About Northern Portugal
A land of verdant landscapes, ancient traditions, and Portugal's most important cultural treasures - from the port wine city of Porto to the religious heart of Braga.
Northern Portugal, known as the Green Coast (Costa Verde), is the country's most traditional region. Here you'll find Porto, Portugal's second city and home to the world-famous port wine; Braga, the "Portuguese Rome" with its extraordinary religious heritage; the remote medieval citadel of Braganca; and Viana do Castelo, capital of Minho folklore.
The Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape, produces not only port wine but some of Portugal's finest table wines in dramatic terraced vineyards that cascade down to the river.
Explore Northern Portugal
Click on any destination to discover its unique attractions, history and local character.
Tras-os-Montes
- Braganca - Medieval citadel, Domus Municipalis
Region Highlights
UNESCO Heritage
The Historic Centre of Porto with its Ribeira district is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Douro Valley vineyards are also protected as a UNESCO Cultural Landscape of outstanding universal value.
Port Wine
Porto gave its name to Portugal's most famous export. Visit the historic wine lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia for tours and tastings, or explore the dramatic Douro Valley where the grapes are grown.
Religious Heritage
Braga is the religious capital of Portugal, home to the country's oldest cathedral and the spectacular Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary with its baroque staircase.
Gastronomy
Try tripas a moda do Porto (tripe Porto-style), francesinha, fresh seafood along the coast, and the famous vinho verde - young, slightly sparkling wines unique to this region.
Getting Around
By Train
Porto is well-connected by high-speed trains from Lisbon (2.5 hours). Regional trains serve Braga, Viana do Castelo, and the scenic Douro Valley line.
By Car
The A1 motorway connects Porto to Lisbon. The A3 goes north to Braga and Spain. For Tras-os-Montes and the Douro Valley, a car is essential.
