Porto & The North

Porto is the capital and gateway to the north of Portugal, a region rich in history, culture and gastronomy. The vibrant city of Porto is built on the steep northern banks of the River Douro with a rambling old town packed with monuments and beautiful buildings adorned with tiles, in varying degrees of preservation.

The medieval cobbled streets of Ribeira, Porto’s oldest district remain a hub of activity day and night with cafes, restaurants and street performers all vying for your attention along its main square. From here you can view the district of Gaia famed for being the home of the vast port wine cellars that line the banks of the Douro such as Taylor’s, Sandeman & Graham’s to name a few. Along with the cellars, Gaia has 17 blue flag beaches along its coastline.

A trip to Porto would not be complete without a guided tour of these impressive cellars which lead you through a warren of immense oak barrels filled with wine at different stages of the ageing process. It is also a great opportunity to learn about the history of this unique wine and the way in which it has been made through the ages with an optional tasting at the end to complete the tour. Other sights include the magnificent Stock Exchange building Palacio da Bolsa, the Sao Bento train station with it’s remarkable azulejos and Livraria Lello, one of the most visited bookshops in the world.

Northwards, the Minho region is the home of vinho verde, a dry white wine only produced in Portugal and typically paired with fresh fish dishes. Many of the ‘vinho verde’ vineyards are open to the public and visitors can enjoy tastings and guided tours of the cellars.

Situated in the heart of the Minho region is the city of Braga with the highest concentration of religious building in all of Portugal making it one of the country’s main religious centres. Braga is a lively city with grand plazas lined with shops, restaurants and bars and lots of buildings of interest. Just outside the town is the impressive and tranquil Bom Jesus do Monte, a pilgrimage sanctuary with a striking Baroque staircase, which winds up the mountain to the church at the top, from where you can view Braga in all its glory.

Forty minutes from Braga is the beautifully preserved Medieval city of Guimarães the birthplace of Portugal and a UNESCO World Heraitage Site. In 2012 it was given the title of European Capital of Culture which has made it a popular tourist spot. With its cobbled narrow streets, Medieval houses, artisan shops, atmospheric restaurants, cafés and bars; Guimarães is a city which must not be missed. A trip by cable car to Monte da Penha will will allow you to take in the beautiful panoramic view of the city and the surrounding countryside.

To the east of Braga you have Portugal’s only national park Peneda-Gerês or simply Gerês covering the mountain ranges of Peneda, Soajo, Amarela and Geres. It is one of the most stunning natural reserves in the country and boasts a wide range of ecosystems, from dense forests, high mountains, river valleys to granite peaks and pristine waterfalls. You can camp, horse ride, hike or simply just relax and recharge and if you are lucky, maybe even catch a glimpse of an Iberian wolf or a Golden Eagle.

The Douro Valley is another region not to be missed by any wine aficionados or those wanting to immerse themselves in the calming and breath-taking landscape along the meandering Douro River flanked by its impossibly steep terraced valleys. You can discover the enchanting region of the Douro Valley by road, train or cruise. Many of the Quintas (wine vineyards) offer intimate tours, wine and food pairing experiences as well as overnight stays.

Porto can be reached frequently from a number of UK airports by both scheduled and no frills airlines. Here is information on the ones which we book most often but this does not mean we exclude any airlines which may not appear below. It's really a case of finding an airline that suits your needs best wherever you may be.

Flights with TAP Portugal - National Carrier

Gatwick to Porto - 2 flights per day

British Airways

London Heathrow to Porto - 2/3 flights per day - Schedule is reduced in winter.

RyanAir

London Stansted to Porto - 2/4 flights per day

Manchester to Porto - 4 flights per week

Edinburgh to Porto - 3 flights per week

Liverpool to Porto - 2 flights per week

Birmingham to Porto - 2 flights per week

Dublin to Porto - 6 flights per week

Easyjet

London Gatwick to Porto - 1/2 flights per day

London Luton to Porto - 6 flights per week

Bristol to Porto - 3 flights per week

Manchester to Porto - 3 flights per week

Wizz Air

London Luton to Porto - 3 flights per week

Flight frequency may change at any time. Please contact us for the most up to date information and flight prices.

Car Hire

We have a longstanding relationship with both Avis & Europcar and are able to offer quotes with 0 excess and no additional charges for one way drop offs, to suit your travel plans.

February

Carnival of Podence - Podence

This ancient carnival takes place in the small village of Podence where the Caretos wearing masks and costumes with colourful fringes parade along the streets making mischief. Among the most important moments of the Carnival of Podence are the fictitious weddings and the village parade on Shrove Tuesday. The festival is closed with the Queima do Entrudo ("burning the wicker man").

March

Semana Santa - Braga

Holy Week is a religious festival celebrated the week before Easter commemorating the Passion of Christ. Although celebrations are held throughout the country the biggest takes place in Portugal's religious centre, Braga. During this week many religous traditions and processions are observed, some dating back to the 4th Century.

May

Festa das Cruzes - Barcelos

Once purely a religious festival, celebrations now are distinctly more secular with parades of locals in folk costume, horse races, circus performances and fireworks.

Rally Portugal - Matosinhos

The Vodafone Rally de Portugal is a prestigious event in the World Rally Championship (WRC). It’s one of the classic rallies, eagerly anticipated by both drivers and teams. The rally features thrilling duels, high-speed action, and iconic stages like the spectacular jump in Fafe during the Power Stage. If you’re a motorsports enthusiast, it’s definitely worth following!

June

Festa de São João - Porto

This festival celebrates St John the Baptist and is undoubtedly the biggest night in Porto's social calendar. The city comes alive with street parties, music, concerts, food and wine. Traditionally illuminated balloons are released into the sky and people hit each other on the head with soft plastic hammers. The festivities culminate with fireworks at midnight however the parties continue well into the early hours of the morning.

July

Festival MEO Marés Vivas – Vila Nova De Gaia

The biggest music festival in the north of Portugal, attracting a host of international and home grown acts over the course of 3 days.

August

Festas da Senhora d'Agonia - Viana do Castelo

The biggest festival in the Minho region takes place in Viana do Castelo attracting more and more visitors each year. A cultural explosion of music, food stalls, parades in traditional folklore attire, fireworks & much more.

September

White Night - Braga

For 48 hours the city of Braga becomes a hub of concerts, exhibitions, street entertainment and art installations. There is also a program for children with shows and activities.

Check out our offers page for holidays we may be featuring associated to these events.

Weather:

The North of Portugal is typically milder & wetter than the south of the country. That being said the summers months are hot and temperatures commonly exceed 25°C. Winters are mild but can be very wet with the most rainfall seen in the months of October, December & February. Temperatures tend to creep up with the arrival of spring and the months of May & June can be ideal time to visit.

Average temperatures:

Air temperature in summer: 13ºC to 24ºC

Air temperature in winter: 06ºC to 15ºC

Sea temperature in summer: 16ºC to 20ºC

Sea temperature in winter: 13ºC to 15ºC

Currency:

Euro

Language:

Portuguese

Electricity Plug System:

Electrical supply: 230V

Dialling Code:

+351

Health & Vaccinations:

Travellers do not require certificates of vaccination or immunisations to enter Portugal. If you are from an EU member state you should bring your European Health Insurance card to be entitled to free medical & hospital care. Visitors from other countries are advised to take out a medical insurance policy.

Religion:

The majority of Portuguese are Roman Catholic.

Tipping:

Tipping is not mandatory and is at the discretion of the visitor.