Santa Luzia
The image of Viana: the temple on top of the hill, looking over the town, the River Lima and the sea. Go up by car or on the Elevador de Santa Luzia, a funicular with a route of about 650 metres.
What to see in Vianaand Alto Minho.
Viana do Castelo sits between the River Lima, the Atlantic and Monte de Santa Luzia. From Solar Altamira, the town is a few minutes' drive away, and Ponte de Lima, the towns on the River Minho and the mountains all make easy day trips.
- A day in town
- Santa Luzia in the morning, the historic centre and the Gil Eannes ship in the afternoon.
- A beach day
- Cabedelo beach, on the far side of the River Lima.
- A day on the Lima
- Ponte de Lima, its bridge and its riverside.
- A day on the Minho
- Caminha, Vila Nova de Cerveira and the fortress at Valença.
- A day in the mountains
- Soajo, Lindoso and Peneda-Gerês National Park.
In Viana
The historic centre
Start at Praça da República, the heart of town, and carry on walking through the streets around it. It's the best place to get a feel for Viana, and the river is close by.
The Gil Eannes ship
A former hospital ship that supported Portugal's cod-fishing fleet, now a museum moored by the town. Check the opening hours before you go.
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Costume and gold
Viana's traditional costume and filigree gold are the region's best-known symbols. The Costume Museum is a good place to start.
Romaria d'Agonia
Viana's great festival takes place every August, with costumes, gold, a procession and carpets of street art. Book early if you'd like to come then.
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Cabedelo beach
A long stretch of sand on the south bank of the River Lima, popular for kitesurfing. In summer, a ferry crosses the river from the town centre in about 10 minutes.
Ponte de Lima
The oldest town
Ponte de Lima is regarded as Portugal's oldest town, with a charter from 1125, before the country was founded. It takes its name from its long stone bridge over the River Lima, medieval in part and Roman in origin.
About 26 km from Viana do Castelo.
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Festivals and gardens
In September, the Feiras Novas fill the town for three days, a tradition dating from the 19th century. The town is also known for its International Garden Festival and its walks along the river.
In the Alto Minho
Caminha
A town at the mouth of the River Minho, with the Clock Tower, once part of the old walls, and its parish church.
About 25 km.
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Vila Nova de Cerveira
An arts town on the River Minho, with a sculpture trail through the historic centre and a viewpoint over the river.
About 40 km.
Valença
The fortress at Valença, on the border with Galicia, combines ramparts, old streets and shops.
About 50 km.
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Soajo and Lindoso
Mountain villages with stone granaries and, at Lindoso, a 13th-century castle.
About 1 hour by car.
Peneda-Gerês
Portugal's only national park, with mountains, woods and streams. It's a good place to walk, especially in spring and autumn.
About 1 hour by car.
Monção and Melgaço
The home of Alvarinho, the best-known Vinho Verde grape. The Palácio da Brejoeira in Monção is a popular stop for wine tasting.
About 1 hour by car.
Distances are approximate, from Viana do Castelo. Check opening times, prices and event dates before you set off. The guide's photos have been resized and come from Wikimedia Commons. Top photo: Krzysztof Golik, CC BY-SA 4.0.
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