Norte

Travel Guide

Norte
Dom Luis I Bridge featuring street scenes, a river or creek and night scenes
Porto Cathedral showing a church or cathedral, religious aspects and heritage architecture
Dom Luis I Bridge featuring a bridge and a river or creek
Dom Luis I Bridge showing 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 featuring a small town or village and a city

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 Historic Center and Porto City Hall. 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 fountain, a square or plaza and a monument

Ribeira

The ample dining options and beautiful river views are top of the list for many visitors to Ribeira. A stop by Porto Historic Center or Ribeira Square might round out your trip.

Ribeira
Dom Luis I Bridge showing a bridge

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

Porto featuring signage, a city and shopping

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

Santo Ildefonso
Sandeman Cellars featuring heritage architecture and interior views

Santa Marinha

4.5/5(50 area reviews)

While you're in Santa Marinha, take in top sights like Porto Historic Center and jump on the metro at Jardim do Morro Station to see more of the city.

Santa Marinha
Porto featuring a small town or village and a city

Vitória

While you're in Vitória, take in top sights like Porto Historic Center or Livraria Lello, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Guilherme Gomes Fernandes Stop or Carmo Stop.

Vitória
Stay Hotel Porto Aeroporto

Stay Hotel Porto Aeroporto

3 out of 5
Rua Vasconcelos Costa, 466,, Maia
The price is €81 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
€81
11 Aug - 12 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Maia. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (760 reviews)
"The check in was a bit late"

Reviewed on 24 Jul 2025

Stay Hotel Porto Aeroporto
The Social Hub Porto

The Social Hub Porto

4 out of 5
Praça de Dom João 80, Porto, Porto
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €134 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€134
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Porto. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Porto Historic Center and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (363 reviews)
"Service was excellent!"

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025

The Social Hub Porto
GRANDE HOTEL PARIS by STAY HOTELS

GRANDE HOTEL PARIS by STAY HOTELS

4 out of 5
27 Rua da Fábrica, Porto
The price is €100 per night from 14 Aug to 15 Aug
€100
14 Aug - 15 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Porto. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (195 reviews)
"Would stay here again!"

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025

GRANDE HOTEL PARIS by STAY HOTELS
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! (1,137 reviews)
"Satisfied!"

Reviewed on 1 Aug 2025

Spot Family Apartments
Eurostars Oporto

Eurostars Oporto

4 out of 5
Rua do Mestre Guilherme Camarinha, 212, Porto
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Porto. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the property condition ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (486 reviews)
"Nice , clean , modern Very convenient Close to the train station"

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

Eurostars Oporto
Catarina Serviced Apartments

Catarina Serviced Apartments

4 out of 5
Rua de Santa Catarina 706, Porto, Porto
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Porto. Enjoy free WiFi, concierge services, and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Porto Historic Center and Livraria Lello ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (35 reviews)
"We have great relaxed time at the Caterina apartments. Very clean, it had everything we needed and was very comfortable. We stayed in a court yard view apartment and it wasn’t over looked. The shops and countless cafes and restaurants are all nearby. The metro and bus station isn’t far either. Great ..."

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Catarina Serviced Apartments
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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