North of Portugal
From historic cities and river valleys to mountains, vineyards and coastal landscapes, Northern Portugal is shaped by heritage, character and strong local identity.
A region best explored slowly, through its people, traditions and timeless places.
Articles about Porto and Northern Portugal
Explore all our travel guides, itineraries and stories across Porto and Northern Portugal.
From historic cities and wine regions to mountains, villages and river landscapes, this collection brings together authentic experiences to help you plan your journey beyond Porto, at your own pace.
Northern Portugal: historic cities, green valleys and winding roads shaped by tradition and time
Plan your visit to Northern Portugal
Before setting off to explore Northern Portugal, it’s worth taking a moment to plan ahead. This is a region shaped by mountains, rivers and historic cities, where distances can vary greatly and each area reveals a distinct character. With a bit of preparation, you’ll experience the North at its best — calmly, authentically and beyond the obvious routes.
Getting there – Porto is the main gateway to Northern Portugal, with an international airport and good train and bus connections to cities such as Braga, Guimarães, Viana do Castelo and the Douro Valley.
Where to stay – From vibrant cities and historic towns to rural villages, wine estates and mountain retreats, Northern Portugal offers a wide range of accommodation to match different travel styles and rhythms.
Exploring by car – To reach natural parks, river valleys, viewpoints, vineyards and small villages away from main urban centres, travelling by car provides far greater flexibility and freedom.
Local experiences – Hiking trails, river beaches, traditional gastronomy, wine regions, historic heritage and local crafts are some of the most authentic ways to discover Northern Portugal beyond Porto.
With these details in place, what truly matters is allowing time to wander, explore slowly and connect with the landscapes, traditions and stories that define the North of Portugal.
Explore other regions of Portugal
Beyond Northern Portugal, discover other regions and explore all destinations in Portugal, organised by territory and travel style. From historic cities and mountain landscapes to coastal areas and quieter regions, each part of the country offers a distinct way to travel — at your own pace and according to your interests.
Complete Guide: Things to Do in Portugal
This general guide brings together all our travel suggestions across Portugal, including Alentejo, and can help you plan broader journeys across the country.
Our Perspective on Portugal
Travelling through Portugal, at your own pace
Travelling through Portugal is about embracing time as part of the experience.
From historic cities and rural landscapes to coastal paths and quiet villages, distances take on a different meaning and every place invites you to slow down.
Across regions shaped by tradition, nature and everyday life, Portugal reveals itself best without haste — through attention to detail, local rhythms and genuine connections to each territory.
At Tapa ao Sal, we bring together routes, experiences and stories created for those who prefer to travel slowly, listen to the place, and let the journey unfold naturally, step by step.
Start in the North of Portugal, follow the rivers and mountains, and let the journey unfold