Historical and beautiful places to see

PLACES AND THINGS TO SEE

Historical Towns Worth a Visit

Ponte de Lima, Portugal’s oldest village, boasts the iconic Roman Bridge and scenic riverside views. This charming town is an ideal spot to savor Vinho Verde wine and appreciate traditional Portuguese architecture.

Guimarães is the birthplace of Portugal and offers a fascinating medieval center that’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Guimarães Castle and the Paço dos Duques de Bragança to explore the city’s royal history. Wander through Largo da Oliveira, a historic square with charming medieval architecture.

Braga is a religious hub, home to the Braga Cathedral and the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, which has a monumental staircase. The Biscainhos Museum, located in a Baroque palace, and the D. Diogo de Sousa Archaeological Museum, dedicated to Braga’s Roman past, are also well worth visiting.

Viana do Castelo is a picturesque maritime town with great beaches. We recommend a visit to the hilltop Santa Luzia Sanctuary for breathtaking views of the coast. The Gil Eannes Hospital Ship Museum reflects the region’s maritime heritage, while the city’s historic center features the beautiful Igreja da Misericórdia and lively markets.

Valença do Minho is a fortified town on the Spanish border famous for the Fortaleza de Valença, a sprawling 13th-century fortress. The Valença-Tui International Bridge, a historic iron bridge connecting Portugal and Spain, has been used by pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago for over a century.

Porto’s historic highlights include the Ribeira District, a UNESCO World Heritage site with colorful riverfront buildings and the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge. The Porto Cathedral and Clérigos Tower showcase the city’s religious and architectural history, while São Bento Station captivates with its stunning azulejo (tile) panels depicting Portuguese scenes.

VILLAGES

Beautiful Villages To Explore

There are many beautiful villages and towns around Casa das Descobertas. You can read more about several essential and unique towns here. We also want to mention some other smaller villages a little further away that are worth a visit if you have time.

Melgaço, Portugal's northernmost town, is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Known for its Alvarinho wine, Melgaço is part of the famed Vinho Verde wine region. The town also celebrates the Festa do Alvarinho e do Fumeiro each April, showcasing local wines and smoked meats. Historic highlights include the Melgaço Castle, built in the 12th century, which offers panoramic views of the Minho River and surrounding landscapes. For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Peneda-Gerês National Park provides hiking opportunities, while the Termas de Melgaço spa offers thermal baths known for their health benefits.

Monção, a charming medieval town in northern Portugal along the Minho River, is renowned for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and wine culture. Historically significant as a fortified town, Monção is famed for its 14th-century Castle of Monção, which played a crucial role in defending against Castilian invasions. The town’s Termas de Monção thermal baths attract visitors for their therapeutic mineral waters, even if this facility sadly has passed its best-before date a long time ago. Monção is also popular for its eco-trails, like the path to Valença, which offers scenic river views and opportunities to explore the lush Minho countryside.

Sistelo, often called the “Portuguese Tibet,” is a picturesque village located in Arcos de Valdevez, at the edge of the Peneda-Gerês National Park. The village was shaped by generations of farming communities who carved narrow, tiered fields into the mountainous terrain. The unique cultural and agricultural landscape of Sistelo earned it recognition as one of the 7 Wonders of Portugal in the category of Rural Villages, as well as a national monument designation for its historical and ethnographic value. Ecovia do Vez, Passadiços do Sistelo and Brandas do Sistelo Trail are great paths for hiking and running.

Lindoso, a charming village in the municipality of Ponte da Barca, is nestled within the Peneda-Gerês National Park, close to the Spanish border. This village is renowned for its historical and cultural significance, particularly its 13th-century castle, which played a defensive role during conflicts with Spain. Lindoso also offers visitors a chance to experience the tranquility of rural life with scenic walking trails, traditional stone houses, and friendly locals who maintain the village's customs.

Póvoa de Lanhoso, located in the district of Braga, is a historic town known for the Castle of Lanhoso, that played a significant role in Portuguese history, including as a prison for Queen Teresa after a conflict with her son, Afonso Henriques, the country’s first king. The town is also famous for its filigree craftsmanship, a delicate art form of creating intricate designs with gold and silver threads. DiverLanhoso Adventure Park is one of the largest adventure parks in Iberia, featuring zip lines, rope bridges, paintball, and more.

