Viana do Castello

Viana do Castelo, one of the most picturesque coastal villages in northern Portugal, is rising right next to the ocean at the mouth of the Lima River. In this Portuguese town, it is worthwhile to stroll along the beaches, admire the lovely estuary that encircles the river, and allow yourself be enchanted by the rococo architecture and quaint alleyways.

The Praça de Repblica, with its historical structures, the Sé or cathedral, and the Capela das Malheiras or Casa de las Estampas stand out in this small town in the Alto Minho region. The Gil Eannes, a museum that was once an operational hospital ship that served the Greenland and Newfoundland region, is one of Viana do Castelo's oddities.

Of course, you must visit the Castillo de Santiago de Barra and the Monte de Santa Luza with its stunning basilica before leaving Viana do Castelo. Due to its proximity to the Spanish border, there is a continuous flow of both visitors and locals across the border.

• Location: Norte