22 best places to visit in Northern Portugal

Let’s discover the best places to visit in Northern Portugal! This part of the country is truly full of surprises, from historic cities and medieval towns to lush valleys, mountain viewpoints, and even some hidden waterfalls.

We’ve spent months traveling around Northern Portugal, exploring everything this beautiful region has to offer. From the iconic cities like Porto, Braga, and Aveiro, to the lush Douro River Valley and medieval castles in Guimarães and Bragança.

In this blog post, you’ll discover the best places to visit in Northern Portugal with descriptions, photos, and locations on Google Maps, so you can easily plan your trip and add your favorites to your itinerary. Happy exploring!

1. Porto, the charming capital of Northern Portugal

Porto, or Oporto, is the heart of Northern Portugal. It is the second largest city in Portugal and also one of the most charming cities in Europe.

Built along the Douro River, this city is famous for its colorful riverside houses, historic bridges, and world-famous Port wine. This city definitely has a unique character!

Porto’s Ribeira district, with its lively riverfront, is one of the best places to start exploring Porto. From there, you can cross the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, one of Porto’s most recognizable landmarks and an iron masterpiece that connects Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia across the river.

You also shouldn’t miss the beautiful São Bento Railway Station, known for its blue-and-white azulejos. Is it the most beautiful railway station in Portugal? Could be.

Another must-see is the Clérigos Tower – if you climb to the top, you’ll be rewarded with one of the best panoramic views of Porto. But it was sooo windy!

We’ve actually spent several weeks in Porto and explored all its bucket list tourist attractions, as well as some of Porto’s many hidden gems usually skipped by the regular crowds. Every corner in this city has something special to offer.

Porto is also home to the famous Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, said to have inspired J.K. Rowling (author of Harry Potter) when she lived in Porto.

Another must-visit attraction is the Porto Cathedral, which dates back to the 12th century and is one of the oldest buildings in the city. I loved exploring its tile-covered courtyard and stone rooms and halls!

But Porto is full of charming churches – some feature gorgeous tile-covered walls like the lovely Capela das Almas, but others offer panoramic views from their rooftops like Igreja de São Lourenço.

Another must-visit is Jardim do Morro, the most iconic place to watch the sunset in Porto! The atmosphere here is always lively around sunset, with people sitting on the grass, sharing drinks, and often enjoying live music from street performers.

Food-wise, you must try a Francesinha, the city’s iconic (and very filling!) sandwich! It’s definitely a strange type of sandwich, but I’m not complaining, haha.

Porto is a city that captures your heart from the moment you arrive. There’s an unbeatable charm to this place, so I really hope you get to explore it to the fullest! You’ll need at least two or three days to experience the city without rushing.

Location: Porto

2. Douro Valley, the Portuguese wine region

The Douro Valley, the birthplace of Port wine, is one of the most beautiful regions in Portugal and an absolute must-visit for anyone traveling through the country.

The Douro Valley is known for its terraced vineyards, scenic river views, and charming wine estates. And since 2001, it has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

One of the best ways to experience this region is by taking a scenic drive along the N222 road, which winds along the river, and stopping by scenic viewpoints overlooking the vineyards and the river below.

Two of the most popular stops along the way are Peso da Régua and Pinhão – small towns at the riverfront offering scenic boat rides and river cruises along the Douro River. Just drive there and go to the pier – there will likely be somebody who will grab you immediately, haha.

However, some of my favorite viewpoints along the way include Miradouro São Leonardo de Galafura, Miradouro da Boneca, and Miradouro da Portela, offering some of the most beautiful views of the endless rows of terraced vines cascading down the hillsides.

If you don’t have a car, there are plenty of group trip options to choose from right from Porto, with transportation, wine tasting, lunch, and a river cruise included. You just have to choose one and arrive at the pickup point.

3. Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal

Guimarães is one of my favorite cities in Portugal, as well as one of the best places to visit in Northern Portugal.

Located just an hour away from Porto, Guimarães makes for the perfect destination for a day trip from Porto. We visited Guimarães as part of our road trip around Northern Portugal and spent over a week in this unique place.

