Beyond Porto: 10 Amazing Places to Visit in Northern Portugal

Planning to visit Porto and looking to extend your trip? You will love these beautiful places in Northern Portugal!

Northern Portugal is full of charm, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Porto, the biggest city in the North of Portugal, is a wonderful place to start, but the surrounding areas have so much to offer.

You could be wandering around historical cities, enjoying local wine with a fantastic landscape, exploring picturesque coastal towns, or discovering some of the most beautiful art in entire Portugal.

Northern Portugal truly has something for everyone, whether you love history, nature, or just want to soak up local culture. I have to confess that this is my favorite area of Portugal and today I want to share it with you.

This is why I have gathered a list of the most beautiful places to visit in Northern Portugal. You can plan fun day trips from Porto or put together a road trip itinerary, either way, you will love these places!

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Most beautiful places in the North of Portugal

Igreja de Santa Marinha de Cortegaça

Igreja de Santa Marinha de Cortegaça - one of the most beautiful places to see azulejos Portugal
Igreja de Santa Marinha de Cortegaça - one of the most beautiful places in Northern Portugal

Igreja de Santa Marinha de Cortegaça perfectly represents the Portuguese trend: façades covered with tiles or as the Portuguese call them – azulejos. Among the many buildings covered with these exquisite tiles, this church is undoubtedly one of the most impressive.

Visiting this church gives you a chance to appreciate the tradition of tile-making in Portugal, which has been perfected over centuries. The blue and white tiles on the church’s exterior tell stories through their patterns and colors.

Located in the small town of Cortegaça, there isn’t much to do in the immediate area, but the church itself is worth the visit. Up until recent years, it was a hidden gem in Northern Portugal, but nowadays, it has gained a lot of popularity.

We visited this church back in summer 2019 and there were no people around as you can see from the photos above. Now, you will have to bring a bit of patience during the peak season, but you shouldn’t be worried about crowds.

Unfortunately, you cannot enter the church, but make sure you walk around, see the gardens, and appreciate azulejos on the back and sides of Igreja de Santa Marinha de Cortegaça.

📍 It is located 30 minutes drive away from Porto. You can either use your car rental or take the train from Porto to Aveiro and get off in Cortegaça. After a short walk, you will reach Igreja de Santa Marinha de Cortegaça.

Igreja Matriz de Santa Maria de Válega

Igreja Matriz de Santa Maria de Válega Portugal - one of the most beautiful places in Northern Portugal
Igreja Matriz de Santa Maria de Válega Portugal - one of the most beautiful places in Northern Portugal

The Igreja Matriz de Santa Maria de Válega is one of the most colorful churches you can find. Located in the small town of Válega, this church is a true masterpiece of art and architecture. And wait until you see the interior!

The construction of this church began in the 18th century and was completed in 1746. However, it wasn’t until 1960 that the facade was adorned with the stunning tiles, or “azulejos,” that make it so unique today.

Tiles on the facade of Igreja Matriz de Santa Maria de Válega feature various religious scenes and are incredibly detailed. There is no other church in Portugal quite like it!

Similarly to Igreja de Santa Marinha de Cortegaça, this used to be a hidden gem in Northern Portugal, but now it has gained even more popularity than Igreja de Santa Marinha de Cortegaça.

I have to warn you that the square in front of the church is very tiny, so bring your best wide-angle lens or you won’t be able to capture it fully.

📍 It is located 35 minutes drive away from Porto. You can either use your car rental or take the train from Porto to Aveiro and get off in Válega. After that, you will need to walk 30 minutes to reach Igreja Matriz de Santa Maria de Válega.

Don’t want to worry about planning or driving? Book this tour from Porto that covers Válega, Cortegaça, and Aveiro.

Santuário de Santa Luzia

Most beautiful places in the North of Portugal

The Santuário de Santa Luzia, also known as the Sanctuary of Santa Luzia, is a magnificent basilica located on the hill of Santa Luzia in Viana do Castelo. This sanctuary is known for its stunning architecture and breathtaking views.

The construction of the Santuário de Santa Luzia began in 1904 and was completed in 1959. The basilica was designed by the architect Miguel Ventura Terra, and its design was influenced by Byzantine and Romanesque architectural styles.

