Norte Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Norte
Dom Luis I Bridge showing street scenes, a bridge and a river or creek
Porto Cathedral which includes religious elements, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral
Dom Luis I Bridge which includes a river or creek and a bridge
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 showing a city and a small town or village

Centro / Baixa

4.5/5(77 area reviews)

Centro / Baixa is highly notable for its stunning river views, and you might want to visit top sights like Porto City Hall and Bolhao Market. 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 monument, a square or plaza and a fountain

Ribeira

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

Ribeira
Porto which includes signage, shopping and outdoor art

União de Freguesias do Centro

5/5(1 area review)

União de Freguesias do Centro 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 Lapa Station or Trindade Station.

União de Freguesias do Centro
Default Image

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

Porto which includes signage, shopping and outdoor art

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

Santo Ildefonso
Dom Luis I Bridge featuring street scenes, a bridge and a river or creek

São Nicolau

4.5/5(14 area reviews)

Visitors to São Nicolau love its stunning river views, and you can check out Stock Exchange Palace and Ribeira Square. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Infante Stop.

São Nicolau
Zero Box Lodge Porto
Zero Box Lodge Porto
3 out of 5
R. do Ateneu Comercial do Porto, 13, Porto, Porto
The price is NZ$86 per night from 21 Dec to 22 Dec
NZ$86
includes taxes & fees
21 Dec - 22 Dec
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Porto. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the bathrooms in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (487 reviews)
"Great Hotel"

Reviewed on 17 Nov. 2024

Zero Box Lodge Porto
Pestana Vintage Porto Hotel & World Heritage Site
Pestana Vintage Porto Hotel & World Heritage Site
5 out of 5
Praca da Ribeira, 1, Porto
The price is NZ$314 per night from 5 Dec to 6 Dec
NZ$314
includes taxes & fees
5 Dec - 6 Dec
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Porto. Enjoy free WiFi, 24-hour room service, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (997 reviews)
"Perfect location and great staff. Clean room."

Reviewed on 20 Nov. 2024

Pestana Vintage Porto Hotel & World Heritage Site
Park Hotel Porto Aeroporto
Park Hotel Porto Aeroporto
3 out of 5
Avenida do Aeroporto, 241, Maia
The price is NZ$113 per night from 22 Nov to 23 Nov
NZ$113
includes taxes & fees
22 Nov - 23 Nov
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Maia. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Very convenient, clean, and nice staff"

Reviewed on 19 Nov. 2024

Park Hotel Porto Aeroporto
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! (981 reviews)
"Everything was perfect—very clean, with a kind receptionist and a great location. There was nothing to complain about."

Reviewed on 18 Nov. 2024

Spot Family Apartments
Oca Ribeira do Porto AT
Oca Ribeira do Porto AT
3 out of 5
Rua de São João 9-21, Porto, Porto
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Porto. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (250 reviews)
Amazing stay!
"The apartament is in a small building super close to the main hotel. Location couldn’t be better for visiting Porto. The apartament was small but super clean, beautiful and practical. The view was superb!!!"

Reviewed on 17 Nov. 2024

Oca Ribeira do Porto AT
Porto River
Porto River
4 out of 5
Rua dos Canastreiros, 50, Porto
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Porto. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (431 reviews)
"Beautiful view, lovely room! Highly recommend."

Reviewed on 15 Nov. 2024

Porto River
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.

Popular places to visit

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Cities near Norte