This old city is often called the ‘birthplace of Portugal,’ because this is where Afonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal, was born, and where the foundation of the country began all those centuries ago.

The main landmark of the town is the Castelo de Guimarães, one of the most famous medieval castles in Portugal.

Built in the 10th century, it played an important role in defending the region and later became the birthplace of the Portuguese nation.

Just next to the castle stands another must-visit attraction, the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança, a stunning 15th-century palace that once served as the residence of the Dukes of Bragança.

It was one of my favorite places we visited in Guimarães, especially its charming, photo-perfect courtyard!

Other top places in Guimarães include the Igreja de São Miguel do Castelo, a small chapel said to be where Afonso Henriques was baptized, and Largo da Oliveira, one of the prettiest squares in Portugal, boasting Gothic arcades and historic buildings.

Also, don’t forget to stop by the striking Largo da República do Brasil garden and walk along the top of the medieval walls of Guimarães.

Guimarães is small enough to explore in one day, yet full of fascinating history and charm. I’m glad we stayed there longer, but even one day (of half a day!) is enough to soak in all its historical charm. You can truly feel that old-world charm here!

Location: Guimarães Castle – Palace of the Dukes of Bragança

4. Aveiro, the Venice of Portugal

Aveiro is one of my favorite cities we visited in Portugal! It is also known as the ‘Venice of Portugal’, and I think it might as well be one of the most picturesque places in the country!

Aveiro boasts beautiful Art Nouveau buildings and a city center full of water canals, where you can take a ride in the iconic moliceiro boats – the town’s traditional wooden boats, similar to gondolas in Venice (hence the nickname, Venice of Portugal)!

Located just about an hour south of Porto, Aveiro makes for a perfect day trip from Porto. We stayed in this city for a couple of days, exploring everything Aveiro had to offer – from its postcard-perfect architecture to the vast salt flats next to the city!

And you simply have to take a boat ride through the city’s canals! These beautifully painted boats were once used to harvest seaweed from the lagoon, but today it is a tourist attraction and one of the best ways to see the city!

If you love sweets, you absolutely have to try ovos moles, Aveiro’s most iconic sweet treat. They are made of a soft, paste-like mixture of egg yolk and sugar, encased in a rice paper shell shaped like a fish or a seashell. Just stop by a sweets shop and try one!

However, my favorite place in Aveiro was actually a short drive from the center, and it was Costa Nova, a charming beachside village known for its candy-stripped houses! For that, it is one of the most famous villages in Portugal.

These colorful houses (they are called ‘palheiros’) were once used by fishermen to store their fishing gear. Now, some of them are residential properties. I highly recommend stopping by this unique, postcard-perfect place before you stroll to the beach.

We took way too many photos of those cute houses, haha!

Aveiro is one of those places that is full of character and is very relaxing at the same time. The city is near Porto, so it receives quite a few tourists during the day, but there’s something special about this place that makes you want to stay a little longer. If you can, do it!

Location: Aveiro

5. Braga, home to the famous Bom Jesus do Monte

Braga is one of the oldest and most iconic cities in Portugal, often called the ‘Rome of Portugal’, because of its many churches and deep religious history.

Located just an hour away from Porto, Braga is the perfect destination for a day trip from Porto.

We visited Braga during our road trip through Northern Portugal and ended up staying for over a week because there was simply so much to see and do!

Probably the most famous landmark in Braga (and one of the most famous ones in Portugal) is the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in Portugal.

The sanctuary on a hill is known for its iconic baroque staircase, which is lined with fountains and statues, and offers stunning views over the city. It’s a must-visit place in Braga and in Northern Portugal.

If you only visit one place in Braga, this has to be the one!

But there’s a lot to see back in the historic center. You also shouldn’t miss the Sé de Braga, the oldest cathedral in Portugal, which dates back to the 11th century.

It is all you expect from a medieval cathedral – moody, dark, and dramatic.

But next to Braga’s main square, Praça da República, you will find the Jardim da Avenida Central, a stunning avenue full of flowerbeds.

