Central and Northern Portugal Itinerary | 7 days | Culture and Gastronomy | 635 kms
Montijo – Nazaré – Aveiro
The Central region of Portugal is known for its diverse landscapes, historic cities, charming villages, and rich cultural heritage.
Northern Portugal is a region located in the extreme northwest of the Iberian Peninsula. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, fascinating history, and delicious cuisine. The cultural, historical, and natural diversity of the area makes it a fascinating destination for anyone visiting the country.
Day 1 | 140 kms
Montijo, Nazaré
Nazaré is a fishing village located on the west coast of Portugal. Known for its stunning beaches, fishing traditions, and, more recently, the giant waves that attract surfers from all over the world, Nazaré offers a unique experience to visitors.
Morning
Nazaré Beach: Explore the famous Nazaré Beach. You can walk along the shore, enjoy the ocean views and watch the waves, especially if it’s the big wave season.
Suberco Viewpoint: Climb up to the Suberco Viewpoint for a stunning panoramic view of Nazaré Beach. This is a great spot for photos and to enjoy the natural beauty of the region.
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazareth: Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré at the top of the hill. In addition to the religious component, the place offers a magnificent view over the city and the ocean.
Afternoon
Lunch in the village of Nazaré: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Try the fresh fish dishes characteristic of the region.
The Site: Walk through the historic part of Nazareth, known as “O Sítio”. Explore the narrow streets, traditional houses and local shops. Be sure to visit the Church of Our Lady of Nazaré.
Afternoon/Evening
Dr. Joaquim Manso Museum: If you are interested in the history of Nazaré, visit the Dr. Joaquim Manso Museum to learn more about the local culture and traditions.
Dining & Entertainment: Dine in one of the restaurants by the sea, where you can taste more local delicacies. Some restaurants offer live music, creating a lively atmosphere.
Night Beach Tour: End the day with a leisurely stroll along Nazaré Beach in the evening. The illuminated beach and the soothing sound of the waves create a relaxing atmosphere.
Overnight: Orbitur Valado, Nazaré.
Day 2 | 160 kms
Nazaré, Aveiro
Known as the “Venice of Portugal”, the city of Aveiro is crisscrossed by several canals, providing enchanting rides on the moliceiros, colorful boats that are a popular tourist attraction.
Ovos Moles de Aveiro is a local sweet specialty, made from egg yolks and sugar, often shaped into creative shapes.
Morning
Moliceiro Ride: Start the day with a moliceiro ride through the canals of Aveiro. These colorful boats are a traditional form of transportation and offer a unique perspective of the city.
Fish and Local Products Market: Visit to the Aveiro Fish Market, where you can find fresh produce, local fish and other delicacies. It’s a great opportunity to feel the local atmosphere.
Noon
Lunch at Praça do Peixe: The next destination is Praça do Peixe, for lunch. This area is known for its charming restaurants and cafes. Try the fresh seafood dishes or the famous “caldeirada à Aveirense”.
Afternoon
University of Aveiro: Visit the University of Aveiro, known for modern architecture and educational innovation. Explore the campus and admire the beauty of the academic environment.
Aveiro Museum / Convent of Jesus: visit to the Aveiro Museum, located in the Convent of Jesus. This museum offers an insight into the history and culture of the area.
Aveiro Cathedral: Explore the Cathedral of Aveiro, also known as the Cathedral of Aveiro. The architecture and historical details make this an interesting place to visit.
Afternoon/Evening
Beaches of Costa Nova and Barra: Head to the beaches of Costa Nova and Barra, which are nearby. Praia da Costa Nova is famous for its colorful striped houses, while Praia da Barra is known for its imposing lighthouse.
Ovos Moles de Aveiro: Be sure to try the famous Ovos Moles de Aveiro. These traditional sweets are a delight and usually have creative shapes.
Dinner in São Jacinto: For a quieter experience, dine in the village of São Jacinto, situated on a peninsula overlooking the Ria de Aveiro. There are restaurants offering fresh fish dishes.
Night Tour of the Canals: End the day with a leisurely stroll through the canals of Aveiro at night. The city lights reflected in the water create an enchanting atmosphere.
Overnight: Orbitur Vacancy.
Day 3 | 75 kms
Aveiro, Porto
Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city, is a vibrant and historic city situated in the northwest of the country. Known for its Port wine, charming architecture, and lively atmosphere, Porto offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors.
