Discover this region from Belvilla holiday homes in Northern Portugal, also known as Porto e Norte. This region is characterized by green landscapes, interspersed with characteristic old villages, rivers, and here and there, a winding road. More to the northeast, the landscape is becoming rougher and wilder.
Holiday homes around Porto
On the Costa Verde, the green coast of northern Portugal, lies Portugal's second most important city, the port of Porto, built on the banks of the Douro River. Porto is a walking city par excellence. It is possible to make beautiful walks along the Douro and through the old city districts of Barredo and Ribiera. Stroll through the city districts, past shops and many historic buildings. And relax in the so-called 'tascas', eateries, where you can taste the real Portuguese cuisine.
The city is also an old trading and seafaring city, and in the late Middle Ages, it conducted a lively trade with, among others, Flanders and the Netherlands. Porto supplied honey, salt and wine, in exchange for textiles, cheese and butter from the Netherlands, and textiles, weapons and luxury items from Bruges and Ypres. Porto's rich trading history is reflected in its historic buildings. The city has recently been declared a 'World Heritage City' by UNESCO. Nowadays, you will find modern architecture and various art galleries. Because the city lies on both banks of the Douro, there are many bridges here. The most famous bridge is the double-deck bridge, Ponte Maria Pia, which was built by Eng. Eifel. Of course, this city is also known for its world-famous wine, Port. In short, get to know the city from your holiday home in Northern Portugal, and enjoy a surprising city break to Porto!
Your holiday home in Northern Portugal, the ideal starting point to explore the region
A visit to the Douro valley is worth it! You will find a beautiful landscape full of vineyards, almond, cherry and olive trees and steep hills in this wine region. There are also around 30,000 farmers and the so-called 'Quintas' (typical wineries where the world-famous port is made), which are very nice to visit during your holiday in Northern Portugal.The landscape of the 'Alto Douro' wine region with its wine terraces is so special, it has been added to UNESCO's list as a World Heritage Site. This valley also holds the Cõa valley, with the world's largest prehistoric rock paintings. Visit Arribes del Duero too, a natural park with an interesting fauna, including several birds of prey. A holiday in Northern Portugal is pure enjoyment!
Holiday homes in Northern Portugal, on the coast
Enjoy the wonderful view from your holiday home in Northern Portugal. On the western coastline, the Costa Verde, you will find beautiful beaches, dunes and river valleys. Discover lovely villages like Caminha and Vila Nova de Cerveira too. You will also find the Peneda-Gerês National Park and the impressive mountains of Trás-os-Montes, where you will find an alternation of rivers, waterfalls and vineyards, and where real wild horses still live. A place that lends itself well to walking and mountain biking. In the evening, it is lovely to come home to your holiday home in Northern Portugal.
Culture is mainly to be found in the east. As you travel further inland, you will come across numerous medieval castles, monasteries and small Romanesque churches scattered throughout the landscape. If you want to see and experience a lot on holiday, choose a holiday home in Northern Portugal!