Braga is also home to the Arco da Porta Nova, one of the city’s most photographed landmarks, and the beautiful Jardim de Santa Bárbara garden. Strolling through Braga’s many city gardens was one of my favorite things we did in Braga. If you can, spend at least a full day here!

The city holds a couple of more historical landmarks, like the Biscainhos Museum, Monastery of São Martinho de Tibães, and Palácio do Raio – each place carries its own historical charm.

And did you know Bom Jesus do Monte is not the only mountaintop sanctuary in Braga? Yes, check out the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro (photo above). We watched one of the most beautiful sunsets from that hilltop!

Location: Bom Jesus do Monte

6. Peneda-Gerês National Park

Peneda-Gerês National Park is hands down one of the best places to visit in Northern Portugal. It’s actually the only national park in the whole country.

The national park is vast. If you love nature, this is the perfect place to go to slow down, disconnect, and enjoy the outdoors. The perfect contrast to the buzzing cities in Northern Portugal.

One of the best ways to experience Peneda-Gerês is to go on a road trip and explore its many panoramic viewpoints along the way. Some of my favorites include Miradouro de Fafião, Miradouro da Pedra Bela, Miradouro das Rocas, and Miradouro Voltas de São Bento.

There are also countless hiking trails throughout the park, from easy scenic walks to longer, more adventurous routes. Some of the most popular ones are the Seven Lagoons Trail, Calcedónia Trail, and Trilho dos Miradouros Trail.

Peneda-Gerês National Park also features some amazing waterfalls. The most beautiful ones are Cascata do Arado, Cascatas de Fecha de Barjas, Cascata de Pincães, as well as Poço Azul do Gerês, where you can even go for a swim in the rock pools.

Peneda-Gerês National Park is all about the forests, granite peaks, and waterfalls. But if you have little time, driving through the park is an experience on its own, too – the winding mountain roads, stone bridges, and spectacular views are all there to see along the way!

7. Granaries in Lindoso and Soajo

If you are going on a road trip to the Peneda-Gerês National Park and love unique places, make sure to stop by Lindoso and Soajo to check out these unique granaries!

I really didn’t know what these things were. They looked like stone tombs to me with those crosses on top, to be honest. Turns out these are grain storage units typical in Northern Portugal and Spain!

If you, too, like learning about unique places, then Soajo or Lindoso, two nearby municipalities in the North of Portugal, are great places to stop by! You can explore these granaries for free – they’re just there, out in the open!

The granaries (‘Espigueiros’ in Portuguese) are built of stone and wood and placed on stone columns above ground so that the crops can ventilate and dry, and also to keep birds and rodents away from the crops.

We even saw corn inside some of them, which means that locals are still using them! Or were they placed there on purpose just to entertain tourists? I don’t think so. I saw that many of them were full of things.

I really like these kinds of places. I think this was one of the most unique places we visited in Portugal, where I actually learned something new and saw something I hadn’t seen before! To me, this is what traveling is for!

Location: Granaries of Soajo – Granaries of Lindoso

8. Northern Portugal’s most panoramic swings

There are more ways to enjoy Northern Portugal’s beautiful nature and scenery, and one of my favorite things we did was going on a hunt for the most stunning swings in the most panoramic places.

Portugal, in general, but especially Northern Portugal, has a thing for swings.

Over the past years, many scenic viewpoints in Portugal have added swings with incredible views of valleys, rivers, and mountains, and they were some of my favorite places to visit in Northern Portugal!

Where there’s a scenic hill with a beautiful vantage point, there’s usually a swing to stop by and enjoy the beautiful view.

We found a lot of beautiful swings in Portugal, but my favorite ones were Baloiço da Serradela, Baloiço de Penouços, and Baloiço do Mezio next to the Peneda-Gerês National Park. Those are also some of the biggest swings in Portugal.

Other favorites were the ones that overlooked some of Northern Portugal’s most beautiful river valleys, like Baloiço da Boneca overlooking the Douro River, Baloiço de Manhouce with a view Teixeira River, or Baloiço S. Lourenço next to the Sabor River.

Each one has a completely different backdrop and vibe, so it’s fun to visit a few during your trip. It was one of my favorite ways to enjoy Northern Portugal’s landscapes.

