Below we've picked some of the highlights of a visit to Vila Belo. This list is by no means extensive and if you'd like more information about the Minho region then please get in touch via the Booking Info link.

• Caminha
• Vila Nova da Cerveira
• Viana da Castelo
• Parque Nacional da Peneda-Geres
• Braga
• Porto
• Valença

The Minho Region

Life in the Minho is rooted in traditional Portuguese culture. It boasts two of the most historic cities in Portugal: Guimaraes and Braga. The Minho occupies land between the River Douro in the south and the River Minho in the north.

The farms and estates within this region have been handed down within families for centuries. Agriculture in the valleys includes production of the area's distinctive "vinhos verdes" or green wines. Although the Minho region is only three hours from Lisbon it has not attracted anywhere near as many tourists as does Portugal's southern centres.

A visit to this beautiful area will contrast greatly and your time will be filled by strong folk traditions such as carnivals throughout the year and street markets where one can pick up fantastic fabrics and crockery.

Click here to see a map of the area.

Caminha

Situated ten minutes by car from Vila Belo, towards Moledo, Caminha is a small port that occupies land beside the Minho and offers a short car ferry connection to A Guarda in Spain. One can simply sit in the cafes in Praca do Conselheiro Silva Torres, Caminha's main square and watch life in this idyllic northern town pass you by, or visit the nearby relics from the ancient fortress town.

Visitors can admire the 15th century Torre do Relogio clock tower, or the 17th century Pacos do Concelho with its attractive loggia supported by pillars. A short walk to the other side of the square past the Renaissance fountain, one can see the seven Manueline windows on the upper story of the 15th century Solar dos Pitas mansion. At the mouth of the Minho (5km southwest of town) local fisherman with prior consent will take visitors to see the ruined island fortress of Forte da Insua. There are some wonderful local restaurants and bars within this small town, that one would not expect to find and all serve a wide variety of local dishes.

Vila Nova da Cerveira

Located 5km northeast of Vila Belo, this small walled town, with its tranquil atmosphere it is definitely worth exploring.  A walk around the cobbled streets, lined with 17th to 18th century mansions, is an experience you'll never forget. From here visitors can also get the the car ferry across the Minho to Spain and the town of Goian. On weekends people come from northern towns and neighboring Spain to scour the bargain-filled Saturday market - a must see for those looking for traditional Portuguese and Spanish wares at traditional prices.

Viana da Castelo

From Porto to Vila Belo a nice stop en route is the scenic town of Viana do Castelo. A good opportunity to see the famous bull fighting on weekends and the shops set around the pretty Praca da Republica, main square. One can easily see all the sites on foot in Viana. The Praca da Republica dominates the square and is a short walk from the Alto Minho tourist office. Nearby to the north on the way to Vila Belo is the Vila Praia de Ancora, a popular, but unspoilt beach.

Parque Nacional da Peneda-Geres

To the north east of Vila Belo, a wonderful day trip is the nearby mountain ranges of the Parque Nacional da Peneda-Geres. This is one of Portugal's major, natural attractions. The park spreads from the Spanish border (Peneda range) in the north to the Geres Mountains in the south. There is a huge variety of fauna and birdlife for wildlife enthusiasts and traditional Vilages set within the park full of culture and traditional links to the past.

Braga

Braga, is located south of the Minho region and is rich in historic sites, such as the many 18th century houses and churches. Braga is the main city of the Minho region and therefore is home to some of the most well known religious festivals.  At the Praca da Republica (central square) visitors can see the 14th century Torre de Menagem, the original remains of the city. For those visitors who wish to soak up the leisurely atmosphere why not visit the relaxed pedestrianised street, Rua do Souto, where one can find a variety of elegant cafes and shops. Other highlights include the cathedral and the 17th century Baroque Santa Cruz.

Porto

Portugal's second city, after Lisbon, Porto is a beautiful city with an interesting past. It obviously has become famous over the years for its wine trade with Britain and still provide the town with a thriving industry today. Although an industrial city,  Porto blends culture with a richness mainly from its proud, yet generous people.

Porto has received renewed interest in recent times, especially in nearby European centres, as its population prepares to host Euro 2001. In Porto one has to visit the beautifully enchanting cathedrals and churches such as, Santa Clara. Nearby to Se, visitors can visit the Bolhao market which is notorious for its fresh fruit, vegetables and household goods. Other neighbouring markets in the cobbled streets offer fresh fish and flowers. Ribeira, the riverside quarter, is made up of traditionally cobbled narrow streets where one can find some very typical bars and nightclubs. Central and Baixa districts house the city's banks and outdoor cafes. Baixa especially attracts leather and jewellery shoppers. Boavista is famous for its main street lined with hotels and indoor shopping areas, but there are many bars cropping up along here, set within traditional, baroque housing.

Valença

Valença, an attractive border town is set in a domineering position on a hilltop over the River Minho. The old town is still confined within the fortress walls which is linked to the rest of the town by a causeway. Lining the cobbled alleys of the old town are shops full of pottery and handicrafts which tempt the thousands of spanish visitors across the bridge.
Nearby town of Tui, which is on the opposite riverbank in Spain is just a short drive. From Vila Belo one can get to these delightful towns for dinner or day trip within 30 minutes.