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01 Feb 2025Updated last time
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5 Days Northern Portugal Trip Itinerary

Northern Portugal Adventure

Embark on a thrilling 5-day journey through Northern Portugal, an area rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. Begin your discovery in Porto, a charismatic city that perfectly blends its historic past with modern innovation. Stroll among the winding streets to discover hidden plazas, visit the famous wine cellars, and admire the stunning riverside landscape. Your next stop is Braga, known as the spiritual heart of Portugal. Here, explore centuries-old churches, and take the time to visit the Bom Jesus do Monte with its impressive baroque staircase.

Continue your journey to Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal, where you can walk through its well-preserved medieval streets and visit the imposing Guimarães Castle. As you move from history-rich cities to the natural splendors of the Douro Valley, you'll find yourself amidst picturesque vineyards and terraced hills, an ideal spot for wine tasting and river excursions. Finally, immerse yourself in the wild landscapes of Peneda-Gerês National Park, a sanctuary of biodiversity and traditional culture. Hike to waterfalls, discover ancient megalithic landmarks, and enjoy the tranquil harmony of nature in Portugal's only national park.


Recommended Activities

  • Porto is renowned for its rich history, architectural landmarks such as the Clérigos Tower and São Bento Railway Station, and its famous port wine cellars along the Douro River.
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  • Braga is known as the religious heart of Portugal, featuring the oldest cathedral in the country, and the Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary with its beautiful baroque stairway.
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  • Guimarães is often referred to as the birthplace of Portugal, where its first king was born. It's home to a well-preserved medieval center and the iconic Guimarães Castle.
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    Douro Valley

    The Douro Valley is famous for its stunning terraced landscapes, exceptional wineries producing port and Douro wines, and the scenic Douro River cruises.
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    Peneda-Gerês National Park

    Peneda-Gerês National Park offers lush forests, granite peaks, and wildlife. It is ideal for hiking, observing traditional village life, and enjoying natural hot springs.
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Restaurants

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    Cantinho do Avillez - Porto

    Cantinho do Avillez - Porto

    A fusion of traditional Portuguese cuisine with modern twists by renowned Chef José Avillez.
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  • O Paparico

    Rustic and romantic ambiance, O Paparico offers an authentic culinary journey through Portugal's gastronomy.
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    Restaurante G - Pousada Mosteiro de Guimarães

    Restaurante G - Pousada Mosteiro de Guimarães

    Dine in a 12th-century monastery with beautifully presented dishes and a blend of history and luxury.
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  • DOC

    Sitting along the Douro River, DOC offers a contemporary ambience and high-end cuisine by Chef Rui Paula.
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    Braseirão do Minho

    3.3

    Braseirão do Minho

    Unique for its 'eat as much as you want' concept, serving delectable barbecued meat right at your table.
    3.3
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    Pedro Lemos Restaurante

    Pedro Lemos Restaurante

    An exquisite fine dining experience in Porto with a focus on innovation and the freshest seasonal ingredients.
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    deCastro Gaia

    deCastro Gaia

    Offers not only excellent food but also breathtaking views of Porto from the Gaia side of the river.
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    Tasca da Badalhoca

    Tasca da Badalhoca

    A unique and authentic tasca experience, famous for its sandwiches where locals gather for a quick, unpretentious bite.
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Hotels

  • The Yeatman

    A luxury wine hotel and spa in Porto with panoramic views across the Douro River to Porto’s historic city centre.
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    Quinta da Pacheca

    Quinta da Pacheca

    Situated in the Douro wine region, this estate offers unique accommodation in barrel-shaped rooms amidst the vineyards.
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    Pestana Palácio do Freixo

    Pestana Palácio do Freixo

    A restored 18th-century palace in Porto, offering opulent architecture and riverside elegance.
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    Hotel da Música

    Hotel da Música

    A music-themed boutique hotel inside Mercado do Bom Sucesso market in Porto, offering a harmonious experience.
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    Pousada Mosteiro de Guimarães

    Pousada Mosteiro de Guimarães

    A charming hotel set in a 12th-century monastery with captivating history and classic beauty in Guimarães.
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    Vidago Palace Hotel

    Vidago Palace Hotel

    An opulent belle époque palace located in the spa town of Vidago, offering grandeur, natural beauty, and thermal spa treatments.
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Local Events & Happenings

  • Event Icon

    O Gozo Festival - BBF 2024

    O Gozo Festival - BBF 2024

    The event will take place in Santiago de Compostela.
    Map Icon in Santiago de Compostela (102.37 mi)
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  • Event Icon

    O Gozo Festival - BBF 2024 | Paquetes VIP

    O Gozo Festival - BBF 2024 | Paquetes VIP

    The event will take place in Santiago de Compostela.
    Map Icon in Santiago de Compostela (102.37 mi)
    Calendar IconN/A
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    Gizmo Varillas

    Gizmo Varillas

    The event will take place at Sala Villanos in Madrid.
    Map IconSala Villanos in Madrid (240.41 mi)
    Calendar Icon16 Nov 2024
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    J. Bernardt

    J. Bernardt

    The event will take place at Sala Villanos in Madrid.
    Map IconSala Villanos in Madrid (240.41 mi)
    Calendar Icon3 Dec 2024
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  • Event Icon