9. Viana do Castelo, the jewel of the North

Let’s head to the North!

If you love charming coastal towns with a mix of sea views, history, and authentic Portuguese culture, you’ll definitely enjoy visiting Viana do Castelo!

Located about an hour north of Porto, this picturesque town sits next to the Atlantic Ocean and the mouth of the Lima River. It is famous for its beautiful setting, combining golden beaches with green hills, and a medieval atmosphere.

One of the best places to visit here is the stunning Santuário de Santa Luzia, a basilica sitting on top of a hill overlooking the city and the Lima River. It is one of the most famous churches in Portugal!

You can reach it by funicular or car, or you can climb up there by stairs like the pilgrims! The panoramic views from up there are absolutely worth it!

We actually came to the sanctuary multiple times during our travels around Northern Portugal. The best time to come here is in the morning – you’ll get to watch sunrise in all its glory from the mountaintop…without the daytime crowds!

Watching the sunrise from the Mount of Santa Luzia was one of my favorite memories from our travels in Northern Portugal! We also came back here another day to check out the interior of the beautiful sanctuary. It truly is the jewel of the North!

However, the town itself is filled with charming streets, traditional tiled houses, and lively squares.

Viana do Castelo is also known for its rich folk traditions and colorful festivals, especially the Romaria de Nossa Senhora d’Agonia, one of the most famous celebrations in Portugal.

If you are doing a road trip around Northern Portugal, definitely consider stopping by – even if you are short on time, because those were some of the best views we saw during our travels!

Location: Santuário de Santa Luzia

10. Ponte de Lima, the oldest small town in Portugal

Just a 25-minute drive East from Viana do Castelo, you’ll find one of the most significant places to visit in Northern Portugal!

Welcome to Ponte de Lima, one of the northernmost towns in the country, sitting just a short drive from the border with Spain. But more importantly, Ponte de Lima is considered the oldest town in Portugal.

Although many towns and settlements existed back in the 12th century, it was Ponte de Lima that received the first town charter from the queen.

This charming medieval town got its name from the stone bridge that stretches over the Lima River. Its name translates as exactly that, the Lima River Bridge.

We came here on a sunny afternoon in the early days of October. We much appreciated the large parking lot they have next to the river.

Ponte de Lima only has about 2,800 inhabitants and is rather quiet, unless you come here during a September festival or one of the popular market days.

We strolled around the old town, its cobbled streets, stopping by the main church, its two 14th-century defensive towers – Torre da Cadeia Velha, and Torre de São Paulo – and by Largo de Camões, a riverside square filled with street cafés and a fountain.

But my favorite thing to do in Ponte de Lima was crossing its iconic bridge.

The bridge is made up of 31 stone arches, and some of them even date back to Roman times, but others were added later, in the Middle Ages.

If you walk along the riverbanks, you’ll find human-sized statues of Roman soldiers standing in formation on one side of the river and their commander on a horse right across the river.

Those statues are tied to a Roman legend.

It says that the troops were afraid to cross the river as they believed it was the river Lethe, from Greek mythology, and crossing it would result in losing their memories.

So the commander on a horse went first, crossed the river, and then called their names one by one from the other side of the river to prove that he hadn’t lost his memory.

That’s a legend, tho, but there is always some truth to them.

Another thing you will notice right away in Ponte de Lima is the constant presence of pilgrims walking the famous Camino de Santiago towards Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Ponte de Lima sits along The Portuguese Way, a route that starts in Lisbon.

Overall, Ponte de Lima felt authentic, charming, and timeless. The town combines long-lost history with the relaxing vibes of a modern-day small town, with locals sitting in the squares sipping drinks and kids running around.

If you’re looking for an authentic medieval town in Northern Portugal with a rich historical heritage, this is the perfect place to visit! I really liked it. It’s interesting enough to explore but still quiet enough to enjoy.

Location: Ponte de Lima

11. The iconic 516 Arouca Bridge and Paiva Walkway

The 516 Arouca Bridge and the Paiva Walkways (Passadiços do Paiva) are two of the most exciting and picturesque places to visit in Northern Portugal.

