Northern Portugal

The Northern region of Portugal is probably the most varied regions of Portugal. From the beaches of the Costa Verde to the waterfalls and mountains of the Peneda-Gerês National Park. From the busteling cities of Porto and Braga, to the smaller but just a beatiful towns of Vila Real and Bragança. The winelands of the Alto Douro Valley to the rock paintings in the Côa Valley.

Northern Portugal is where the Portuguese nation was born. At the Battle of São Mamede, near Guimarães in June 1128, Afonso I of Portugal defeated the army of his mother Teresa of Leon. Prior to this battle Portugal was a dependency of the Kingdom of Galicia. As a result of the victory Alfonso declared himself as the prince of Portugal. Portugal's independance was finally recognised by Galicia in 1143, although Alfonso had declared himself king in 1139.

The largest city in the region is Porto. The city that lends its name to Portugals famous fortified Port wine. The wine itself is not made in Porto but in the wine lands further up the Douro River. The wine is fortified with brandy then shipped along the Douro river to Porto where it is aged in oak barrels in the cellars of the Port houses of Vila Nova De Gaia, Porto. When in Porto a visit to the Port Houses to taste the produce is a must.

Other major towns and cities in the region are the old celtic town of Braga founded in 300BC, the majestic medieval city of  Bragança, The border town of Caminha, the previously mentioned Guimarães with its medieval castle, palace and beautiful churches, Ponte de Barca with its large open air market, and Vila Real gateway to the Douro winelands.