Guimarães
Known as the birthplace of Portugal — 'Aqui nasceu Portugal' is carved into its walls — Guimarães wears its history with grace. The 10th-century castle, the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança and a beautifully preserved medieval centre earned it UNESCO World Heritage status.
It was European Capital of Culture in 2012, and a cable car climbs to the Penha sanctuary above town for sweeping views.
Don’t miss
- Guimarães Castle & Palace of the Dukes
- UNESCO medieval old town
- European Capital of Culture 2012
- Cable car up Penha mountain
More to see nearby
Peneda-Gerês
Portugal's only national park and a UNESCO Biosphere — waterfalls, lagoons and wild granite mountains.
Discover more →
Amarante
A romantic riverside town — the Convento de São Gonçalo and the Amadeo de Sousa-Cardoso museum.
Discover more →
Vila Real
Gateway to the Douro, home to the baroque Mateus Palace and its famous formal gardens.
Discover more →Rest at the farm, roam the region
Stay where the countryside still keeps its own time — and let us help you plan the days around it.