Portugal Guide
The Minho
Many Portuguese consider the Minho – the province north of Porto – to be the most beautiful part of their country. A rolling province of lush river valleys, forested hillsides, trailing vines and long, sandy beaches, it is certainly pleasing to the eye, especially in the mountainous east, where you can still see wooden-wheeled ox-carts creak down cobbled lanes. Age-old customs are also maintained throughout the region at dozens of huge country markets, festas and romarias. In summer, especially, you're likely to happen upon these fairs and festivals and it's worth trying to plan a trip around the larger events if you're keen to experience Minho life at its most exuberant.
Highlights
1 Guimarães The country's first capital is an attractive maze of cobbled streets, medieval monuments and hidden squares.
2 Citânia de Briteiros Step back to pre-Roman times at the magnificent Celtic hill fort.
3 Feira de Barcelos The spectacular Thursday feira is one of Europe's biggest weekly markets.
4 Costa Verde beaches There's always space to lay your towel on the golden sands of the rugged Atlantic coast.
5 Monte de Santa Luzia Enjoy one of the best views in the world from this breezy hilltop sanctuary.
6 Valença do Minho Gaze across the Rio Minho to Spain from the ramparts of the ancient walled town.
7 Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês A wild and solitary part of the country offering fantastic hiking and outdoor pursuits.