Guide to Porto and north Portugal

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Author

Dreaming of a Porto city break, a North Portugal holiday, or a Douro Valley wine tour? You’re in the right place. MadAboutPorto.com is your go-to travel guide for Porto and Northern Portugal, making your trip smoother, more affordable, and far more enjoyable.


Whether you’re after history, beaches, food, wine, or adventure, Mad About Porto can help. Think of it as your online travel buddy, just without the snoring.

Why visit Porto and North Portugal?

This corner of Portugal has everything you could want in a holiday:


  • Historic Porto: wander through the UNESCO-listed Ribeira, climb the ClĂ©rigos Tower, get lost in the book-lover’s paradise of Livraria Lello, and sip port wine in Gaia.
  • The Douro valley: a wine lover’s dream with terraced vineyards, river cruises, and dramatic landscapes.
  • Beaches and surf: from Foz do Douro to Matosinhos and beyond, there’s golden sand for sunbathers and waves for surfers.
  • Culture and history: medieval GuimarĂŁes (the birthplace of Portugal), Braga with its baroque churches, and countless tile-covered chapels.
  • Outdoor adventure: hike coastal trails, explore Peneda-GerĂȘs National Park, or walk a section of the Portuguese Camino de Santiago.


Simply put: Porto and the North pack more variety into one region than almost anywhere else in Europe.

How Mad About Porto makes your trip better

So why use Mad About Porto instead of winging it? Here’s what they offer:


  • Hotel booking and reviews: from boutique hotels in Porto’s old town to vineyard stays in the Douro, they help you find the perfect base.
  • Restaurant reviews: honest recommendations for everything from Michelin stars to budget-friendly taverns. Yes, they know where to get the best francesinha.
  • Travel guides: hand-crafted itineraries, insider tips, and advice on how to see the best of Porto and the North without wasting time.
  • Flight booking: find flights to Porto Airport (OPO) with tips on transfers, public transport, and car hire.
  • Tours and excursions: wine tours, walking tours, food tastings, river cruises, and day trips to Braga, GuimarĂŁes, or Viana do Castelo. Whatever you’re looking for, they have it.
  • Attraction tickets: buy online, skip the queues, save money with combo passes.


Basically, they take the stress out of planning and put the fun back in.

Something for everyone in Porto and north Portugal

The culture lover

If you love history and heritage, Porto won’t disappoint. You’ll find churches covered in gold leaf, art galleries, and centuries-old wine lodges. Mad About Porto's guides point out must-see museums, unique local traditions, and the best tours to help you explore Portuguese culture.

The beach bum

Golden sand, Atlantic breezes, and seafood so fresh it practically swims onto your plate. From Matosinhos to Vila do Conde, Mad About Porto will show you where to lay your towel, grab a cocktail, or ride the waves.

The family explorer

Traveling with kids? Porto has family-friendly hotels, easy activities, and dining spots that welcome little travelers. From boat trips on the Douro to interactive museums, your family won’t hear the dreaded “I’m bored.”

The city breaker

Flying in for a weekend? Mad About Porto maps out a two or three-day Porto itinerary so you hit the highlights: Ribeira, the Dom LuĂ­s I Bridge, port wine cellars, and maybe a quick Douro Valley excursion. Short on time, big on experiences.

The city breaker

North Portugal is a hiker’s paradise, with coastal trails, mountain paths, and Peneda-GerĂȘs, one of Europe’s most underrated national parks. Mad About Porto will show you the best routes and connect you with local guides if you want extra support.

The surfer

Matosinhos is perfect for beginners, while spots like Esposende challenge the pros. Mad About Porto will point you to surf schools, board rentals, and the best beach bars for your post-wave reward.

The pilgrim

The Portuguese Camino to Santiago de Compostela runs right through this region. Whether you’re walking a day or the whole way, Mad About Porto will help with routes, pilgrim hostels, and the must-see chapels and monasteries along your path.

Why Mad About Porto is the smart choice

  • Save time: skip queues, follow ready-made itineraries, and avoid trial-and-error searching.
  • Save money: find the best deals on hotels, tickets, and tours. Plus, avoid overpaying in tourist traps.
  • Travel smarter: with local insights, you’ll discover hidden gems most visitors miss.
  • Travel hassle-free: flights, transfers, guides, tickets.


In other words, you focus on enjoying Porto and North Portugal, and Mad About Porto handles the boring stuff!

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