Located on the top of the mountain, it represents power and importance. From the top you see the beauty of Northern Portugal – the city of Viana do Castelo, the Lima River, and the Atlantic Ocean. Majestic if you ask me!

It is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm. There is no entrance fee, so you can visit Santuário de Santa Luzia for free.

Don’t leave Santuário de Santa Luzia, without visiting Viana do Castelo, which is a beautiful town in Northern Portugal. I highly advise you to visit the main attractions like A Sé de Viana do Castelo, Praça da República and Museu do Traje.

📍 It is located one hour drive away from Porto. You can either use your car rental or take the train (or Flixbus!) from Porto to Viana do Castelo. After that, you will need to walk 30 minutes to reach Santuário de Santa Luzia. With public transport, it will take almost 2 hours.

Capela do Senhor da Pedra

Most beautiful places in the North of Portugal

Capela do Senhor da Pedra is a truly unique church located right on the beach in Miramar. It is an unusual sight, making it one of the best places to visit in Northern Portugal. Sunset over Capela do Senhor da Pedra shouldn’t be missed.

The chapel is perched on a rock outcrop and has stood firm through countless storms and strong coastal winds. Originally, this site was used for pagan worship, which explains its unusual and striking location.

When visiting Capela do Senhor da Pedra, you can take advantage of the location and spend some time at the beach. It’s a great spot to relax, enjoy the sun, and even get a tan. Visiting Capela do Senhor da Pedra won’t take a lot of your time.

📍 It is located 30 minutes drive away from Porto. You can either use your car rental or take the train from Porto to Lisbon or Aveiro and get off in Miramar. After that, you will need to walk for 10 minutes to reach Capela do Senhor da Pedra.

Braga – one of the most beautiful cities in Northern Portugal

Braga - one of the most beautiful cities in Northern Portugal
Braga - one of the most beautiful cities in Northern Portugal
Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte
Braga - one of the most beautiful cities in Northern Portugal
Capela de Santa Marta do Leão

Braga is a city rich in history and famous for its beautiful churches. If you’re visiting by car, you can see the best of Braga in a day, but I would recommend spending a night to make the most of it.

The Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte is one of the most popular sights in Braga. Located on the top of Mount Espinho, it offers a stunning view of the city.

This sanctuary is famous for its 116-meter-tall Baroque stairway, which consists of 577 steps, but you can also reach the top by car or take the funicular. The intricate architecture and scenic surroundings make it a highlight of any visit to Braga.

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro is another beautiful worship site. It offers a spectacular view of Braga and a tranquil atmosphere, as it is less crowded than Bom Jesus. This sanctuary is a peaceful place to reflect and enjoy the serene surroundings.

For a hidden gem, drive another ten minutes to visit the Igreja de Santa Maria Madalena and Capela de Santa Marta do Leão. These spots are off the beaten path and offer a glimpse into the less-traveled parts of Braga’s religious heritage.

After head to the old town and get lost in the tiny streets of Braga. Make sure you see the Cathedral, Square of República, Garden of Santa Barbara, Raio Palace, Arco da Porta Nova and enjoy an unforgettable meal in a restaurant called Velhos Tempos.

📍 It is located a 40-minute drive away from Porto. If you are going by train or Flixbus, it will take approximately one hour.

We spent a night at the Hotel do Parque in Braga and it was a great choice. This hotel is located right next to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, which gives you easy access to the top attraction in Braga. Free parking is a great bonus if you are planning a road trip to Northern Portugal.

Amarante

Amarante - charming town in northern Portugal
Tâmega River in Amarante
Amarante - charming town in northern Portugal
Igreja de São Gonçalo from São Gonçalo Bridge

Amarante, a charming village nestled along the Tâmega River in northern Portugal, is a hidden gem that will steal your heart with its charm and beauty. Despite its small size, Amarante offers a magical experience that left a lasting impression on me.

One of the best ways to appreciate the beauty of Amarante is by taking a stroll along the river. The picturesque surroundings create a peaceful atmosphere that invites you to slow down and savor the moment (and take some photos because look at those views!).

