Norte

Travel Guide
Norte
Dom Luis I Bridge which includes street scenes, night scenes and a river or creek
Porto Cathedral featuring religious aspects, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture
Dom Luis I Bridge which includes a river or creek and a bridge
Dom Luis I Bridge which includes a bridge
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 PortoOpens in a new window, 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 showing a city and a small town or village

Centro / Baixa

4.5/5(587 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 monument, a square or plaza and a fountain

Ribeira

The ample dining options and beautiful 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, shopping and outdoor art

União de Freguesias do Centro

4.5/5(16 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 City Hall and Livraria Lello. 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
Dom Luis I Bridge featuring a bridge

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

Dom Luis I Bridge featuring street scenes, a bridge and a river or creek

São Nicolau

4.5/5(124 area reviews)

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

São Nicolau
Porto which includes signage, shopping and outdoor art

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 City Hall and Bolhao Market, and jump on the metro at Trindade Station or Bolhao Station to see more of the city.

Santo Ildefonso
Zero Box Lodge Porto
Zero Box Lodge Porto
3 out of 5
R. do Ateneu Comercial do Porto, 13, Porto, Porto
The price is RM253 per night from 16 Jan to 17 Jan
RM253
RM297 total
includes taxes & fees
16 Jan - 17 Jan
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (500 reviews)
"I found it a very unique concept and perfect for my need. It was quiet and I slept really well."

Reviewed on 9 Jan 2025

Zero Box Lodge Porto
Eurostars Porto Douro
Eurostars Porto Douro
4 out of 5
Avenida Gustavo Eiffel 22, Porto
The price is RM337 per night from 12 Jan to 13 Jan
RM337
RM385 total
includes taxes & fees
12 Jan - 13 Jan
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Porto. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (999 reviews)
"Was very nice."

Reviewed on 21 Dec 2024

Eurostars Porto Douro
The House of Sandeman
The House of Sandeman
3 out of 5
Largo Miguel Bombarda, 67, Vila Nova de Gaia
The price is RM547 per night from 12 Jan to 13 Jan
RM547
RM603 total
includes taxes & fees
12 Jan - 13 Jan
Stay at this 3-star hostel in Vila Nova de Gaia. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (205 reviews)
Clean and spacious hostel with great views
"Beautiful place,perfectly situated. The staff are friendly and efficient. Breakfast is great (though the coffee included with breakfast isn't so good). My only suggestion would be to set the room temperature so guests can't tamper with it, one of the occupants cranked it up to sauna levels, which ..."

Reviewed on 26 Nov 2024

The House of Sandeman
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! (1,023 reviews)
"Nice apartment"

Reviewed on 27 Dec 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! (256 reviews)
"Felt like home after staying for a month. Suite had a functional kitchen, bathroom, dining area, bed, and storage. Room refreshed every third day with quality linens, towels and kitchen supplies, including coffee/tea. Beautiful view onto street and river that captured the essence of Porto. Windows ..."

Reviewed on 31 Dec 2024

Oca Ribeira do Porto AT
Virtudes City Lofts
Virtudes City Lofts
4 out of 5
24 Rua das Virtudes, Porto
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Porto. Enjoy free WiFi, an airport shuttle (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (616 reviews)
"Veronica and housekeeper were both so kind and helpful. The unit was really clean, well maintained and had everything we would need for our stay. We were able to walk to almost everything and felt safe. If we were to come back we would stay here again, truly a beautiful place due to the ..."

Reviewed on 3 Jan 2025

Virtudes City Lofts
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.

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