Viana do Castelo – Experience the Ocean Through Tradition

Where is it and why should you visit it?

In the heart of the Alto Minho region and only a few minutes from Spain, there lies a paradise for nature and culture lovers. Hidden just an hour’s ride from Porto, Viana do Castelo holds many surprises for its visitors with its medieval appearance and streets echoing traditions. Throughout the city, there are many pilgrims heading to Santiago de Compostela on the famous Camino Portugués de la Costa. For other travelers, this coastal town presents a perfect setting for a relaxing vacation filled with culture and gastronomy, outdoor activities, and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. With its extensive diversity and offer of heritage, the city will surely captivate you with its authenticity and peacefulness.

Santuário de Santa Luzia

Santuário de Santa Luzia is, without a doubt, the place you should not miss when visiting Viana. With its panoramic views of the city and ocean, the Sanctuary is visible from almost every part of the town. It is accessible by foot and car or the Santa Luzia Funicular. If you’re climbing the Santa Luzia mountain, there are many trails leading through the eucalyptus forest where, if you are lucky enough, you can also encounter some wild horses.

City of sports and nature

With its extensive natural heritage, Viana do Castelo offers a perfect setting for practicing all kinds of sports. The city lives with a deep connection to the river and the sea and is actually a candidate for the European City of Sport 2023. There are countless possibilities for spending active time outdoors trying out different water sports. You can try canoeing, kayaking, rowing, and paddleboarding on the Lima river, or surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing on one of the white sandy beaches. One of the most recognized beaches, especially for surfers, is Praia do Cabedelo, which lies across the river from the town center. There you can find many surf schools, where you can rent the equipment or book a lesson. You can also just walk there from the city center and enjoy the path along the river all the way to the ocean.

Among other things, Viana do Castelo is also considered a great cycling destination, where riders can explore cycling paths by the coast and the river. Renting a bike can be one of the best ways to experience everything the city has to offer. Within a short distance, you can leave behind the hustle of the city and embrace the calmness of the coast and its pine woods. It is a perfect way to discover the countryside and reach the spots with the most breath-taking views.

Gastronomic and cultural offer

The city not only lies in an environment of extraordinary beauty, but it also offers unique gastronomic moments for visitors to enjoy. You can treat yourself to some traditional dishes in a typical ''taberna'' or ''tasquinha'' and enjoy a glass or two of famous Vinho Verde. Among some traditional dishes, including the codfish and Caldo Verde, you shouldn't miss trying freshly baked Bola de Berlim from the Natário bakery.

With all its historic landmarks, arts and crafts, festivities, other cultural offers, and experiences linked to the sea, the city is also running for the European Capital of Culture 2027. Therefore, a great way of getting to know Viana is just walking through the streets and alleys of the historical center, where you can admire architecture with typical armored facades and tile panels. While wandering around the streets of the city center, you can learn about the history and culture in one of the museums. There you will also stumble upon many restaurants, local shops, and workshops, locals selling food on the market… And if you really want to experience the flow of the slow-paced Portuguese lifestyle, I warmly recommend a coffee break in one of the many cafés.

A base to explore the North Portugal and Atlantic coast

Even though the city itself is worth spending more time in, Viana also presents a perfect base to explore the rest of Northern Portugal and the Atlantic coast. Less than an hour’s drive away, you can reach the only national park of Portugal, The Peneda-Gerês National Park, which will captivate you with its mountain peaks, waterfalls, and charming villages.

Viana do Castelo district also has other charming municipalities. For an even more authentic experience in an environment shaped by the river and mountains, head to one of the oldest towns in Portugal, Ponte de Lima. Enjoy the gastronomy and get to know the customs of the local population in the riverside towns of Arcos de Valdevez and Vila Nova de Cerveira. Hop on a train and visit nearby coastal towns like Esposende, Vila Praia de Âncora, Caminha, and the border town Valença. Make sure to solely embrace the peacefulness of watching the sunset from one of the ''miradouros'' (viewpoints) while traveling to places of indescribable beauty.

After six months of living in Viana do Castelo, the town still makes a positive impression on me every day. Its warming locals on the Friday food market, watching the sunset from Santa Luzia and surfing on the Cabedelo beach all contribute to my feeling at home in the north of Portugal. If you want to fully experience the natural, cultural and gastronomic heritage of the Alto Minho region, book your stay in our HI hostel, where you also get a 10% discount as a HI member.