Minho
Minho is a province of Northern Portugal. On the northernmost Atlantic tip of the country, Minho borders the Spanish region of Galicia, sharing with it many affinities in geography, tradition, people and language. There are however two Minhos, the Alto Minho and the Baixo Minho, being the first one characterised by the folk dance and vivid green.
Cities
- 1 Braga - is the main city and the country's religious capital city, one of the most important cities in Portugal, sprawling along the Cávado valley
- 2 Caminha
- 3 Guimarães - the founding place of the nation, an historic city
- 4 Ponte de Lima - near Viana do Castelo
- 5 Viana do Castelo - city on the estuary of Lima river
- 6 Vila Nova de Famalicão
Other destinations
Understand
Although 20% of the Portuguese territory is under some type of ecological protection reserve, Minho features the country's only national park - Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês - covering some 72,000 ha.
Talk
Portuguese, Galician, English.
Get in
The major cities are reachable by train or bus and also served by modern highways. From there it is possible to explore the smaller towns using the local transportation system (bus) or by renting a car.
Get around
Train (linha do Minho: Porto-Valença); Ramal de Braga.
See
The annual fair at Viana do Castelo, in the third week of August - Nossa Senhora da Agonia - renowned for the impressive display of folk art and traditional clothes.
Itineraries
Braga/Guimaraes Braga/Barcelos/Esposende/Viana do Castelo/Caminha Braga/Terras de Bouro/Parque nacional da Peneda-Gerez.
Do
- Braga: cathedral, sanctuaries of Bom Jesus and Sameiro.
Eat
Renowned for its uniqueness, green wine(vinho verde) is only produced in the Minho region, supporting fully the region's gastronomical treasures, some of the most representative of the country.
Drink
- Vinho verde
Stay safe
Because Minho is not a destination for mass tourism, the chances of you being robbed are low. But of course, one should always pay attention.
Go next
Porto, Amarante, V.Real, Douro, Lamego, Chaves.