    Eurovision on tour

    Eurovision on tour

    The event will take place at Palacio Vistalegre in Madrid.
    Map IconPalacio Vistalegre in Madrid (243 mi)
    Calendar Icon25 Oct 2024
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  • Event Icon

    Anitta - BAILE FUNK EXPERIENCE

    Anitta - BAILE FUNK EXPERIENCE

    The event will take place at La Riviera in Madrid.
    Map IconLa Riviera in Madrid (243.22 mi)
    Calendar Icon3 Jul 2024
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  • Event Icon

    Anitta - BAILE FUNK EXPERIENCE | VIP Packages

    Anitta - BAILE FUNK EXPERIENCE | VIP Packages

    The event will take place at La Riviera in Madrid.
    Map IconLa Riviera in Madrid (243.22 mi)
    Calendar Icon3 Jul 2024
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Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    North Portugal Suggestions? Small Cities? Thanks! I am in portugal and I'm on a bus to braga right now. Besides Braga and Guimaraes, I have no itinerary, though I have already...

    North Portugal Suggestions? Small Cities? Thanks!

    North Portugal Suggestions? Small Cities? Thanks! I am in portugal and I'm on a bus to braga right now. Besides Braga and Guimaraes, I have no itinerary, though I have already...

    /r/solotravel
  • Reddit Icon

    Northern Portugal/Galicia Itinerary-Comments? As part of a larger Europe trip, I'm planning to stay in Northern Portugal and Galicia for a few days. This is something I'm plan...

    Northern Portugal/Galicia Itinerary-Comments?

    Northern Portugal/Galicia Itinerary-Comments? As part of a larger Europe trip, I'm planning to stay in Northern Portugal and Galicia for a few days. This is something I'm plan...

    /r/travel
  • Reddit Icon

    Here are some possible itineraries for visiting Portugal: Northern Portugal Vacation: This itinerary covers the charming city of Porto, the stunning Douro Valley wine region, ...

    Looking for: Portugal 8-day itinerary

    Here are some possible itineraries for visiting Portugal: Northern Portugal Vacation: This itinerary covers the charming city of Porto, the stunning Douro Valley wine region, ...

    /r/travel
  • Reddit Icon

    5 days in North Portugal Hello! I am flying into Porto on the 31st of October and will be leaving on the 05th of November. I booked the flights because they were cheap and I h...

    5 days in North Portugal

    5 days in North Portugal Hello! I am flying into Porto on the 31st of October and will be leaving on the 05th of November. I booked the flights because they were cheap and I h...

    /r/Shoestring
  • Reddit Icon

    I will spend 9 days / 8 nights mid April with my partner and my parents in Portugal, where we'll rent a car. My dad has some mobility issues, which is why he can't walk distan...

    Where to stay to explore northern Portugal after having seen Porto

    I will spend 9 days / 8 nights mid April with my partner and my parents in Portugal, where we'll rent a car. My dad has some mobility issues, which is why he can't walk distan...

    /r/travel

Music for Your Journey

  • Music Icon

    Salvador Sobral - Amar Pelos Dois

    Salvador Sobral - Amar Pelos Dois

    A soulful, moving piece by Salvador Sobral that won Eurovision 2017, radiating the romantic vibes of Portugal.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Amália Rodrigues - Gaivota

    Amália Rodrigues - Gaivota

    A classic song that takes you along the Portuguese coastline with its poetic lyrics about the sea and longing.
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    Toquinho - Onde Anda Você

    Toquinho - Onde Anda Você

    A smooth, melodic tune that captures the wistfulness and beauty of Portugal's cities and towns.
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    Ana Moura - Os Búzios

    Ana Moura - Os Búzios

    A song by Ana Moura, Portugal's contemporary fado star, with modern rhythms and traditional fado elements.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Dulce Pontes - Canção Do Mar

    Dulce Pontes - Canção Do Mar

    A powerful melody that echoes the mystery and depth of the Atlantic, very fitting for the coastal parts of your trip.
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  • Music Icon

    Ageu da Costa - Cultura Zambeziana

    Ageu da Costa - Cultura Zambeziana

    An instrumental that brings a jazzy feel with influences from Portuguese-speaking African countries, great for lively road trip moments.
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  • Music Icon

    Pedro Abrunhosa - Tudo O Que Eu Te Dou

    Pedro Abrunhosa - Tudo O Que Eu Te Dou

    A contemporary Portuguese song that expresses heartfelt emotion, perfect for reflecting on your travel experiences.
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  • Music Icon

    Xutos & Pontapés - Circo De Feras

    Xutos & Pontapés - Circo De Feras

    An iconic rock song by Xutos & Pontapés, bringing energy to any drive through Portugal's dynamic landscapes.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    Carlos Do Carmo - Lisboa Menina E Moça

    Carlos Do Carmo - Lisboa Menina E Moça

    Although about Lisbon, this tune's affection for Portugal's capital can extend to the cities you'll be visiting, offering a sense of saudade.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    Pedro Mizutani - Chuva De Verão

    Pedro Mizutani - Chuva De Verão

    This song's melancholic sound is reminiscent of the quiet rain that often falls in the North of Portugal, adding to the region's mystique.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Pedro Mizutani - Chuva De Verão