Top Things to do in Northern Portugal
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Top 10 Gardens in Northern Portugal, Portugal
Brimming with both history and natural wonder, Northern Portugal is home to Porto, the city that gave the country its name, as well as the important ancient town of Braga. Also here is Peneda-Gerês, Portugal’s only national park, a gorgeous wilderness area of mountains, gorges, water features and wildlife. Many picturesque villages and manor houses dot the countryside. Two areas are UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Alto Douro Wine Region, and the Paleolithic rock art in the Côa Valley.
Restaurants in Northern Portugal
1. Jardim do Morro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 425 reviews
Reviewed By Bozeman-Dublin - Trim, Ireland
A fantastic viewpoint at the upper cablecar station, one of the best views you will get of Porto. They have landscaped a beautiful park here, including an amphitheatre- like set of curved concrete benches for you to sit on and drink in the view. The best time to go is in the evening as the sun sets. There will be musicians and a great vibe as a combination of tourists and chilled locals meet to chat and watch the sun go down over the Douro and Porto . I loved it here, I went back every evening I was in Porto!
2. Jardins da Casa dos Biscainhos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 144 reviews
3. UTAD Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Since 1988, a new botanical garden with thematic collections and ornamented spaces was founded in Portugal. The Botanical Garden of the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (JBUTAD) is one of the largest botanical gardens in Europe (130 Ha), and about 1000 plant species from the four corners of the world can be here observed.At the same time, this botanical garden is specialized in the propagation and conservation of plant of western Iberian Peninsula. This conservation effort will be gathered not only throughout their thematic collections, but also in spaces intended for integration and ornaments of the campus buildings. In fact, the current demands of society are clearly reflected in this innovative garden, with one of the most advanced and innovate systems of information for their visitors.The Botanical Garden of UTAD intended as an example of how any space is good for a sustainable garden. The integration with a constant movement of people and vehicles, in the urban environment of the city of Vila Real, is considered as an example of this purpose. People and plants live here a fraternal relationship, which shows us how the impossible can be reached. Visit this Botanical Garden and the Geology Museum of the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, and you will discover the natural history and the soul of one country.
4. Monastery of Sao Joao de Tarouca
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
The male Cistercian monastery of São João de Tarouca was the first Cistercian monastery built in Portugal. It was founded in 1140 and its construction started in 1154. One of the most preserved monastic buildings is the church, which preserves its Cistercian Romanesque style. The sacristy, built in 1704, keeps one of the most impressive portuguese collections of Delft like tiles. From the remaining monastic area, the extensive archaeological excavations made between 1998 and 2007, allowed to identify the original medieval monastic dependences.
5. Festival Internacional de Jardins
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 124 reviews
Fruit plants, clinging plants and vines that existed were kept offering visitors more shade, making this space even more welcoming to those who visit. The International Garden Festival of Ponte de Lima is an annual event occurring from the last Friday of May and closing on October 31st.
6. Quinta do Covelo
7. Parque Infante D. Pedro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 185 reviews
Reviewed By Colincarlos - Aveiro, Portugal
Beautiful park and area right in the center and you should defo visit it . Was the first place I visited when I moved her in 2018.
8. Passeio das Virtudes
9. Parque do Arnado
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By eljad2015 - Wassenaar, The Netherlands
You will find this park when you cross the old bridge and turn right. The entrance is just past the church. Hardly any tourists, which is hard to believe given it's location! It is one of the loveliest and most romantic parcs I've seen. Very green and luscious, beautifully kept. It has ponds, covered walks overgrown with grapevines and wisteria, rose gardens, ponds, grass, statues and even one of those famous old grain storage contraptions. It is open every day until 18:00. If you continue down the park toward the end, you'll find a spacious playground and a fitness area, but everything about it is lovely. Very varied, beautifully kept, lot's of variety. It's nice and cool, too, which is another plus! If you're looking for the exit: you leave through the same gate you entered (took me a while!). And if you love photography, make sure you don't miss it. Lot's of photo opps.
10. Parque Dona Maria II
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