It is possible to get an overview of the city by visiting some of its main attractions. Here is a suggested itinerary for a day in Porto
Morning
Breakfast in Ribeira: Start the day in Ribeira, by the river, in one of the local cafes or bakeries. Enjoy a coffee and a pastel de nata while taking in the picturesque atmosphere.
Dom Luís I Bridge: Walk across the Dom Luís I Bridge for incredible views of Porto and the Douro River. Cross to Vila Nova de Gaia, for a different perspective.
Port Wine Cellars: Explore one of the Port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia. Take a guided tour to learn about the production and, of course, do a Port wine tasting.
Afternoon
Ruela das Flores and Praça da Ribeira: Explore the narrow and charming Ruela das Flores, a street lined with shops and cafes. Next, visit the lively Ribeira Square, with its restaurants and street performers.
Typical lunch at Bolhão Market: Continue to the Bolhão Market for lunch. Try the typical dishes such as francesinha or choose fresh products at the market.
Afternoon/Evening
Clérigos Tower: Visit the Clérigos Tower and the Clérigos Church. Climb the tower for panoramic views of Porto.
Lello Bookstore: Pay a visit to Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Observe the architecture and details of the staircase.
Rue des Galerias de Paris: Stroll along the Rue des Galerias de Paris, known for its nightlife. Explore the bars and cafes to soak up the atmosphere.
Dinner in Ribeira: Dinner at one of the riverside restaurants in Ribeira. Try traditional Portuguese dishes while enjoying the views of the river.
Night Cruise on the Douro River: To end the day, take a night cruise on the Douro River. The city lights provide a magical atmosphere. Overnight: Orbitur, Angeiras
Day 3 | 55 kms
Porto, Guimarães
Guimarães is a historically and culturally rich city in Portugal, often referred to as the “Cradle City” as it is considered the birthplace of the country. It is a compact city, which allows you to explore many of its attractions on foot.
Morning
Historic Centre (Largo da Oliveira and Praça de Santiago): explore the historic centre of Guimarães. Stroll through Largo da Oliveira and Praça de Santiago, soaking up the charming atmosphere, observing the medieval architecture and visiting the local shops.
Guimarães Castle: Climb up to Guimarães Castle, one of the most emblematic points of the city. Explore the castle and ramparts, taking in the panoramic views over the city.
Noon
Palace of the Dukes of Braganza: Visit the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, an imposing palace that offers insight into Portuguese history and nobility. Explore the halls, gardens and learn more about the country’s history.
Lunch in Santiago Square: Choose one of the restaurants in Plaza de Santiago for lunch. Many establishments offer traditional Portuguese dishes, providing a local dining experience.
Afternoon
Church of São Miguel do Castelo: Explore the Church of São Miguel do Castelo, a Romanesque church dating back to the thirteenth century. Admire the architecture and historical elements of the interior.
St. Mary’s Street: Stroll along Rua de Santa Maria, a charming street with traditional houses and interesting shops. It’s an opportunity to soak up the city’s historic ambiance.
Olive Tree Square: Return to Praça da Oliveira to enjoy the atmosphere and perhaps have a coffee in one of the local cafes.
Afternoon/Evening
Vila Flor Palace: If there is time, visit the Vila Flor Palace, a building that hosts cultural events and exhibitions.
Dinner in the Leather Zone: Choose one of the restaurants in the Couros area for dinner. This area offers a variety of dining options.
Night City Tour: End the day with an evening tour of the city. The soft lights highlight the historic beauty of Guimarães at night.
Overnight: Penha campsite.
Day 4 & 5 | 175 kms
Guimarães, Peneda Gerês
The Peneda-Gerês National Park is the only national park in Portugal and is located in the extreme northwest of the country, in the Minho region. This park is known for its natural beauty, stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and cultural traditions.
The Peneda-Gerês National Park offers a unique experience for lovers of nature and traditional Portuguese culture. The ideal number of days for an itinerary to the Peneda-Gerês National Park can vary depending on individual interests, the type of activities you want to do and the desired pace of the trip. However, generally, we recommend dedicating a minimum of 2 days to explore the park and enjoy some of its main attractions. This allows you to have enough time to enjoy the natural landscapes, go hiking, visit traditional villages, and try some outdoor activities.
Day 1 – Introduction to the Park and Nature
Morning
Arado Waterfall Trail: Walk the Arado Waterfall Trail. This moderate hike leads to an impressive waterfall, providing an early view of the park’s natural beauty.
