The North of Portugal is host to greener landscapes, steep mountainous peaks, and strong vines which assist in creating spectacular acidic wines. The skies are often greyer and the winters more turbulent but this does not hinder from the infectious charm of its unconquered second capital, Porto. A short drive or train ride along the river is the scenic Douro Valley with its vertically planted vineyards. Better yet, head along the coastline to the candy-cane lined houses of Costa Nova where the smell of freshly grilled seafood drifts enticingly from its doors. 

Referred to as Portugal’s second capital, Porto is the perfect mix of classic and edgy with small boutiques and rustic eateries hidden inside the hilly backstreets of Ribeira and Cedofeita. The centre is full of ostentatious buildings decorated with azulejos tiles whilst down on its river bank the docks are bustling with dimly lit, enticing port cellars. Not just renowned for its history, Porto is host to a variety of esoteric modern architecture, with the most notable being the Casa da Musica or Leça da Palmeira along the coast of Matosinhos.

The Douro Valley is decorated with endless vineyard’s stretching for miles along its banks up to the mountainsides. Whilst the drive can be demanding in remote parts, it’s worth the challenge to catch a glimpse of unspoiled scenery. Not just prepossessing for wine, the valley is host to notable Northern towns such as Lamego which is rich in Baroque architecture. Meanwhile, in Pinhão, the railway station is decorated with azulejos tiles as a homage to the cultivation of the region’s vines. The Douro Valley is not short of adventure either on land by foot and bike or along the Douro river itself where it’s possible to travel by boat or at your own pace enjoying the tranquility by SUP.

A short drive from Portugal’s Venice equivalent Aveiro is the seaside town of Costa Nova, famed for its brightly coloured candy-stripe fisherman shacks. Traditionally a place where fisherman would store materials these picturesque cabins are now used as beach houses. It’s one of the best locations for a fresh seafood feed given its close proximity to the beach, with its harbour being littered with alluring Marisqueiras. Meanwhile, off-land the coastline is a popular surfing destination for those seeking a more adventurous feed.

Braga is rich in history and culture as one of Portugal’s oldest cities established over 2,000 years ago. The town square is the perfect place to take a stroll whilst admiring its historic churches and buildings which contrast against the small contemporary boutiques and wine bars recently opened to cater to its younger university population. A visit to Bom Jesus Sanctuary is mandatory as one of Braga’s icons with its towering staircase, and sports fans will love the Braga Municipal Stadium, quite literally built into the cliffs it’s a unique site to watch the local team play.

Viana do Castelo is an architectural treat for those with a love of antique monasteries and Baroque buildings such as the hilltop Santuário de Santa Luzia which offers a panoramic view out to Portugal’s Northern hemisphere. The heart of the city is full of small cobbled lanes meandering off in all directions where you can stumble across the Paços do Concelho Town Hall and the Parish Church Igreja Matriz. Surrounding landscapes offer a plethora of adventure possibilities with a varied level of cycling paths along the coast and inland. Off-land it’s possible to take on any water sport either on its coastal shores or along the River Lima.