Braga is one of the oldest (and largest), cities in Portugal, boasting as many churches per. square km. as Rome. Most famous of these is Born Jesus, set atop a wedding- cake tie rof steps representing the stations of the cross.(There is also an ancient water powered funicular for the less energetic). Braga, as the capital city of the region has a busy pedestrian area with good shopping.
Guimarães was the first capital of Portugal and is now a world heritage site. It possesses one of the best preserved castles in the country, the birthplace of Dom Afonso Henriques.the founder of the Portuguese nation. The old quarter of the town around the"Largo da Oliveira" is a network of cobbled streets and squares reflecting the town's medaieval past.
Viana do Castelo, at the mouth of the River Lima is a picturesque port town with fine old mansions in the towns'old centre, reflecting the prosperity of the 16th. century cod fishing industry. The blue and white pottery of Viana is world famous and one can visit the factory though prices are not that cheap! Further north from Viana there is the spectacular, wild and windy beach at Afife which is a mecca for surfers in the summer. The picturesque fishing port of Caminha, and the fortified town of Valença, on the border with Spain. The old world town of Ponte da Lima, on the banks of the River Lima where the romans panned for gold to pay their legions, has a bi-monthly market, on Mondays.The market is held on the sandy banks of the river. The beautiful countryside around Ponte da Lima is dotted with some of the oldest and finest country houses and palaces in Portugal.
Porto, on the banks of the River Douro is easily reached by car, or by train from Barcelos straight to the city centre where everything that is of interest is within walking distance, sometimes uphill! On the south bank of the river are the famous Port wine cellars that offer guided tours and tastings.There are boats to take you on a river trip, short or long depending on your time. Porto is another world heritage site.