Shannon airport is now offering direct flights to Porto in Northern Portugal. Getting away for a sunny city break has never been easier and what better place to relax than the Portugal’s Northern coast. Our man Kieran Murphy jetted off to Northern Portugal with Shannon Airport and visit Portugal to see all Northern Portugal had to offer.
Day 1:
Upon arrival we started our trip with an unforgettable culinary experience at Cantinho do Avillez, a restaurant by the acclaimed chef José Avillez. Located in the heart of Porto, this spot offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal place to kick off our adventure. The menu is a blend of traditional Portuguese flavours with a modern twist. We paired our meal with a glass of Vinho Verde. After our delicious lunch, we embarked on a walking tour around Porto’s historical centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city’s narrow cobblestone streets, colourful buildings, and stunning azulejos (traditional Portuguese tiles) will transport you back in time. Highlights of the tour included a visit to the São Bento Railway Station, famous for its intricate tile panels depicting scenes from Portuguese history. We then strolled along the Ribeira district, where the vibrant riverside atmosphere, street performers, and charming cafes capture the essence of Porto’s old-world charm. In the late afternoon, we took the Six Bridges Boat Cruise along the Douro River. This 50-minute cruise offers a unique perspective of Porto and its neighbouring city, Vila Nova de Gaia. As you glide along the river, we passed under the six iconic bridges, each with its architectural style and history. The cruise provided a stunning view of Porto’s historic skyline, the colourful houses, and the famous Port wine cellars on the opposite riverbank.
We ended our day with a delightful dinner at Vinum Restaurant, located in the historic Graham’s Port Lodge. Vinum offers an exquisite dining experience with a focus on local ingredients and traditional Portuguese cuisine. The restaurant’s terrace boasts a stunning view over the Douro River and the city of Porto, making it the perfect spot for a romantic dinner. The elegant ambience, combined with the exceptional food and wine, provided us with a fitting end to a day of exploration and discovery in Northern Porto.
That night we stayed at the 5-Star Boeira Garden Hotel, and it was an unforgettable experience. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warm hospitality and a sense of serenity that immediately made us feel at ease. The hotel itself is nestled within lush, beautifully landscaped gardens, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle. Our room was spacious, elegantly designed, and featured modern amenities, ensuring both comfort and style. The large windows offered stunning views of the surrounding gardens, adding a touch of nature to our luxurious stay.
Day 2
Continuing the journey through Northern Portugal, Day 2 took us on a captivating adventure from Porto to the historic city of Braga and the picturesque town of Ponte de Lima.
Braga, one of Portugal’s oldest cities, is often referred to as the “Portuguese Rome” due to its many churches and religious sites. One of our first stops was the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in Portugal. Nestled on a hill, the sanctuary is renowned for its grand Baroque staircase that zigzags up to the church, offering breathtaking views of Braga and its surroundings. The staircase is lined with symbolic fountains, statues, and chapels that depict the Stations of the Cross, making it a serene and spiritual experience for visitors. You can reach the top by climbing the 577 steps or taking the historic funicular, one of the world’s oldest water-powered cable cars. We took the cable car!
After exploring Bom Jesus do Monte, enjoy lunch at Restaurante Panorâmico, conveniently located near the sanctuary. This restaurant is aptly named for its panoramic views over Braga and the surrounding countryside. We Indulged in a variety of traditional Portuguese dishes all while soaking in the breathtaking vistas. The relaxed atmosphere and delicious local cuisine provided a perfect respite before continuing your journey. Following lunch, we headed down to the centre of Braga for a walking tour through this charming city. Braga’s historical centre is a delightful mix of narrow streets, ornate churches, and lively squares. We began with a visit to Sé de Braga, the oldest cathedral in Portugal, showcasing a blendof Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture. The centre is filled with quaint shops, cafes, and bakeries where you can enjoy a pastel de nata (custard tart) or sip a refreshing vinho verde.
In the late afternoon, we departed for Ponte de Lima, a charming town known for its medieval architecture, stunning landscapes, and the iconic Lima River that runs through it. The journey from Braga to Ponte de Lima took about 30 minutes and it provided us with a scenic drive through the beautiful Minho countryside. As the day wound down, we headed to the Terra Rosa Country House, a charming countryside retreat nestled amidst vineyards. What a beautiful country house filled with class and sophistication. This for me, was the highlight of our wonderful trip to Northern Portugal. We then checked into the Axis Ponte de Lima Hotel. That night we stumbled on the family-friendly Festa Do Vinho Verde. We soaked up the atmosphere and sampled the food and the wines of many local producers. A great night was had by all.
Day 3:
We began our day with a golf clinic at Axis Ponte de Lima Golf Resort, set amidst the rolling hills and lush greenery of the Minho region. This 18-hole golf course is renowned for its picturesque landscape, featuring challenging fairways surrounded by mountains, vineyards, and small farms. Afterwards, we took a stroll along the riverbank and admired the town’s namesake, the Ponte de Lima Bridge, a beautiful medieval structure that dates back to Roman times. Ponte de Lima is also famous for its flower-filled squares, traditional markets, and friendly locals.
We departed for Arouca, a scenic drive of approximately 2 hours through the beautiful countryside of Northern Portugal. Arouca is known for its dramatic landscapes, unique geological formations, and the famous Arouca Geopark. Upon arrival in Arouca, we indulged in a traditional Portuguese lunch at a local restaurant. Arouca is famous for its regional dishes, particularly posta arouquesa, a succulent beef steak sourced from local cattle, and arroz de cabidela, a flavourful rice dish cooked with chicken blood and vinegar. After lunch, we headed to one of Portugal’s most exciting attractions, the Arouca Suspension Bridge.
Spanning 516 meters (1,693 feet) across the Paiva River Gorge, this is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world. The bridge hangs 175 meters (574 feet) above the river, offering stunning views of the surrounding Arouca Geopark and its rugged terrain. Walking across the bridge was an adrenaline-pumping experience that provided us with breathtaking panoramic views of cascading waterfalls, deep valleys, and lush greenery.
Our next stop was a guided river trekking adventure in Rio Paiva, known for its crystal-clear waters and pristine natural beauty. We wandered through shallow waters, navigated over rocks, and we even swam in natural pools, all under the supervision of our experienced guide. It was a challenging yet rewarding activity that provided us with an up-close view of the region’s natural wonders.
After a day full of adventure and natural beauty we departed for Porto, where we spent the night at the NEYA Porto Hotel. Located along the Douro River, this eco-friendly hotel offers a perfect blend of comfort, modern amenities, and sustainable practices. We relaxed and unwound in one of their stylish rooms where we enjoyed a peaceful evening on the terrace overlooking the river.
That night we had dinner at the renowned Mauritania Seafood Restaurant, what an excellent way to end our trip.
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