Top Things to do in Northern Portugal
Countries
What to do and see in Northern Portugal, Portugal: The Best Outdoor Activities
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. Miradouro de Sao Leonardo de Galafura
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 315 reviews
Reviewed By dexxyAberystwyth
Not easy to reach but well worth the effort. Continue down the road from Galafura to Covelhinas and on to Regua for a real treat.
2. Vinho Verde Route
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
3. Praia de Sao Jacinto
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 80 reviews
Reviewed By BenLasse - Sao Jacinto, Portugal
Great beach, lots of sand, and magnificent water. All in the same place! A little bit cold the water.
4. Zoo Santo Inacio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 558 reviews
Take a walk on the wild side and visit the biggest and greenest zoo in Porto. There are more than 600 animals and 200 different species, all living in spacious and green habitats.
Reviewed By HighWycombeCouple - High Wycombe, United Kingdom
A hidden gem that is not well signposted, but trust in Google Maps and you will be fine. We went in early February, Winter hours mean it is closed on Mondays, so beware. We were blessed with a sunny day albeit windy. Us, son and his fiancée and their 20 month old daughter. Concessions in theory are for over 65s, but being Portugal grey hair was enough. They were buying season tickets as the zoo is but a 20 minute drive for them and as twos and under are free they intend to make full use of the zoo as a regular place to go. Attractions such as penguin feeding, lion feeding etc start as soon as the zoo opens. The zoo is very much like Chester in the UK being very rare breed and conservation centric, though the site is a bit smaller than Chester. The way the enclosures are designed you get very much up close and personal to the animals. Beware of some of the monkeys as they have a habit of relieving themselves through the bars and if you are under it you will smell the rest of the day. On a peak season day the two car parks would be under pressure. It is downhill to the ticket office so, of course, it is uphill back to the car. Catering is by means of numerous cabins and vans around the whole site and a central restaurant. Low season only the restaurant was open. Well priced, but with what may be seen by some as limited choices. Animals can be adopted and your name appears on the side of the enclosure. The emphasis is on communication of issues surrounding the animals in the wild. With everything that is available by way of attractions and exhibitions the zoo caters for all ages from toddlers through to adults. In sum a great day out for all the family and well worth the 15€ admission.
5. Torreira Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 99 reviews
Reviewed By IDA_KIT
Lovely Beach; breathtaking sunsets. Pleasant walks along the beach. Close to the Ria of Aveiro / Aveiro Lagoon.
6. Praia do Cabedelo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 196 reviews
Reviewed By Maria19642013 - Lisbon, Portugal
The day was wonderful the beach with few people, sunny, warm like if was summer and some nice waves for surfing. The beach is nice and you have trails to do also.
7. Ecopista - Linha do Tamega
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By martyAirdrie - Airdrie, Canada
We thoroughly enjoyed this ecopista route from Celorico de Basto to Amarante (46 km return) Rented bikes from Andre at Celobike in CdB, and Andre speaks excellent English. At the end of the route in Amarante we parked and locked our bikes and walked into the beautiful old centre of Amarante and spent a good 2 hours sightseeing and having lunch right opposite of the cathedral. Easy bike ride with few short but not steep climbs. Definitely recommendable.
8. Miradouro da Pedra Bela
9. Praia da Barra
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 281 reviews
Reviewed By eutraveller2018 - Cabanas, Portugal
Sunny weekend,town buzzing with visitors eating,strolling and enjoying beautiful beach.Good choice of restaurants with fresh seafood and lots of Pizza available.Good safe cycling paths on the flat and fine marine views,especially the country's tallest lighthouse.Campsite in town open all year.
