2 weeks in northern Portugal: what to see with the Douro Valley and Porto?

Hi there,

We’re traveling in our camper van from Haute-Savoie.

We’ve got 2 weeks in April and want to explore northern Portugal.

We’re thinking of:

- Peneda-Gerês National Park - the Douro Valley - Porto

We love nature, hiking, and culture (and also good food and wine).😉

Do you have an itinerary to suggest?

Thanks in advance for your replies

Hi there, Here’s what I visited in 2023 while based in Porto for a month for work, and traveling every weekend: - In the Douro Valley, starting from Pinhão, the hike PR20 ALJ - Sentier Trilho do Pinhão - Casal de Loivos: Most popular route (4.7/5), moderate, 8.2 km, 3 to 3.5 hours. Starts in Pinhão, climbs to the miradouro de Casal de Loivos with a 360° panoramic view of the vineyards and the river. Perfect for landscape lovers and photos. - The hike « Passadiços de Paiva » and the impressive bridge « 516 Arouca » (easy hike on a wide wooden walkway along the river, then about 500 steps to reach the bridge 175 m above the water) - The small town of Ovar with dozens and dozens of varied azulejos in all the little streets - The Alvão Natural Park, timeless. Rugged landscape, schist, granite, and slate houses - The beautiful loop « Fisgas de Ermelo »: at the start of the trail, take a few small detours to see the « piocas », stunning crystal-clear water pools. Some steep cliffs offer dizzying viewpoints, but the trail isn’t right on the edge. The highlight of this loop is the viewpoint over the famous Fisgas de Ermelo waterfall, the tallest on the Iberian Peninsula and one of the largest in Europe (250 m). - The Nossa Senhora da Graça viewpoint—you drive up for a 360° view - Braga, Portugal’s third-largest city, and its very photogenic Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte - Guimarães, considered the birthplace of Portugal. In the historic center, I have a great memory of Iberian pork cheeks with a Porto reduction (a nice change from cod in every sauce)! Happy planning

Hi there,

Not far from Braga, there’s Ponte de Lima, a pretty cute village.

Don’t forget to ask the Tourist Offices for advice—they sometimes have visit ideas that aren’t mentioned in forums.

The Michelin Green Guide Portugal is super comprehensive and well-suited to your travel style.

Thanks Sophie for all these tips

Thanks Marie for your tips.

I’ll keep the Michelin guide in mind