MINHO TOURISM GUIDE
Perfectly-preserved historic towns and picture-perfect scenery
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Minho is considered by many to be the country's most beautiful province,
known for its colorful festivals, baroque churches,
well-preserved towns, and lush vegetation.
It offers splendid opportunities for cultural sightseeing,
with some of the country's most historic cities, including the
country's first capital, Guimarães.
It is also home to one of the country's most beautiful cities,
Braga, and
the pretty town of Viana do
Castelo. Other smaller picturesque towns such as Ponte de
Lima and Ponte da
Barca are filled with centuries-old traditions worth
experiencing, as is the famous market of Barcelos.
Also of note is one of the country's most fascinating archeological
sites, Citânia de
Briteiros, the last Celtic stronghold in Portugal.
On the whole, much of Minho is stunningly picturesque, ending with more
captivating scenery at the Peneda-Gerês
National Park to the east.
The best way to tour the region is by car, although public transportation
connects all the major towns and villages.
Top 5 Minho EXPERIENCES
1. Climbing the steps of Bom Jesus Sanctuary in Braga and admiring the city's baroque architecture.2. Experiencing traditional Portugal in the pretty streets and colorful festivals of Viana do Castelo and Ponte de Lima.
3. Watching the world go by in the beautifully preserved squares of historic Guimarães.
4. Exploring the beauty and remoteness of Peneda-Gerês National Park.
5. Browsing through Barcelos' famous market and buying a ceramic cockerel hoping for good luck.
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PLACES in Minho
Braga -
The city of Baroque; the Portuguese Episcopal capital; a monumental
staircase
Guimarães
- A medieval World Heritage center; a fascinating Celtic archeological site
Viana
Do Castelo - Elegant architecture; folklore
Barcelos
- One of Europe's largest markets; birthplace of a national symbol
Ponte de
Lima - Manor houses; a mythical festival
Ponte da
Barca - A lovely setting; a Roman bridge
Gerês
National Park - Early human vestiges within a magnificent national
park
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AROUND LISBON
AND TAGUS VALLEY Alcobaça Arrábida Azeitão Batalha Cascais Ericeira Estoril Fatima Leiria Mafra Nazaré Obidos Palmela Peniche Queluz Santarém Sesimbra Setubal Sintra Tomar |
ALENTEJO
Beja Castelo de Vide Elvas Estremoz Evora Marvão Mértola Monsaraz Vila Viçosa ALGARVE Albufeira Faro Lagos Sagres Silves Tavira Vila Real de Santo António Vilamoura |
BEIRAS (CENTRAL PORTUGAL)
Aveiro Belmonte Buçaco Coimbra Conimbriga Figueira da Foz Guarda Monsanto Piodão Serra da Estrela Viseu PORTO AND DOURO Amarante Lamego Porto |
MINHO
Barcelos Braga Gerês National Park Guimarães Ponte de Lima Ponte da Barca Viana do Castelo TRAS-OS-MONTES Bragança Chaves Vila Real THE ISLANDS Azores Madeira |