The São Gonçalo Bridge is a highlight of Amarante. Standing on the bridge, you can see the charming houses, cobblestone streets that make up Amarante’s old town and Igreja de São Gonçalo. The bridge itself is an eye candy, with its graceful arches and elegant design.

We had the most wonderful meal in Tasquinha Da Ponte, which is a very affordable and authentic Portuguese restaurant. I still dream about the slow-cooked meat that I had at the Tasquinha Da Ponte.

📍 It is located 45 minute hour drive away from Porto. You can either use your car rental or take Flixbus from Porto to Amarante.

Fundação da Casa de Mateus

Fundação da Casa de Mateus
Fundação da Casa de Mateus

Have you tried the famous Mateus wine in Portugal? And have you ever wondered about the picturesque building that graces the label of Mateus wine bottles? That iconic structure is none other than Casa de Mateus, located in Northern Portugal.

This stunning estate consists of three main buildings: the grand manor house, the historic winery, and a charming chapel. As a bonus, the estate has beautifully landscaped gardens.

You can visit the property, get a guided tour and learn more about history behind Mateus, book a wine tasting, or just visit the garden, it is totally up to you! But one I know for sure, you can’t miss this unique place in Northern Portugal!

Casa de Mateus is open from 9 am to 5 pm on weekdays and from 9 am to 5.30 pm on weekends. You can find all available tickets, prices, and additional information here.

📍 It is located one hour drive away from Porto. I can’t recommend public transport for this route, so if you are not planning to rent a car, you should consider this tour from Porto. It includes Amarante, Casa de Mateus, and highlights of Douro Valley.

Douro Valley (Viewpoint of São Leonardo de Galafura)

Beyond Porto: 10 Amazing Places to Visit in Northern Portugal
Viewpoint of São Leonardo de Galafura in Douro
Beyond Porto: 10 Amazing Places to Visit in Northern Portugal
Viewpoint of São Leonardo de Galafura in Douro

The Douro Valley is like a crown jewel in Northern Portugal, cherished for its stunning landscapes and famous vineyards that hug the winding Douro River. Stretching nearly 900 kilometers, this area offers some of the most unforgettable vistas in the country.

If you want the best view, head to St. Leonardo de Galafura. It sits 650 meters above sea level, giving you a panoramic sight of rolling hills, the winding Douro River, and endless vineyards. I have been to Douro Valley 3 times and this remains my favorite location.

Some highlights of Douro:

  • Pinhão Train Station
  • N222 road
  • Linha do Douro
  • Lake Tua
  • endless wineries

📍 It is located 1.5 hour drive away from Porto, but you will need to rent a car since there is no public transport. If you want to see Douro by public transport, you can take the train from Porto to Pinhao and hike to the vineyards from the town.

Lamego

Beyond Porto: 10 Amazing Places to Visit in Northern Portugal
Beyond Porto: 10 Amazing Places to Visit in Northern Portugal

Lamego, a hidden gem in Northern Portugal, is home to the impressive Santuário de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios. This Baroque sanctuary is accessed via a monumental staircase with 686 steps, adorned with statues of kings, elegant fountains, and symbolic sculptures.

In the charming downtown area, narrow streets lead to delightful local restaurants and quaint boutiques. Take a stroll and don’t miss trying the renowned bola de Lamego, a savory pie filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables.

For the best experience, start your day early with a climb to the Santuário de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios to enjoy panoramic views and avoid crowds. During the day, stairs get very busy, especially during the peak season.

📍 It is located a 1.5 hour drive away from Porto. Public transport takes almost 3 hours from Porto, so I don’t recommend that.

Guimarães

Beyond Porto: 10 Amazing Places to Visit in Northern Portugal

Guimarães, one of the oldest cities in Portugal, holds a special place in the nation’s history. Founded by the Celts, this ancient city is often referred to as the birthplace of Portugal. Its rich historical legacy and well-preserved medieval architecture make it a fascinating destination

The most relevant places to visit in Guimaraes are the gothic monument Padrão do Salado, in front of the church of Our Lady of Oliveira, and the Tower of Alfandega where a sign famously reads “Here was born Portugal.”

