Viana do Castelo

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Known as the Princess of Lima, Viana do Castelo embraces the river, the sea and the lush mountains, in an environment of tranquility and great scenic beauty. A walk through the historic center will introduce you to the main monuments of Viana do Castelo and is a good starting point for exploring the rest of the city. The riverside area, the Viana pier and the beaches invite you to take a leisurely walk. Don't forget to climb Monte de Santa Luzia, the city's landmark, and enjoy the views. Capital of Portuguese folklore, it proudly displays the richest regional costumes in the country, as well as Minho embroidery, Viana tableware and filigree jewelry.

What to do in Viana do Castelo

Ponte Eiffel

Viana do Castelo

Bridge over the Lima River, which connects the parish of Santa Maria Maior, in Viana do Castelo, to Darque. It was inaugurated in 1878and designed by the architect Gustave Eiffel.

Igreja Matriz de Viana do Castelo / Sé de Viana do Castelo

Viana do Castelo

Transition Romanesque church, with a Latin cross plan, consisting of three tiered naves, with side chapels. The portal, with multiple archivolts, features sculptures of the apostles. Flanking the ensemble are two voluminous towers crowned by chamfered battlements.

Basílica de Santa Luzia

Viana do Castelo

Basilica located on Monte de Santa Luzia, built in the 19th century, with a project by Ventura Terra, of Romanesque-Byzantine inspiration, according to the preference for classical models, typical of the time. Some authors identify the architectural language used in this building with the Sacré-Coeur, in Paris.

Marginal do Rio Lima

Viana do Castelo

Very pleasant space where you can go for a walk, enjoying the fabulous view over the Lima River, the marina and the city. If you prefer, you can practice sports, namely some extreme modalities. There is also the possibility of jet-skiing, sailing, rowing, canoeing or boating from the marina.

Monte de Santa Luzia

Viana do Castelo

Pleasant place where you can walk in the gardens of dense vegetation, as well as enjoy the views from the viewpoint. From this point, you can see not only the entire city, but also the river and the sea, in a single frame. Be sure to visit the Basilica of Santa Luzia.

Marina de Viana do Castelo

Viana do Castelo

Marina consisting of two docks, a restaurant, a bar and a sailing school. It is located in the center of Viana and has a large storage capacity for sailboats and small boats.

Forte ou Castelo de Santiago da Barra

Viana do Castelo

It is believed that this place has been inhabited since prehistoric times, as indicated by numerous findings. The first fortification would date from the reign of Dom Afonso III, although the most likely date is from the 15th century. During …

Elevador de Santa Luzia

Viana do Castelo

It takes between six to seven minutes to climb a 160-meter gap. At 650 meters, it is the longest funicular route in the country.

Praia da Ínsua

Viana do Castelo

Beach included in the Natura 2000 network, being an excellent beach for extreme sports. It has a First Aid station and a small support bar.

Praia de Castelo de Neiva

Viana do Castelo

Beach inserted in a fishing environment that serves as a haven. There are some restaurants, a bar and toilet facilities. It has good conditions for surfing and bodyboarding.

Praia de Paçô

Viana do Castelo

Blue flag beach, an area of great beauty, where its magnificent cove and fort stand out. It is a harbor for small fishing vessels.

Museu do Traje de Viana do Castelo

Viana do Castelo

Museum dedicated to the preservation of ethnographic traditions, around 900 pieces, with emphasis on the Minho costume. Here you can see a permanent exhibition about Wool and Linen in Alto Minho Costume. It also works as a space for temporary …

Praia do Cabedelo

Viana do Castelo

A highly regarded beach, with an extensive stretch of fine sand, surrounded by a sea of dunes. It has some quality restaurants and some bars. Here you can practice surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing and bodyboarding.

Navio-Hospital Gil Eanes

Viana do Castelo

Former hospital ship, built in the Shipyards of Viana do Castelo in 1955. It currently belongs to the Gil Eanes Foundation, and has been open to the public since 1998. Here you can visit the bridge, the kitchen, the engine …

Gravuras Rupestres de Montedor

Viana do Castelo

Bronze Age engravings carved into the lateral surface of two granite boulders, placed side by side. The images represent serpentine motifs, horseshoes and zoomorphic figures.

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Where to eat in Viana do Castelo

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Where to sleep in Viana do Castelo

Quinta da Bouça d'Arques
Quinta da Bouça d'Arques

Quinta da Bouça d'arques, in Viana do Castelo, is owned by Abreu Teixeira family for three centuries. It is inserted into a large farm, the vineyards and the l…

Fábrica do Chocolate Hotel
Fábrica do Chocolate Hotel

4 star

Fábrica do Chocolate, in Viana do Castelo, is a surprising four-star hotel that takes its thematic concept very seriously: from the decor to the dishes in its …

Hotel Flôr de Sal
Hotel Flôr de Sal

4 star

Modern and refined Hotel, located right on the seafront, with access to a private beach. It offers comfortable and well-equipped rooms, some overlooking the se…

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