Oporto
Oporto is the northern capital of Portugal and is a city of many bridges, which is known for its port wine. Oporto sits astride a great gorge at the point where the River Douro enters the Atlantic, and although it is mainly industrial, the city centre has plenty of charm with some art treasures, medieval cathedrals and museums, along narrow streets sporting wrought-iron balconies and bright splashes of potted geraniums.
One of the main attractions of the city is the opportunity to sample its legendary port wine, which is blended and processed before being left to age in one of the many lodges in the Vila Nova da Gaia district of Oporto. Visitors can tour the lodges and finish up with a tasting session. The city also has an historic riverside district called Ribeira, which is undergoing restoration and has been classified as a Unesco World Heritage Site.
Oporto is located within easy distance of a vast range of spectacular beaches and coastal regions, day trips to explore the local fishing villages and to try the well known seafood restaurants are popular with visitors to Oporto. It is also possible to cruise down the River Douro to take in the scenic splendour of the area.
Museu Nacional de Soares dos Reis
Opened in 1845 the Museu Nacional de Soares dos Reis is an impressive art museum that is dedicated to the sculptor Soares dos Reis. The gallery also houses a foreign art collection which includes works by the Dutch, Flemish, Italian and French masters. There is a large collection of Portuguese 19th century works, including those from the Porto school, and exhibits of ceramics, glassware, gold and silverwork and furniture.
Address: Palacio dos Carrancas, Rua de Dom Manuel II; Telephone: 22 339 3770; Transport: Bus 3, 20, 35, 37, 52 or 78; Opening time: Tuesday 2pm to 6pm, Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 6pm; Admission: €3; free on Sundays
Vila Nova de Gaia
Home to more that fifty wine companies and lodges, the Vila Nova de Gaia is a suburb of Oporto that is situated on the site of a fortified ancient village, which lies on the banks of the River Douro. Most of the lodges welcome visitors for tours and tastings. Among the best known are Sandemans, housed in a former 16th century convent, and Taylors. The suburb also features a 16th century monastery that has interesting circular cloisters and a terrace where the Duke of Wellington planned his attack on the French in 1809.
Espinho
On the northwestern coastline of Portugal the beautiful beaches of the Costa Verde offer panoramic views across the Atlantic. The main centre on this coast is the fish-canning area turned resort town of Espinho, 11 miles (18km) south of Porto, with a long stretch of golden sandy beach, a casino, bullfight ring, a range of shops, restaurants, hotels and campsites. The town also boasts one of the oldest golf courses in the world, dating from 1890.
Vila do Conde
Vila do Conde is a small tranquil town on the mouth of the River Ave and is a popular holiday resort in the Algarve, due to it's pretty coves and beaches. The town has some entertaining local industries, mainly hand-hewn boat building, lace-making, hand-knitting and sweet making. Visitors are welcome at the Rendas lace-making school, where fine examples of the local lace can be purchased.
Guimaraes
Home to the first king of Portugal in 1128, this ancient town is regarded as the birthplace of Portugal. The town has many medieval buildings and fortifications, and has been declared a Unesco World Heritage Site. One of the main attractions is the tiny Romanesque church where Afonso was allegedly baptised, and the imposing Palace of the first Duke of Braganza, built in the style of a French chateau. There are numerous other Gothic, Romanesque and Baroque delights to discover in walking around the town. There are also two excellent museums: The Museu Alberto Sampaio, south of the castle, contains religious art and relics and is housed in a monastery, while the Museu Arquelogico Martins Sarmento displays the finds from a nearby Celtic hill settlement.
