Montijo – Nazaré – Aveiro
Portugal’s Centro region is known for its diverse landscapes, historic cities, charming towns and a rich cultural heritage.
Northern Portugal is a region located in the far northwest of the Iberian Peninsula. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, fascinating history and delicious gastronomy. The area’s cultural, historical and natural diversity makes it a fascinating destination for anyone visiting the country.
Day 1 | 140 kms
Montijo, Nazaré
Nazaré is a fishing village 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 visitors a unique experience.
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 big wave season.
Miradouro do Suberco: Climb up to the Miradouro do Suberco for a breathtaking panoramic view of Praia da Nazaré. This is an excellent place for photographs and to appreciate the natural beauty of the region.
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazareth: Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazareth at the top of the hill. In addition to the religious component, the site offers a magnificent view over the city and the ocean.
Afternoon
Lunch in Nazaré: Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. Try the fresh fish dishes typical of the region.
The Site: St roll through the historic part of Nazareth, known as “The Site”. Explore the narrow streets, traditional houses and local stores. Don’t miss 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 local culture and traditions.
Dinner and Entertainment: Dine at one of the seafront restaurants, where you can sample more local delicacies. Some restaurants offer live music, creating a lively atmosphere.
Night Beach Walk: End the day with a peaceful stroll along Nazaré Beach at night. The illuminated beach and the gentle sound of the waves create a relaxing atmosphere.
Overnight stay: Orbitur Valado, Nazaré.
Day 2 | 160 kms
Nazaré, Aveiro
Known as the “Venice of Portugal”, the city of Aveiro is criss-crossed by several canals, offering enchanting rides on the moliceiros, colorful boats that are a popular tourist attraction.
Ovos Moles de Aveiro are a local sweet specialty made from egg yolks and sugar, often molded into creative shapes.
Morning
Moliceiro ride: Start the day with a moliceiro ride through Aveiro’s canals. These colorful boats are a traditional form of transport and offer a unique perspective of the city.
Fish Market and Local Products: Visit Aveiro’s 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 cafés. Try the fresh seafood dishes or the famous “caldeirada à Aveirense”.
Afternoon
University of Aveiro: Visit the University of Aveiro, known for its 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 region.
Aveiro Cathedral: Explore Aveiro Cathedral, also known as the Sé de Aveiro. The architecture and historical details make this an interesting place to visit.
Afternoon/evening
Costa Nova and Barra beaches: Head to the nearby Costa Nova and Barra beaches. 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: Don’t miss out on the famous Ovos Moles de Aveiro. These traditional sweets are delicious and often come in creative shapes.
Dining in São Jacinto: For a more peaceful experience, dine in the village of São Jacinto, situated on a peninsula overlooking the Ria de Aveiro. There are restaurants offering fresh fish dishes.
Canals at Night: End the day with a peaceful stroll along Aveiro’s canals at night. The city lights reflected in the water create an enchanting atmosphere.
Overnight stay: Orbitur Vagueira.
Day 3 | 75 kms
Aveiro, Porto
Porto, Portugal’s second largest city, is a vibrant and historic city located 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.
You can 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 cafés 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 River Douro. Cross over 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 production and, of course, have a Port wine tasting.
Afternoon
Ruela das Flores and Praça da Ribeira: Explore the narrow and charming Ruela das Flores, a street lined with stores and cafés. Then visit the lively Praça da Ribeira, with its restaurants and street performers.
Typical lunch at Mercado do Bolhão: Continue to Mercado do Bolhão for lunch. Try the typical dishes such as francesinha or choose fresh produce at the market.
Afternoon/evening
Clérigos Tower: Visit the Clérigos Tower and the Clérigos Church. Climb the tower for panoramic views of Porto.
Livraria Lello: Pay a visit to Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world. Observe the architecture and the details of the staircase.
Rue des Galeries de Paris: St roll along the Rue des Galeries de Paris, known for its nightlife. Explore the bars and cafés to soak up the atmosphere.
Dinner in Ribeira: Dine in 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 round off 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 historic and culturally rich city in Portugal, often referred to as the “Cradle City” because 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 Center (Largo da Oliveira and Praça de Santiago): explore the historic center of Guimarães. Stroll around Largo da Oliveira and Praça de Santiago, soaking up the charming atmosphere, observing the medieval architecture and visiting the local stores.
Guimarães Castle: Climb up to Guimarães Castle, one of the city’s most emblematic landmarks. Explore the castle and its walls, taking in the panoramic views over the city.