Located near the small town of Arouca, about 1.5 hours by car from Porto, this area is a paradise for adventure lovers and anyone who enjoys hiking and nature.

The 516 Arouca Bridge is one of the longest pedestrian suspension bridges in the world. It stretches an impressive 516 meters across the gorge of the Paiva River and hangs 175 meters above the water.

The bridge is located within the Arouca UNESCO Global Geopark, which is known for its geological and natural diversity. As you cross the bridge, you’ll also see the impressive Aguieiras Waterfall (one of the highest in the country)!

Located right by the bridge is another place made for the nature lovers – the beautiful Paiva Walkways. It’s a wooden trail that winds along the Raiva River for about 8 kilometers. They are well-maintained and offer fantastic views along the way.

Both of these attractions were built for tourism purposes, and you have to pay an entrance fee to visit both of them – either together or separately.

Normally, you’d buy a ticket to the bridge (which already includes the entrance to the walkways), go there at your designated time, cross the bridge there and back, and then embark on the Paiva Walkways hike.

If you don’t have time for a hike, you’d probably only do the bridge.

We allocated the whole day for this, so we arrived early in the morning for the first time slot, parked our car by the river, then walked along the river until we reached the entrance of the Arouca Bridge.

Crossing the bridge takes place in groups as a guided tour, but there’s enough time to enjoy it and take photos. The guide is there to explain everything. You’ll cross the bridge twice – there and back.

After the bridge, we headed to the wooden walkways. During our visit, part of the trail was under construction, so we only walked about 4 kilometers along the walkway there and the same way back to our car.

It is a very beautiful walk in nature! Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and water are a must. The full trail takes around 2.5 to 3 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop for photos. It was a memorable experience for sure!

Location: 516 Arouca Bridge – Paiva Walkways

12. Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies in Lamego

Santuário de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, or Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies, located in Lamego town in Northern Portugal, was one of my favorite hidden gems we found in Portugal.

Lamego is a beautiful historic town in northern Portugal, somewhere in the heart of the Douro Valley, and it is known for its baroque architecture, religious heritage, and, of course, the production of wines.

But it is this fabulous sanctuary that attracts the most people to Lamego. The sanctuary sits on top of Santo Estêvão Hill and was built between the 18th and 20th centuries.

The sanctuary can be accessed from the town by a long Baroque staircase of 686 steps, but you can drive up there by car as well. It is one of the best churches you can visit in Portugal!

If you are able, I highly recommend climbing the stairs. To me, it was the best part of the experience. We climbed all the way up there, explored the sanctuary, and then climbed back down.

Building sanctuaries on top of hills and then adding majestic, long staircases up to them is not uncommon in Portugal. We found a couple of similar spots around Portugal. But this iconic staircase in Lamego with statues and azulejos tiles was my favorite of them all!

Location: Santuário de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios

13. Castelo de Bragança

Exploring medieval castles was one of my favorite things to do in Northern Portugal, and Castelo de Bragança was definitely one of my top favorites!

Located close to the Spanish border, Bragança town is the capital of the Trás-os-Montes region, one of Portugal’s most remote and authentic areas. If you don’t mind wandering off the beaten path, then visiting the castle in Bragança is a great choice!

As you approach Bragança, you’ll immediately see how its impressive medieval castle completely dominates the skyline. Built in the 12th century by King Sancho I, it is one of the best-preserved castles in Portugal.

Inside the castle walls, you’ll find a small medieval village with cobblestone streets, traditional stone houses, and a charming church.

At first, I was actually quite skeptical about visiting this castle. We had to drive for hours to get there and then those same hours to get back to our apartment. However, it turned out to be one of my favorite medieval castles in Portugal! And I really mean that.

For a small entrance fee (they asked for it in cash), you can not only explore the territory within the castle walls, but also climb the walls and the impressive, 33-meter castle tower for panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside.

And not only that! The castle tower is actually a Military Museum, which houses a collection of ancient weapons, maps, flags, armor, and many more interesting artifacts from Portugal’s history. It was so cool and so interesting, we spent over an hour there!

