When most people think of Portugal, the first thing that springs to mind is the Algarve region in the South. A favourite for the socks and sandals brigade, the hot weather, stunning beaches, and low prices encourage tourists to book tickets to Portugal in their droves.
The issue is that the Algarve is only a small corner of Portugal. Sure, Faro flights are popular for a reason, but the North of Portugal is just as interesting. The only way to truly get to grips with what Portugal has to offer is to rent a car and embark on a road trip around Portugal’s beautiful North.
Word of warning: In 2011 the Portuguese government installed unmanned electronic toll booths on a number of motorways. They take a photo of your license plate as you go through, and keep a record of how much you owe. You can pay in a local post office by producing your registration documents, but it may be better to avoid using main roads altogether. Just be sure to bring a map.
The following circular route is ideal for first time road trippers looking to discover exactly what the North of Portugal has to offer.
Oporto
When you’re in Oporto there are two things you must try: port, the fortified wine that Portugal is famous for, and the Francesinha sandwich. Oh the Francesinha, a sandwich worthy of foodie pilgrimage. The ingredients are wet cured ham, cured sausage, regular sausage, and steak: the bread is then topped with melted cheese and a tomato and beer sauce. Awesome.
Pinhão
From Oporto head East to Pinhão, along the Douro river. This drive will take you through some of Portugal’s most famous vineyards (used to make the port wine), where you can stop and have a taste (passengers only!). You could head North to Braga right away, but the road from Oporto to Pinhão is as a UNESCO landscape, so it really shouldn’t be missed.
Braga
Whether you have an interest in religious history or not, the stunning baroque churches of Braga (knowns as ‘the Rome of Portugal’) are bound to elicit a few gasps of wonder. Braga is also home to Portugal’s oldest Cathedral, build during the 12th Century when the country was still occupied by the Moors.
Peneda-Gerês National Park
Portugal’s National Park is stunningly beautiful and the ideal spot if you want to stop for a spot of camping: although be sure to pitch your tent in one of the six designated camping areas, as the land is protected. There are lots of nice hiking trails through the mountains if you want to stretch your legs. Keep an eye out for the waterfalls.
Barcelos
The Roman settlement of Barcelos is a great place to end your Northern Portugal road trip before heading back into Oporto to catch your flight home. As well as interesting architecture and lovely restaurants, Barcelos is famous as the home of Portugal’s symbol: the Galo de Barcelos: which you may recognise from Nandos restaurants across the world.
Legend has it that an innocent man was about to be lynched for stealing in Barcelos. Before he was assaulted, he pointed at a roasted cockerel on the judges table and said “if I’m innocent that cockerel will crow three times!” the roasted chicken then leapt up and crowed, and the man was set free.
