte Sottomayor to follow the tradition of typical Scottish links courses.

There are two large lakes that not only enhance the beauty of the course, but also become quite challenging when the wind is blowing. Inaccurate drives will be punished by landing in the sand-dunes and on almost every occasion a ball lands off the fairway, there is little chance of reaching the green with the second shot.

OPORTO GOLF CLUB

Oporto Golf Club
Holes	18	Chipping	NO
Par	71	Caddies	YES
Length	5,599 m	Buggies	YES
Driving Range	YES	Trolleys	YES
Putting Green	YES	Shop	YES
Restaurant	YES	Professional	YES
Golf Clubs	YES	Golf Balls	YES

Situated 17 kms to the south of Porto, beside the beautiful beaches of Espinho this is the second oldest golf course in Continental Europe (Pan in France is older). Established in 1890, by British residents in Porto, it is a “traditional” club.

Designed by Francisco Javier Olazabal this is an authentic Links Course, it is relatively short and has narrow fairways which are the main obstacles, beginning with a difficult Par 4. Perhaps the most challenging holes are number 11, a Par 5 of 494 m and number 4, which is considered to be the most difficult on the course. As if to balance the difficulties, each of the course's two halves concludes with a very accessible Par 5 hole, providing some exciting endings for competitions

PONTE DE LIMA GOLF COURSE

Ponte de Lima Golf Course
Holes	18	Chipping	NO
Par	71	Caddies	YES
Length	6,095 m	Buggies	YES
Driving Range	YES	Trolleys	YES
Putting Green	YES	Shop	YES
Restaurant	YES		YES
Golf Clubs	YES	Golf Balls	YES

This course located in the foothills of Madalena, and is a typical mountain course, covering six kilometres. Designed by Jean Pierre Porcher, it was inaugurated in 1995.

The first nine holes are surrounded by age-old trees and lead through a ravine, to the Quinta do Anquião, where holes 1, 2, 8 and 9 have wonderful views over the Lima valley and the town of Viana do Castelo, which is about 20 kilometres away. Hole 3 (par 5), at 622 meters, is the longest one in Portugal and one of the longest in Europe; hole 8's tee (Par 3) is situated higher, allowing one to attack directly the green below. The next nine holes are sited in the Quinta de Pias valley and surrounded by vines, cornfields and fruit trees. The facilities at this club include Tennis Courts and a Sauna.

QUINTA DA BARCA GOLF COURSE

Holes	9	Chipping	YES
Par	31	Caddies	NO
Length	2,012 m	Buggies	NO
Driving Range	YES	Trolleys	YES
Putting Green	YES	Shop	YES
Restaurant	YES	Professional	YES
Golf Clubs	YES	Golf Balls	YES

Quinta da Barca Golf Course forms part of a tourist/residential development with a freshwater marina set on the banks of the river Cavado, in Barca do Lago, about 7 km from Esposende. The undulating landscape has plenty of trees, three lakes and pleasant views across the river.

This is a 9-hole course, designed by Jorge Santana de Silva, with well-placed bunkers and water hazards to challenge most players – whilst still being suitable for the novice golfer. An 18-hole round can be played using different tees. It has six Par 3 holes and three Par 4s for a Par 31 over 4,024 metres.

The course starts off with holes 1-4 in a tree covered area. The fairways for hole 5 cut through the pine forest. The remaining holes are set in more open landscape, near the Cavado river. The longest hole is number 3 totalling 339 metres.

The club also has a swimming pool and tennis courts.

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