Norte

Travel Guide
Norte
Renowned for its wines and with a landscape studded with historical monuments, mountain peaks and forests, the north of Portugal offers a glimpse of life as it once was.

Get in touch with nature and the great outdoors when you visit Norto, Portugal’s northern region. This is an area of striking and unspoiled natural landscapes is characterized by an abundance of mountains, valleys, forests, green fields and vineyards. Situated among the verdant terrain are ancient castles, medieval villages and cities where modern buildings sit alongside historic structures. Experience a wealth of cultural and natural attractions as you travel through the region.

Discover Norte’s pastoral beauty on a hike within the Peneda-Gerês National Park. Follow routes that pass through woods and along an old Roman road. Stop by sites of historical interest, including the remains of the hilltop Castle of Castro Laboreiro and the medieval Castle of Lindoso.

Get active with water sports such as wind surfing and kite surfing on the beaches of the North Coast Natural Park. Enjoy some quiet time as you bird watch in Alvão Natural Park.

Explore the Douro Valley on foot, by car, train or by cruise boat along the Douro River to visit wineries and walk amongst vine-covered hills. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its production of port, one of the country’s best-known exports. The valley was the world’s first protected wine-producing region, established in 1756.

At one end of the valley is the city of Porto, the Norte region’s capital. Climb up the 18th-century Baroque Clerigos Tower for superb views of the city. Ride on the tram system to the historic center where you can see the Episcopal Palace and treat yourself to a wine-tasting session in a port wine cellar.

Other cities to put on your Norte region travel itinerary include Guimarães for its medieval buildings and Marco de Canaveses, the birthplace of the legendary singer and movie star Carmen Miranda.

Satisfy your passion for history with a day exploring Archeological Park of Vale do Côa. Scattered across an area of 10.5 miles (17 kilometers) are thousands of examples of ancient rock art paintings and engravings.

To experience Norte region’s beaches, countryside, wildlife and historical sites fly into Porto’s international airport before moving about the region by rented car or bus.

Where to stay in Norte

Porto which includes a small town or village and a city

Centro / Baixa

4.5/5(298 area reviews)

Centro / Baixa is highly notable for its stunning river views, and you might want to visit top sights like Porto City Hall and Bolhao Market. See more of Cedofeita, Santo Ildefonso, Sé, Miragaia, São Nicolau e Vitória by jumping on the metro at Trindade Station or Aliados Station.

Centro / Baixa
Ribeira Square featuring a square or plaza, a monument and cafe lifestyle

Ribeira

The abundant dining options and stunning river views are top of the list for many visitors to Ribeira. A stop by Ribeira Square or Porto Historic Center might round out your trip.

Ribeira
Porto which includes signage, outdoor art and a city

União de Freguesias do Centro

3.5/5(8 area reviews)

União de Freguesias do Centro is highly notable for its stunning river views, and you might want to visit top sights like Porto Historic Center and Porto City Hall. See more of Cedofeita, Santo Ildefonso, Sé, Miragaia, São Nicolau e Vitória by jumping on the metro at Lapa Station or Trindade Station.

União de Freguesias do Centro
Default Image

If you're spending time in Sé, check out sights like Porto Cathedral or Porto Historic Center and hop on the metro to see more the city at Batalha-Guindais Stop or Guindais Funicular.

Porto which includes signage, outdoor art and a city

Santo Ildefonso

Known for its ample dining options and beautiful river views, there's plenty to explore in Santo Ildefonso. You can visit top attractions like Porto Historic Center and Bolhao Market, and jump on the metro at Trindade Station or Bolhao Station to see more of the city.

Santo Ildefonso
Dom Luis I Bridge featuring night scenes, street scenes and a bridge

Sao Nicolau

4.5/5(67 area reviews)

Visitors to Sao Nicolau love its stunning river views, and you can check out Porto Historic Center and Stock Exchange Palace. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Infante Stop.

Sao Nicolau
Zero Box Lodge Porto
Zero Box Lodge Porto
3 out of 5
R. do Ateneu Comercial do Porto, 13, Porto, Porto
The price is CA $81 per night from Nov. 18 to Nov. 19
CA $81
CA $92 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 18 - Nov 19
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Porto. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the bathrooms in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (473 reviews)
"Staff muy amigable y demasiado Bien ubicado. Cerca de la estacion de tren y del centro de la ciudad"

Reviewed on Oct. 28, 2024

Zero Box Lodge Porto
Hotel Porto Interface Trindade By Kavia
Hotel Porto Interface Trindade By Kavia
2 out of 5
Rua de Camões 47, Porto, Porto
The price is CA $77 per night from Nov. 4 to Nov. 5
CA $77
CA $88 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 4 - Nov 5
Stay at this hotel in Porto. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (302 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on Oct. 30, 2024

Hotel Porto Interface Trindade By Kavia
YOTEL Porto
YOTEL Porto
4 out of 5
Rua de Gonçalo Cristóvão 206, Porto, Porto
The price is CA $90 per night from Nov. 24 to Nov. 25
CA $90
CA $102 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 24 - Nov 25
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Porto. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (749 reviews)
"it was pleasant stay breakfast items were limited and monotonous"

Reviewed on Oct. 28, 2024

YOTEL Porto
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Spot Family Apartments
Spot Family Apartments
3 out of 5
Rua do Bolhão, 109, União de Freguesias do Centro, Porto, Porto
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Porto. Enjoy free WiFi, an airport shuttle (surcharge), and concierge services. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (994 reviews)
Apartment
"Good location within walking distance to shops and restaurants. Street parking with 2 hour limit during the day or parking garages nearby. It's nice to have a mini apartment with a couch, table and chairs, kitchen, bath, a separate bedroom."

Reviewed on Oct. 26, 2024

Spot Family Apartments
Oca Ribeira do Porto AT
Oca Ribeira do Porto AT
3 out of 5
Rua de São João 9-21, Porto, Porto
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Porto. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (228 reviews)
"The location was great, and facilities were great -- if they were fully functional, but I had some difficulty. Fridge, stove top, microwave, toaster and espresso maker. Nicely laid out bathroom; lots of room and a table to eat at. The espresso machine was very difficult to work. Sometimes it did, ..."

Reviewed on Oct. 25, 2024

Oca Ribeira do Porto AT
Porto River
Porto River
4 out of 5
Rua dos Canastreiros, 50, Porto
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Porto. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (426 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel in the heart of the action!"

Reviewed on Oct. 27, 2024

Porto River
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Norte