Discover Northern Portugal's Hidden Gems

Portugal's beaches and countryside make it one of the top holiday destinations in Europe

, offering tough competition to the likes of Spain. But those looking to escape the crowds and discover some of the country's lesser known gems can head to Northern Portugal to really immerse themselves in Portuguese culture.

Northern Portugal is equally well known for its natural beauty and its picturesque towns and villages, and it's also an ideal place to sample the country's famous port wine, which you can even take part in making during the harvest. Backed by rugged mountains, the terraced hills and long beaches of the north make it one of Portugal's most attractive regions, while those looking to soak up a little culture on their break can head to historic towns such as Amarante, Guimaraes, Porto and Viana do Castelo, easily reached by car, coach or train.

The capital of the north, Porto is a perfect base for historical exploration in Portugal, where you can find enthusiastic English-speaking guides who are more than happy to give you a sightseeing tour. Find authentic handmade souvenirs at the city's bustling markets and tuck in to some local cuisine at traditional restaurants, where you can escape the crowds of more tourist-laden destinations in the Algarve and other southern areas.

Portugal car rental can be the best way to get around during your trip, allowing you to see the stunning scenery of the north at your own pace. For a true taste of Portugal, visit the Port Wine Academy in Pinhao, where you can find out all about the manufacture of port wine amidst breathtaking surroundings. Taste a 40-year-old tawny port and sample other local delicacies during your stay, including prawn kebabs, octopus and rabbi pasty, to get a deeper appreciation of the country you're visiting.

While a car can be ideal for getting from A to B, some of Portugal's sights are more effectively reached by air or sea. A 10-minute helicopter flight is a short and sweet way to enjoy panoramic views of cities such as Porto, while heading down the Douro river that winds its way through the region can be just the thing for a relaxing Portugal holiday, with stop-offs at picturesque towns such as Pinhao. Just a short trip from Porto is the heritage site of Braga, the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus and Guimares, which shouldn't be missed on a cultural tour of the country.

Discover Northern Portugal's Hidden Gems

By: Paul Buchanan

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