The Igreja e Oratórios de Nossa Senhora da Consolação e Santos Passos is arguably the most picturesque site in Guimarães. This beautiful church, with its intricate baroque architecture and lush gardens, attracts many tourists daily.

No visit to Guimarães would be complete without exploring Guimarães Castle. This imposing fortress is one of the most famous attractions in Portugal and you should certainly add it to your itinerary when visiting Northern Portugal.

📍 It is located almost 1-hour drive away from Porto. As an alternative, you can use the train or Flixbus.

In conclusion…

Beyond Porto: 10 Amazing Places to Visit in Northern Portugal

This is the end of the most beautiful places in Northern Portugal and I am sure you are impatient to discover beyond Porto.

I would love to hear your thoughts, so if you have any feedback or additional tips, leave a comment below. Also, check out my Instagram for regular travel videos and travel inspiration. Or explore other destinations on this travel blog.

Pin it for later and save the best places to visit in Northern Portugal!

Beyond Porto: 10 Amazing Places to Visit in Northern Portugal
Beyond Porto: 10 Amazing Places to Visit in Northern Portugal

24 Comments

  1. michiganstop smartmeters says:

    WOW just what I was looking for.

  2. Hi my family member! I want to say that this post is amazing, great written and come with approximately all important infos. I’d like to peer more posts like this .

    1. lasma.plone says:

      Thank you so much!

  3. These are some amazing ideas for Portugal. And I love your photography style!

    1. lasma.plone says:

      Thank you so much, Bea!

  4. Stunning! I have not i been to Portugal yet, but it is very much in my bucket list. I like the architecture and churches of this country. That image of Santuario de Santa Luzia is beautiful! 🙂

    1. lasma.plone says:

      Thank you so much! I am sure you will find many unique churches and beautiful architecture in Portugal, so hopefully soon!

  5. Wow your photos are amazing – and the architecture is so breathtakingly beautiful!

    1. lasma.plone says:

      Ah thank you so much. So happy you liked! ❤️

  6. I’ve never visited Portugal but every time I read an article about visiting I’m blown away by just how beautiful the country is. And your photos are especially stunning! I’m dreaming of that spectacular staircase at Santuário de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios and falling in love with the pretty views at Amarante. Thank you for the wonderful guide, you’ve got me itching to visit Portugal now!

    1. lasma.plone says:

      Thats so sweet of you, thank you so much! Portugal is amazing indeed and I am sure you won’t be disappointed once you get to visit it ❤️

  7. I really appreciate not only the architecture, but colors of these beautiful buildings. What lovely places to visit!

    1. lasma.plone says:

      Right?! Portugal is full of beauty! ❤️

  8. After reading you post I can’t wait to get to Portugal and explore all of its incredible places! I may have to make a trip to the north first judging from your photos.

    1. lasma.plone says:

      Aww thats such a sweet comment! i am sure you won’t be disappointed, because Portugal is such a beautiful country 🥰

  9. We were sorry we never got any further north in Portugal than Porto. Your post shows me we missed a lot. I love the colourful tile work at the Igreja Matriz de Santa Maria de Valega. We certainly most miss this region on our next visit.

    1. lasma.plone says:

      I would say it’s a good reason to go back, right? Porto is amazing as well, so it’s a good start! Hope you get a chance to visit soon ❤️

  10. Such incredible architecture. I hadn’t seen most of these spots before but will certainly add them to my travel list!

    1. lasma.plone says:

      So happy to read this! I am sure you won’t be disappointed ☺️

  11. Wow, wow, wow!!!! The facades in Portugal are gorgeous!! I love the tile work. I’ve seen some of it in Porto but would love to go back and see some of the other beautiful Northern towns. The Duaro Valley is also so beautiful to drive through . Greta for Port tasting!!!!

    1. lasma.plone says:

      Portugal is a beautiful country indeed! Glad you enjoyed your trip and hopefully you get a chance to go back soon 🥰🤗

  12. Flavio Foglietta says:

    This is a perfect itinerary! I wish we had the time to add Chaves, but I guess it will be for the next time! ❤️

    1. lasma.plone says:

      Thats true, we planned it for so long and I am excited to finally share it with everyone ❤️

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