Montalegre, a picturesque town in the region Alto Barroso and close to the Peneda-Gerês National Park, offers many outdoor experiences, including hiking, canyoning, and exploring the scenic Seven Lagoons Waterfall. The town’s 13th-century castle, perched on a hill, provides breathtaking views and stands as a reminder of its strategic importance in medieval times. Montalegre is also celebrated for its culinary traditions, particularly at the Feira do Fumeiro, an annual smoked meat festival held each January. The nearby Monastery of Santa Maria das Júnias and the legendary Mizarela Bridge, known as the Devil’s Bridge, add a mystical allure to the area.

Fafião is a picturesque village located within the Peneda-Gerês National Park. Known for its traditional granite houses and stunning natural surroundings, Fafião offers a glimpse into rural life in the Barroso region. The village is surrounded by lush forests, rivers, and mountainous terrain, making it a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers. Fafião is also home to a unique community oven, where locals bake bread using old methods, and visitors can explore historic watermills and shepherd's huts that reflect its agricultural heritage.

Caniçada located near the Peneda-Gerês National Park, is a beautiful destination in northern Portugal renowned for its scenic reservoir created by the Caniçada Dam on the Cávado River. The dam, completed in 1955, is surrounded by mountainous landscapes that offer stunning views and is a popular spot for outdoor activities such as swimming, fishing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. The area is dotted with inviting river beaches, including the Alqueirão River Beach, where visitors can enjoy warm, calm waters during the summer. The region is well-known for its hiking trails, with access to popular attractions like the Pincães Waterfall and the Misarela Bridge.

Soajo is a quaint village in Peneda-Gerês National Park, known for its stunning natural beauty and traditional architecture. Soajo offers excellent opportunities for outdoor activities. Hiking trails leading to the nearby Poço das Mantas and Poço Negro lagoons, allow visitors to explore beautiful natural pools, perfect for a refreshing dip.

MUSEUMS

Discovering Minho Through Its Museums

Viana do Castelo

Gil Eannes Hospital Ship is a museum on a historic hospital ship that offers visitors a chance to explore the vessel’s many roles, including its service as a medical ship for the Portuguese cod fleet fishing at the Norwegian and Iceland costs. The ship is docked on the riverfront and offers interactive exhibits, restored cabins, and historical artifacts.

Costume Museum (Museu do Traje) is located in Viana’s central Praça da República and focuses on traditional attire and folklore of the Alto Minho region. It features a permanent collection of regional costumes, jewelry, and textile art, along with rotating exhibits that highlight different aspects of local culture.

Museum of Decorative Arts (Museu de Artes Decorativas) is located in a beautifully preserved 18th-century building. This museum showcases Portuguese decorative arts, including ceramics, furniture, and azulejos (tiles), giving visitors a glimpse into the artistic and luxurious lifestyle of the past.

Braga

Biscainhos Museum is located in a Baroque palace. It exhibits period furnishings, art, and decorative objects from the 17th and 18th centuries. Elegant gardens surround the museum and offer an immersive experience into the aristocratic history of Braga.

D. Diogo de Sousa Archaeological Museum presents a broad collection of artifacts from Braga’s ancient past, especially from its Roman period. Displays include ceramics, coins, sculptures, and other items that reflect Braga’s importance as a Roman settlement.

Image Museum (Museu da Imagem) is a haven for photography lovers. It shows Braga's history and culture through photographic exhibitions, frequently hosting rotating exhibitions featuring works by Portuguese and international photographers.

Ponte de Lima

Centro de Interpretação e Promoção do Vinho Verde highlights the culture and tradition behind Vinho Verde, one of the region’s most famous exports. Through interactive displays and tastings, visitors learn about the wine-making process and its importance to the local economy.

Museu do Brinquedo Português is a charming museum that showcases a delightful collection of traditional Portuguese toys. The exhibits celebrate the craftsmanship and nostalgia of toys from past generations, making it a fun visit for families.

Porto

World of Wine (WOW), located in Vila Nova de Gaia across from Porto, is an immersive cultural district dedicated to celebrating wine, history, and Portuguese heritage. Opened in 2020, WOW spans over 55,000 square meters of renovated Port wine cellars and features seven museums, twelve restaurants, bars, and a wine school offering workshops.

The Museu do Vinho do Porto, located by the Douro River in Porto, offers a deep dive into the history of Port wine. Housed in a former 18th-century wine warehouse, the museum showcases antique wine-making tools, historical documents, and multimedia exhibits illustrating the wine’s production, trade, and role in Porto's heritage.