{"id":25661,"date":"2020-08-25T21:17:44","date_gmt":"2020-08-25T21:17:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/38.242.230.232\/~portoalities\/?p=25661"},"modified":"2026-03-13T12:13:28","modified_gmt":"2026-03-13T12:13:28","slug":"best-things-to-do-in-northern-portugal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/portoalities.com\/en\/best-things-to-do-in-northern-portugal\/","title":{"rendered":"Best things to do in Northern Portugal"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Northern Portugal is a pleasant surprise to anyone who visits it. It combines breath-streaking green landscapes with ancestral towns and villages. Moreover, its people are amongst the most sincere and genuine you may find anywhere. <\/span>
There are many things to do in northern Portugal. I am going to give you some suggestions, that hopefully will inspire your next holidays in my beautiful country. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These are the best things to do in Northern Portugal:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Walking Trails<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The walking trails are a great and safe way of enjoying some of the best landscapes in northern Portugal.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paiva Walkways<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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@ Paiva Walkways<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Paiva Walkways<\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span> are an excellent option for those who love easy-going trails amid nature, and one of the best things to do in northern Portugal. <\/span>
Located in Arouca (about one hour away from Porto), it provides an 8 km walk surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes. The trail is a bit uneven and there are a lot of stairs at the beginning, but don\u2019t let that deter you! Take the day to relax with friends and family, and you won\u2019t even notice it. Don’t forget to bring a bathing suit and some food to enjoy at the fluvial beaches along the way. <\/span>
If you feel too tired to make the round-trip, take a taxi at the end of the 8 km to return to the starting point. You can either start at Espiunca or Areinho. <\/span>
Recommended duration<\/strong>: Paiva walkways can be done in two hours, but, if you have the time, don\u2019t miss the opportunity of getting to know Arouca, the nearest village. Its center is very pleasant, with several points of interest (Santa Mafalda Convent or the view of Senhora da M\u00f3, for example). Arouca owes nothing to other better known villages in northern Portugal, like Ponte de Lima. Therefore, I recommend you to stay for one or two days in the region. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip: the conventual sweets of Arouca are also renowned, especially the \u201cp\u00e3o-de-l\u00f3\u201d, a traditional moist sponge cake commercialized in slices. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/em> rent a car on DiscoverCars<\/a><\/a>\u00a0to reach Espiunca (40\u00b059’34.67″N 8\u00b012’41.19″W) or Areinho (40\u00b057’9.68″N 8\u00b010’33.05″W). <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beach – Walk between Espinho – Vila Nova de Gaia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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@ Espinho Turismo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The northern beaches of Portugal<\/a> are not necessarily tempting, due to the cold water and strong winds. <\/span>
However, this trail, that connects the city of Espinho to the beach of Lavradores in Vila Nova de Gaia, will allow you to enjoy our beautiful coastal landscape. <\/span>
This walkway covers a 15 km distance but offers no difficulties. On the way, you\u2019ll find several points of interest, such as the stunning Senhora da Pedra Chapel, built in the middle of the beach in Miramar, and the fishing village of Aguda. <\/span>
Recommended duration<\/strong>: an afternoon, that can easily stretch itself for a day if you decide to have lunch by the sea or to sunbathe at the beach. <\/span>
How to get there:<\/em> there is a train line connecting Espinho and Porto. Take the train in direction to Aveiro from the S\u00e3o Bento train station<\/a> and get off at Espinho. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ecovia do Vez: up to Sistelo, the Portuguese Tibet <\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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@ Pedro Nuno Caetano<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In Arcos de Valdevez you\u2019ll come across a 32 km-long walkway that ends at the medieval village of Sistelo, the so called little Portuguese Tibet<\/em>. The slopes of Sistelo are impressive and were declared a national monument in 2017. <\/span>
Although it is one of the most entertaining activities to do in northern Portugal, its distance may startle a bit at first. Maybe due to that reason, the trail is already divided into three stages:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n