Praia de Foz do Minho

Viana do Castelo District (Distrito do Viana do Castelo in Portuguese) is situated in North Western Portugal and it has 10 cities: Arcos de Valdevez, Caminha, Melgaco, Moncao, Paredes de Coura, Ponte da Barca, Ponte de Lima, Valenca, Viana do Castelo, Vila Nova de Cerveira. There are more rains in the North than in other area of Portugal, but that doesn’t have to keep you away from discovering its beauty. Because of the amount of rain it receives, the North has different landscapes compared to the South; it is much greener and lush. Viana do Castelo is particularly beautiful in spring and summer, but there also a lot of interesting things to do in autumn and winter.

Viana do Castelo is a small heaven, with traditional accommodation, but with luxurious units as well, a place of serenity and tranquillity, perfect for a relaxing holiday, which will certainly meet you expectations.

Choose your hotel according to your needs and budget: Quinta do Monteverde, Quinta da Bouca d'Arques, Hotel Minho, Casa Melo Alvim Hotel, Fabrica do Chocolate Hotel, Hotel Meira. You may also want to consider Peneda Hotel, Casa Manuel Espregueira e Oliveira, Casa D' Joao Enes Afife Residence, Mercearia da Vila, Quinta do Vale do Monte.

Portugal is one of the most affordable countries in Europe. You will be glad to find out that a trip to visit museums or attending cultural events is cheaper than you would expect and sometimes it is even free of charge. That being said, prepare yourself for the main attractions in the district of Viana do Castelo. The folkloristic Museu Municipal de Viana do Castelo is perfect for a cloudy day. O Navio Gil Eannes is a wonderful lesson of maritime history. The Museum of Traditional Costume will reveal the fashion of the past. Bica and Canto Marinha Beaches are perfect if you want to fly a kite or just enjoy a day in the sun. Biblioteca Municipal de Viana do Castelo is a pleasant and peaceful location where you can read a book, watch a movie, listen to good music or simply take notes of your experiences in Portugal. Enjoy a couple of hours at Biblioteca Municipal de Viana do Castelo wellness centre, catch up on some shopping at Estacao Viana Shopping and buy souvenirs for the loved ones. Go on a walking tour, admire the unspoilt beauty of the landscapes, take pictures and let yourself get inspired by nature.

The Portuguese cuisine varies from one area to another, fresh fish and seafood are mandatory in every menu. The traditional dish is “bacalhau” a dried and salted codfish. Grilled sardines are also popular, alongside a fish mixture stew called “caldeirada”. Naturally, the many restaurants will also serve delicious courses, based on lobsters, shrimps, oysters and crabs. Another popular meal is the “cozido a portuguesa”, a stew with vegetables and different kinds of meat. The typical desserts are sweet, lovely flavoured, such as flan, caramel custard or cinnamon rice pudding. Here are a few suggestions for a great gastronomic experience: Porta 93 Restaurante, O Brasao, O Portao, Tasquinha da Praca. Also, check out O Tabernao, Taverna Vaca Das Cordas, Areia Restaurante, A Petisqueira or O Picadeiro. The district also has international cuisine restaurants, such as Restaurante Diamante Azul (French), Beliao Bar (Asian, Afgan), Ameadella Pastelaria (Italian).

Portugal is famous for its amazing coastline, and you will find a small part of it in Viana do Castelo District, perfect for surfing, sailing, swimming and other water activities. You will easily find a vineyard, a mountain landscape, a sandy quiet beach or a farmland in your proximity. The country is overall, a welcoming community and the Portuguese people love meeting foreign people and exchange experiences and learn cool stuff about each other.