Fun fact – the castle (or the city?) also gave its name to the House of Braganza, which is one of the most important royal dynasties in Portuguese history. They ruled over the country from the 17th to the 20th century and gave 15 Portuguese monarchs!

Bragança may not be as well-known as other cities in northern Portugal, but that’s part of its charm. It’s quiet, full of history, and gives you a real taste of traditional Portuguese life away from the crowds. If you happen to be nearby, do not hesitate to stop by this place!

Location: Castelo de Bragança

14. Águeda, the City of Umbrellas

Located about 80 kilometers south of Porto, Águeda is one of those hidden gems in Portugal that surprises you in a positive way.

It is a small yet colorful town famous for its annual festival, when the streets are filled with floating umbrellas that turn the whole town into an open-air art gallery each summer.

If you happen to be traveling around Portugal from July to September, definitely consider stopping by this unique town! It is one of the most unique places to visit in Northern Portugal!

It’s a whole spectacle when the streets are decorated with thousands of colorful umbrellas as part of the globally famous Umbrella Sky Project.

When we visited, I counted about five streets that were covered with colorful umbrellas and other decorations. Not only streets, but some houses and shops also had umbrellas on them.

There were colorful benches, even a decorative car on one of the streets, as well as other colorful decorations. Luckily, I found out about Águeda at the end of August, so everything was in full swing when we stopped by.

The best streets to go to see the umbrellas are Rua Luís Camões, Rua José Maria Veloso, Rua Jornal Soberania do Povo, and Rua Vasco da Gama. I also saw colorful decorations on Rua São Bento street.

Besides the umbrella art, Águeda also has plenty of street murals, painted benches, and creative installations scattered all around the town. It’s the kind of place where you just want to wander around and take pictures all the time, haha.

As far as I know, they also create a special Christmas project that you can visit during December when the umbrellas are decorated with Christmas lights. If you want to be sure before you go, I recommend contacting Umbrella Sky Project on Instagram.

Location: Umbrella Sky Project in Águeda

15. Castle of Santa Maria da Feira

If you enjoy exploring medieval castles, a visit to the Castle of Santa Maria da Feira will make for a great day trip when traveling around Northern Portugal.

This wonderful fortress is one of the most important examples of medieval military architecture in Portugal and is located only about a 30-minute drive south of Porto.

So you don’t have to drive too far away to soak in those medieval vibes and atmosphere!

Although there have been some military fortifications in this place since the 9th century, the Castle of Santa Maria da Feira dates back to the 11th century and played a key role in defending the region and the newly created country of Portugal.

It is located in the heart of the town of Santa Maria da Feira, known for its lively festival Viagem Medieval – one of the largest medieval fairs in Europe that takes place here every summer.

During the event, the whole area around the castle transforms into a living medieval village. People walk around with medieval costumes, and there are different performers, artisans, and traditional food stalls.

We weren’t here during the festival, and only explored the castle.

However, I very much liked its fairy-tale towers (although they renovated one of them during our visit), battlements, and stone walls with towers that overlook the whole town and the surrounding area.

We also got to explore some of the rooms inside and walk down through a tunnel to the lower floors. Even outside festival season, the Castle of Santa Maria da Feira is worth a visit. And it is definitely one of the most beautiful medieval castles in Portugal.

Truly feels like stepping back in time!

Location: Castle of Santa Maria da Feira

16. Northern Portugal’s scenic miradouros

One of my favorite things to do in Northern Portugal was chasing its many miradouros – scenic viewpoints that offer some of the most breathtaking vistas in the country.

You won’t likely spend the day just driving around viewpoints, but if you are going on a road trip somewhere around Northern Portugal, you might want to know about some of the best miradouros you could visit along your planned route.

At least, that’s what we did – we had a specific road trip destination as a goal that day, and then I looked for some scenic viewpoints I could add to our route as a waypoint to or from our destination.

This way, we could explore more of this beautiful region, we added some incredibly scenic sections to our route, and, turns out, we also experienced some of our favorite moments during our travels around Northern Portugal.

I have the best memories from our viewpoint hunting mission!

