Destination: Portugal

LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL ITINERARY INFORMATION

Itinerary: Meanderings in the Minho

TWO TO THREE WEEKS / PORTO TO PORTO

Apart from remote corners of the national parks, this route isn’t difficult to traverse by public transport. Completing the whole 550km loop will take a long two weeks, or a leisurely three if you want to linger in Peneda-Gerês.



Portugal’s oft-ignored northern region makes a great destination for outdoor adventures, as well as exploring colourful markets or catching a lively festival. From Porto, head up the coast to the north’s festival capital – folklore-rich Viana do Castelo, which is also just a short ferry ride from the north’s best beaches. Continue north to the border fortresses of Valença do Minho taking a good long gaze at the Spaniards across the river.

From here, travel south to charming backwater Ponte de Lima, and its picture-book Roman bridge. Nearby Ponte da Barca is a springboard to the remote villages of Soajo and Lindoso, little changed for centuries.

From Braga, the spiritual epicentre of Portugal, you could head back up north, into eastern Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês, to spa town Vila do Gerês and nearby spots for canoeing, mountain biking and fantastic hiking. Alternatively, if you’re passing on a Thursday – head the short distance west to Barcelos to catch its famous midweek market.

Back in Braga, head down south via the pilgrimage site of Bom Jesus do Monte and Celtic ruins at Citânia de Briteiros to the cradle of the nation in history-rich Guimarães.

For a refreshing dose of greenery, stop in the small but enchanting Parque Natural do Alvão, which has spectacular waterfalls and 800-year-old traditional villages. Nearby stands picturesque Amarante, famous for its monastery and phallic cakes. Vila Real’s must-see Palácio de Mateus, then it’s back to Porto, squeezing in a river cruise from Peso da Régua and a quick trip down to Lamego.