| The natural beauty of Portugal's oldest region forms the backdrop for this proud and traditional land.
The Douro river is the longest in northern Portugal. It winds its sinuous way past mountains and cliffs until it reaches the Atlantic near the city of Porto.
Many dams have been built to make the river navigable, which for the visitor means that plenty of pleasure-boats depart from Porto.
Between Mesão Frio and Pinhão lies the stretch where the valley sides are lined with terraced vineyards that produce the famous Port wine. But this region is famous for other things besides the wine that is made nowhere else in the world. Signs of prehistoric men are seen in the ancient cave paintings in Vila Nova de Foz Côa.
Elsewhere, medieval castles and convents or Romanesque little churches dot the landscape.
A paradise of unspoiled natural resources, the region is a perfect place for mountain trekking, canoeing or simply resting.
Three towns that set the tone for this charming area of Portugal are Viana do Castelo, lying upon the estuary of the Lima river; Braga, rich in ecclesiastical history; and the medieval Guimarães. |
