Considering northern Portugal makes Port Wine, you’d think this is all there is to see out there. However, Portugal has some great archaeological sites in the Northern part of the country for you to enjoy. If you are looking for a short weekend break, why not pick up a car hire in Portugal and explore the history of this region?

Guimaraes is sometimes known as the birthplace of Portugal as Count Vimara Peres established the 1st County of Portugal and nearby you will find Citania de Briteiros, a beautifully preserved Celtic fortified settlement dating back to the Iron Age. From there you can admire a great view of the River Ave. You can then drive to Amarante and enjoy the views of the River Tamega. In this town you can have some rather unusual shaped pastries, this custom is said to have originated with the Celts to encourage procreation!

Once you reach the Douro Valley, you can admire the way Port Wine is made. You can wander through amazing vine yards such as the Pinhao and Sao Joao da Pesqueira which is considered to be the centre of Port wine and take tasting tours if you are staying in a hotel nearby the vine yards. If you carry on from Douro Valley and drive near the border of Spain, you will find Vale do Coa Archaeological Park, the world’s largest collection of Palaeolithic rock paintings and engravings. This outdoor World Heritage Site is a true art gallery from the old ages. It just puts the icing on the cake before you go home after a wonderful weekend.

If you do choose to explore Northern Portugal, pick up a car hire in Porto so you can drive through the valleys and stop to admire the exquisite views and life out here in Portugal.

I personally haven’t been to Porto, I have only been to Lisbon, but seeing what there is to offer out there, I am considering going on the fly-drive holiday. Have you been to Porto? What were the highlights of your holiday?

Bookmark to