Afternoon
Lunch in Campo do Gerês: Lunch in Campo do Gerês to taste the local cuisine.
Viewpoint of Pedra Bela: Head to the Pedra Bela Viewpoint for panoramic views of the park and the surrounding mountains.
Night
Dinner in Pitões das Júnias: Drive to Pitões das Júnias to explore the village and have dinner at one of the local restaurants.
Overnight: Ermida Gerês Camping.
Day 2 – Culture and Adventure
Morning
Visit to Lindoso: Explore the village of Lindoso, known for its granaries and Lindoso Castle.
Water Activities in Caniçada Reservoir: If you wish, take advantage of the morning to participate in water activities in the Caniçada Reservoir, such as canoeing or boat trips.
Afternoon
Village of Soajo: Visit the village of Soajo and admire its granaries and the Pillory.
Time to relax and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the park.
Night
Dinner in Campo do Gerês: Return to Campo do Gerês for dinner and enjoy a quiet evening in the region.
Overnight: Ermida Gerês Camping.
Day 6 | 190 kms
Peneda Gerês, Peso da Régua, Pinhão, Lamego
Pinhão is a small town located in the Alto Douro Wine Region, known mainly for its connection to the production of Port wine.
The region around Pinhão is dotted with farms and vineyards, creating stunning landscapes. The Pinhão train station is famous for its decorative tiles depicting scenes from the Douro region. It is considered one of the most beautiful train stations in Portugal.
Pinhão is a common starting point for cruises on the Douro River. These trips offer spectacular views of the steep slopes and terraces of vineyards that characterize the landscape.
Morning
Arrival and Breakfast: Have breakfast in one of the local cafes or pastry shops, to enjoy the local delights while getting ready for a day of exploring.
Pinhão Train Station: Visit to the Pinhão Train Station to enjoy the famous tiles that depict scenes from the Douro. Explore the station and take pictures of the beautiful decorations.
Douro River Walk: Relaxing walk along the bank of the Douro River, to enjoy the panoramic views of the vineyards and the surrounding countryside.
Noon
Lunch with a View: Choose a riverside restaurant for lunch and enjoy local dishes such as cod or lamb meat, accompanied by wines from the region.
Boat Trip on the Douro River: Take a short boat ride on the Douro River to get a unique perspective of the terraced vineyards. Many companies offer tours during the afternoon.
Afternoon
Port Wine Museum: Visit to the Port Wine Museum, located at the train station. Explore the exhibitions about the history and production of Port wine in the region.
Wine Tasting: Take some time to wine tasting at one of the many quintas or wineries around Pinhão and enjoy the unique flavors of Douro wines.
Night
Dinner and Sunset: Dine at a local restaurant and taste the traditional dishes of the region. Choose a location that offers a panoramic view to enjoy the sunset over the hills and the river.
Overnight: Camping Lamego.
Day 7 | 190 kms
Lamego, Viseu, Montijo
Viseu is a historic city located in the central region of Portugal, known for its rich cultural heritage, charming architecture, and welcoming atmosphere.
The S. Mateus fair is one of the oldest and most emblematic fairs in Portugal, held annually in August/September, with an extensive offer of entertainment, gastronomy and cultural events.
Viseu is a compact city, and many of the attractions can be explored on foot. Take some time to get lost in the historic streets and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the city.
Morning
Republic Square: Praça da República is the heart of Viseu. Have a coffee in one of the local cafes while enjoying the architecture of the Square and the morning movement.
Cathedral of Viseu: Continue to the Cathedral of Viseu, which is close to Praça da República. Explore the interior of the cathedral, admire the stained glass windows and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Grão Vasco Museum: Walk to the Grão Vasco Museum, where you can enjoy the art of the Renaissance painter Portuguese Vasco Fernandes. Explore the collections of paintings and sculptures that depict the artistic history of the region.
Church of Mercy: Continue to the Igreja da Misericórdia, a Renaissance church with an ornamental façade. Admire the architecture and artistic details inside.
Cava de Viriato: If time permits, make a quick visit to the Cava de Viriato, an archaeological area with Roman remains.
Lunch at Praça da República: have lunch at one of the restaurants in Praça da República. Savor one of the local dishes and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the square.
Afternoon
Return to Montijo: end of the adventure!.