Noon
Paço dos Duques de Bragança: Visit the Paço dos Duques de Bragança, an imposing palace that offers an insight into Portuguese history and nobility. Explore the halls and gardens and learn more about the country’s history.
Lunch in Praça de Santiago: Choose one of the restaurants in Praça de Santiago for lunch. Many establishments offer traditional Portuguese dishes, providing a local gastronomic experience.
Afternoon
Church of São Miguel do Castelo: Explore the Church of São Miguel do Castelo, a Romanesque church dating back to the 13th century. Admire the architecture and historical elements inside.
Rua de Santa Maria: Stroll along Rua de Santa Maria, a charming street with traditional houses and interesting stores. It’s an opportunity to soak up the city’s historic atmosphere.
Praça da Oliveira: Return to Praça da Oliveira to enjoy the atmosphere and perhaps have a coffee in one of the local cafés.
Afternoon/evening
Vila Flor Palace: If you have time, you can also visit the Vila Flor Palace, a building that hosts cultural events and exhibitions.
Dining in the Couros area: 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 a night city tour. The soft lights highlight the historic beauty of Guimarães at night.
Overnight stay: Penha campsite.
Day 4 and 5 | 175 kms
Guimarães, Peneda Gerês
The Peneda-Gerês National Park is Portugal’s only national park and is located in the far 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, we generally recommend dedicating at least 2 days to exploring the park and enjoying some of its main attractions. This allows you enough time to enjoy the natural landscapes, go hiking, visit traditional villages and try out some outdoor activities.
Day 1 – Introduction to the Park and Nature
Morning
Arado Waterfall Trail: Take the Arado Waterfall Trail. This moderate hike leads to an impressive waterfall, providing an initial glimpse of the park’s natural beauty.
Afternoon
Lunch in Campo do Gerês: Lunch in Campo do Gerês to taste the local cuisine.
Miradouro da Pedra Bela: Head to the Miradouro da Pedra Bela 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 in one of the local restaurants.
Overnight stay: 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 at the Caniçada Reservoir: If you wish, take advantage of the morning to take part in water activities at the Caniçada Reservoir, such as canoeing or boat trips.
Afternoon
Village of Soajo: Visit the village of Soajo and admire its granaries and pillory.
Time to relax and enjoy the peaceful 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 stay: Ermida Gerês Camping.
Day 6 | 190 kms
Peneda Gerês, Peso da Régua, Pinhão, Lamego
Pinhão is a small town in the Alto Douro Wine Region, known mainly for its connection to Port wine production.
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 vineyard terraces that characterize the landscape.
Morning
Arrival and Breakfast: Have breakfast in one of the local cafés or pastry shops to enjoy the local delicacies while you prepare for a day of exploration.
Pinhão Train Station: Visit the Pinhão Train Station to see the famous tiles depicting scenes from the Douro. Explore the station and take pictures of the beautiful decorations.
Stroll along the banks of the Douro River: A relaxing stroll along the banks 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, accompanied by local wines.
Boat trip on the Douro River: Take a short boat trip on the Douro River to get a unique perspective of the terraced vineyards. Many companies offer afternoon trips.
Afternoon
Port Wine Museum: Visit the Port Wine Museum, located in the train station. Explore the exhibitions on the history and production of Port wine in the region.
Wine tasting: Take some time to taste wines at one of the many quintas or wineries around Pinhão and enjoy the unique flavors of Douro wines.
Night
Dinner and Sunset: Dine in a local restaurant and taste the traditional dishes of the region. Choose a place 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 central Portugal, known for its rich cultural heritage, charming architecture and welcoming atmosphere.
The S. Mateus fair is one of Portugal’s oldest and most emblematic fairs, held annually in August/September, with an extensive range 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 lose yourself in the historic streets and enjoy the city’s unique atmosphere.
Morning
Praça da República: Praça da República is the heart of Viseu. Have a coffee in one of the local cafés while enjoying the architecture of the square and the morning movement.
Sé Catedral de Viseu: Head to the Sé Catedral de 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 appreciate the art of the Portuguese Renaissance painter Vasco Fernandes. Explore the collections of paintings and sculptures that depict the artistic history of the region.
Igreja da Misericórdia: 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, pay a quick visit to the Cava de Viriato, an archaeological site with Roman remains.
Lunch in Praça da República: have lunch in one of the restaurants in Praça da República. Taste one of the local dishes and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the square.
Afternoon
Back to Montijo: End of the Adventure!
