Northern Portugal has the most unbeatable picturesque towns and a breathtaking national park to discover.

Porto is the perfect starting point for a road trip in northern Portugal. Rich in charming villages, UNESCO Heritage Sites, and eye-catching coastlines. Whether you’re exploring historic cities like Braga and Coimbra or enjoying the scenic landscapes of Douro Valley and Peneda-Gerês National Park, each destination is guaranteed to make your Portugal dream unforgettable.

 

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Founded over 2,000 years ago, Braga is nicknamed the Rome of Portugal since it’s the country’s oldest city. It’s also known for Sé de Braga, a Roman cathedral built 50 years after Sé de Lisboa, the oldest church in Portugal. The building features Gothic and Baroque architectural styles. Make sure to check out Bom Jesus do Monte, a neoclassical church recognized for its baroque-style stairway and stunning panoramic views.

Aveiro’s picturesque canals, colorful moliceiro boats, and Art Nouveau architecture are reasons why Aveiro has often been referred to as a Portuguese Venice. Don’t miss Aveiro Museum, housed in a former 15th-century Baroque convent and displays the tomb of Princess Saint Joan alongside impressive religious art. Here, the Aveiro salt pans stretch throughout the land’s cultural history as an integral part of the city’s economy and often coined as “white gold” for the high quality of such coveted natural resource.

Want to visit both Aveiro and Coimbra without rushing through train stations? A scenic day trip from Porto to Aveiro and Coimbra is a great option. You’ll travel with a local driver who speaks English and can share stories and insights along the way—plus, you’ll have time to enjoy the “Venice of Portugal” before arriving in Coimbra.

Coimbra is home to the oldest university in Portugal, so expect to encounter a larger population of students and teachers. Ensure to make a pitstop at Coimbra University, a UNESCO Heritage Site, and its stunning Joanina Library, often considered as one of the most beautiful Baroque libraries in the world. Its narrow, winding streets are filled with antique shops and Arab-influenced architecture because of Muslim rule until 1064. A significant landmark to check out is Sé Velha, a Romanesque cathedral and national monument built in 1139.

Portugal’s only national park is Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês. With over 700 hectares to explore, travelers can hike along one of the many well-marked trails, swim in waterfalls, or admire local wildlife. The most iconic waterfall to check out is Cascata de Fecha de Barjas, perfect for a refreshing dip with a moderately difficult hiking loop. There are also plenty of castles, sanctuaries, and Roman ruins to admire. In 1972, the Vilarinho das Furnas village was intentionally submerged due to the construction of a dam. Its ruins are most visible when water levels are low during fall and winter.

Douro Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for breathtaking landscapes, terraced vineyards, and world-famous port wine production. Take a drive along N222 – one of the most beautiful roads – to capture spectacular views of Douro Valley. Travelers can either sign up for a vineyard tour and wine tasting or take a boat trip along the Douro River to admire tranquil landscape and small villages.