Destination Wedding: Discover Northern Portugal

A Local Guide for Our Wedding Guests

Welcome to Portugal!
If this is your first time in the north of the country, you’re about to discover one of Portugal’s most authentic regions — where traditions are alive, food is deeply connected to the land and sea, and distances are short (which everyone loves after a flight).

All the places below are easy to reach from Porto and ideal for exploring before or after the wedding.

Viana do Castelo

~76 km | ~1 hour from Porto

Viana do Castelo is a city where tradition, religion, the ocean and everyday Portuguese life come together. It’s a great introduction to the culture of northern Portugal.

Why it’s worth visiting:

Santa Luzia Sanctuary
This hilltop sanctuary offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views in the region, overlooking the city, the river and the Atlantic Ocean. It helps you understand how closely connected this area is to the sea.
Historic centre & riverfront
Perfect for slow walks, coffee stops and people-watching — this is where local life really happens.
Gil Eannes Hospital Ship
A unique floating museum that tells the story of Portugal’s maritime past and life at sea.

To understand local culture:

Museu do Traje
This museum explains the importance of traditional Minho costumes, jewellery and embroidery — an essential part of local identity.
Folk dance groups (Ranchos Folclóricos)
If you’re visiting during summer or local festivities, you may see live performances of traditional music and dance, a joyful expression of regional culture.

What to eat (and why):

Bacalhau à Viana
Codfish is Portugal’s most iconic ingredient, and this is the local version.
Octopus rice & seafood
Fresh, comforting dishes strongly linked to the Atlantic coast.
Vinho Verde wine
Light, fresh and slightly acidic — perfect for the local cuisine.

Sweet tradition:
Natário – Bolas de Berlim
Stopping at Natário is a local ritual. These custard-filled pastries have been made here since 1930. The queue is part of the experience — and a good sign.

Caminha

~90 km | ~1h20 from Porto

Caminha is all about calm, nature and water. It’s where the Minho River meets the Atlantic Ocean, creating a very special landscape.

Why it’s worth visiting:

Medieval historic centre
Small, charming and easy to explore, perfect for a relaxed morning.
Riverbanks & small riverside beaches
Ideal for quiet swims, sunbathing or simply enjoying the slower pace of life by the water.
Mata do Camarido
A pine forest between river and sea, great for walks, picnics and escaping the heat.
Small river island with an old fort
A historical detail that reflects the strategic importance of this border area with Spain.

Moledo Beach & water sports:

Just a few minutes away, Moledo Beach is one of the best spots in northern Portugal for surf, kitesurf, windsurf and bodyboard.
There are local schools with lessons and equipment rental, so no previous experience is needed.
And if sports aren’t your thing — beach walks and sunsets still make the trip worth it.

What to eat:

Fresh grilled fish
Simple seafood dishes, usually enjoyed slowly and with a view

Ponte de Lima

~73 km | ~1h10 from Porto

Ponte de Lima is known as Portugal’s oldest village and is perfect for understanding rural Minho traditions.

Why it’s worth visiting:

Roman and medieval bridge
A symbol of the village and its long history.
Lima River gardens
Green, peaceful and ideal for a break from busy sightseeing.

What to eat & drink:

Rojões à Minhota
A traditional pork dish that reflects the region’s rural roots.
Broa de milho & local cheese
Simple ingredients, big flavour.
Vinho Verde
Produced all around this area — fresh and very local.

Vila Nova de Cerveira

~95 km | ~1h20 from Porto

Vila Nova de Cerveira combines nature and creativity, earning its reputation as an art-focused town.

Why it’s worth visiting:

Minho River ecoway
Perfect for walking or cycling with river views.
Art spaces & galleries
Small but surprising, reflecting the town’s artistic identity.

Saturday Market – Feira de Cerveira
Every Saturday, the town hosts a lively market where locals sell handmade crafts, artisanal products, fresh food, often with music and street performances.
It’s one of the best ways to experience everyday Portuguese life and buy meaningful souvenirs.

Peneda-Gerês National Park

~75 km | ~1h10 from Caminha

Peneda-Gerês is Portugal’s only national park and one of its most untouched areas.

Why it’s worth visiting:

This is where you’ll find mountains, waterfalls, hiking trails, traditional stone villages and natural swimming lagoons.
It’s ideal for guests who love nature, photography or simply want to disconnect and experience Portugal beyond cities and beaches.