I have already mentioned some of the best viewpoints in previous sections, but there are definitely more of them. Miradouro do Ujo and Miradouro de São Lourenço, next to the Tua River, were some of our absolute favorites. Miradouro Olhos do Tua is also nearby.

Then Miradouro do Marcelim and Coração da Pombeira are two favorites, not too far from each other. If you travel to Lamego or Paiva Walkways, these could be a great addition to your route.

I also really enjoyed some of the remotest viewpoints in Northern Portugal – Miradouro da Serpente do Medal, close to the Spanish border to the east, and Miradouro do Cervo right by the Spanish border to the north.

The northern border with Spain is marked by the beautiful Minho River, and Miradouro do Cervo, with its large deer sculpture, sits on a hill right by it. It was so cool to see the land on the other side of the river and know that it is all Spain.

I highly recommend scrolling through the list of my favorite viewpoints in Portugal and seeing if anything catches your eye. I have all of them with locations, so you can easily save the ones you like. I hope you get to experience at least some of them!

17. Igreja Matriz de Válega, the most colorful church ever

Just a stone’s throw from the Castle of Santa Maria da Feira, you’ll find the most colorful church you’ll ever see – Igreja Matriz de Válega.

I always prefer traveling by car, because it gives me the freedom to plan my own route and gives me the opportunity to visit such hidden gems as this church.

Honestly, Igreja Matriz de Válega is not only the most colorful church I’ve seen in Portugal, but it is the most colorful church I have seen in the world. And I’ve seen a considerable number of churches while traveling around the world!

Both the exterior and interior of this church are covered with colorful tiles depicting different biblical illustrations. The best part? You can visit this absolute marvel for free!

The church is located in Válega, a small town in the Aveiro district that isn’t really known to most travelers. It’s only a 40-minute drive south from Porto.

While this church dates back a thousand years, the construction of Igreja Matriz de Válega, as we see it today, started in the middle of the 18th century and lasted for a hundred years.

However, the colorful tiles were added back in the middle of the 20th century.

The tiles cover the whole church, but the colorful part is on the main facade as well as inside. The church is freely accessible, and you can even visit the interior during its working hours. But even seeing it from the outside is a unique experience!

Location: Igreja Matriz de Válega

18. The blue church of Igreja Paroquial de Cortegaça

Another masterpiece nearby is the Igreja Paroquial de Cortegaça. Located in the Cortegaça village in the Aveiro district, this wonderful church is among the most beautiful churches you will find in Portugal!

The building that we see today was completed in 1918 and was built to replace the old temple, dating back to the middle of the 12th century.

But, really, if you build new places on top of old buildings, they should look just as impressive and unique as this church turned out, am I right?

This striking church stands in a quiet square, framed by a beautiful alley lined with palm trees. Its incredible facade, covered with tiles between 1921 and 1923, depicts different religious scenes and figures. The church also features two towers with spires.

I was amazed by the creativity that went into every detail here – I just stood there quietly, taking it all in. This is art!

It’s truly one of the most stunning examples of Portuguese tile art and one of the most beautiful churches in Portugal. If you’re exploring Northern Portugal with a rental car, try to include this stop in your itinerary!

Location: Igreja Paroquial de Cortegaça

19. The oceanfront Capela do Senhor da Pedra

If you’d rather stay by the coast than go on road trips through the mountains, there is one special gem you might want to include in your Northern Portugal itinerary – Capela do Senhor da Pedra!

The oceanfront chapel is one of the most picturesque chapels in Portugal! It is a bit of a hidden gem, but it’s also not. Locals know about it very well, but not many tourist guides mention this unique place.

So why is it unique? The tiny 17th-century chapel is built on a rock outcrop in the most photogenic setting – right on the edge of the ocean in Miramar, a short ride south from Porto (you can also reach it by train).

When the wind is bigger and the tide is high, the chapel is surrounded by dramatic waves that come crashing down against the rocks. It looks pretty epic! This place is both peaceful and wild!

But on a nicer day, this is a wonderful place to spend time at the beach. There’s a nice promenade nearby with cafés and small restaurants.

However, I’d also consider coming here in the morning for sunrise hues or in the evening to watch the sun go down into the ocean with waves painted in golden sunset views. Either way, it is well worth a visit if you have some extra time!

Location: Capela do Senhor da Pedra

20. Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Lapa

Talking about charming chapels…The Chapel of Our Lady of Lapa in the Soutelo municipality in Northern Portugal was one of my favorite discoveries during our travels around Northern Portugal.

This original sanctuary was built at the end of the 17th century and stands out with its unique layout – the sanctuary was built inside a rock, which serves as the roof of the tiny building.

The little sanctuary was closed when we visited, but you can go see it from the outside and peek inside through the gates. You can basically see everything that’s inside.

The chapel sits on the Penamourinha Hill and is easily accessible by car. We parked at a picnic area right before it and then walked to the chapel on foot.

There is also a fantastic viewpoint above the sanctuary. If you follow a small path carved into rock, you’ll eventually reach a platform built on a huge boulder with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

If you are going on a road trip to destinations like Braga or Peneda-Gerês National Park, then definitely consider stopping by this hidden place! It is often those hidden gems that make my trips memorable.

Location: Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Lapa

21. Obras do Fidalgo

Talking about hidden places, Fidalgo’s Works, or Obras do Fidalgo, is one of the most unusual and fascinating hidden gems in Portugal.

Located in the small village of Vila Boa de Quires, this a bit mysterious 18th-century structure looks like something out of a fantasy movie.

The site was meant to be a grand manor house for a wealthy nobleman (fidalgo=wealthy nobleman), who, apparently, wanted an extravagant residence. However, the project was never completed.

Today, what remains are ruins of a beautiful, detailed stone facade. Some say it is one of the most beautiful Baroque facades in Northern Portugal.

Although the site is now on private land, you can still see it up close from the road. They often host weddings, concerts, and other private events in front of these timeless ruins (as you can see from stacks of chairs left in front of the ruins, haha).

Can you imagine what this mansion could have looked like? If you happen to be nearby, definitely consider stopping by to check out the ruins!

Location: Obras do Fidalgo

22. Palacio de Mateus

The Casa de Mateus, or Palacio de Mateus, is one of the most recognizable manor houses in Portugal. How so? The palace is featured on the label of Mateus wine.

Located near Vila Real in northern Portugal, this beautiful 18th-century estate is famous for its baroque architecture, beautiful gardens, and a reflection pond that perfectly mirrors the façade of the mansion.

I tried my best to take a picture like that, but it was raining a bit, so the reflection wasn’t the best – the water was moving all the time, haha!

The mansion was designed by the Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni, who also worked on several landmarks in Porto (the most famous one – the Tower of Clérigos Church).

It is truly beautiful, but you can only visit the interior by joining a guided tour. There is also another option to buy a ticket for the exterior of the palace, where you can enjoy the pond, the gardens, the maze, and the forest paths.

This is what we did – the entrance fees are quite steep, but I wanted to at least see the exterior. And it was truly beautiful, even though it was raining a bit.

It’s a peaceful place to stroll, take photos, and enjoy the timeless atmosphere of the Portuguese countryside. I especially enjoyed the dark tunnel of the trees (see photos above!)!

Many visitors come here as part of cruise ship excursions, so you might see some larger groups of people if you come here.

If it were cheaper (we paid 12 EUR per person to see the gardens), I’d be more excited about this place, but I’ve been to better places with lower entrance fees. But, still, it was a beautiful place, and if you enjoy these kinds of places, you’ll like it!

Location: Palacio de Mateus

Happy exploring!

Northern Portugal is such a special part of the country – full of history, charm, and some of the most beautiful landscapes you’ll ever see. From ancient cities and medieval castles to lush river valleys and hilltop churches, this region truly has it all.

We’ve spent a couple of months in Northern Portugal, and with every trip there was always something new to discover – whether it’s a hidden waterfall, a dramatic viewpoint, or just a quiet medieval castle perched on top of a hill.

I hope this blog post gives you some inspiration and helps you plan your own adventurous trip around Northern Portugal! Enjoy your travels, and remember to take it all in and enjoy – this region deserves it!

PIN FOR LATER!