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Amazing historic villages to discover in the north of the country
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Portugal is a country with beautiful landscapes and amazing tourist destinations. Even if the most popular destinations are in the south region of the country, there is also a lot to discover in the north. In the northern region of Portugal there are some wonderful villages to visit. Located in perfect harmony with the environment, the historic villages in the north of Portugal are the perfect destination for you to connect with nature and escape the stress of everyday life in the city. The famous schist and granite villages are known for their unique identity, assured by all their traditions and large cultural heritage. Whether it is in the mountains or in the Douro region, all the villages promise breathtaking landscapes and unique cultural experiences. Find out about the 12 historic villages and you won't regret visiting on your next vacation. Rent a car in Portugal with Guerin and get ready to enjoy the tranquility of nature.
Explore the 12 historic villages of northern Portugal with Guerin
1. Connect with nature in Estorãos
The the village of Estorãos is located in the Minho region, in Ponte de Lima.Here you can enjoy the beautiful landscape with a Roman bridge that crosses the Estorãos river, the perfect place to get freshened up on the hottest days.
2. Vilarinho de Negrões: A unique village
In the municipality of Montalegre there is a village that stands out for the rarity of its location. The village of Vilarinho de Negrões is located on a small peninsula formed by the lagoon of the Alto Rabagão dam, which gives it a unique natural landscape. Besides this beautiful landscape over the waters of Alto Rabagão, you can also enjoy the beauty of the traditional granite houses.
3. São Xisto: In the heart of Douro
In the region of Douro Vinhateiro, in São João da Pesqueira, as its own name suggests, there is a Schist Village. In one of the most beautiful historic villages in the north of Portugal, you can enjoy a privileged view over the Douro River and the typical terraces of vineyards in the riverside.
In this beautiful village, recognized as UNESCO world heritage, there is a lot to discover: the São Xisto chapel, the Mirante Anjo Arrependido, a centenary fountain and the traditional schist houses. Since São Xisto is located on the riverside, you can also visit the wine and olive presses.
4. Lots of gastronomy to discover in Gimonde
Known for its famous medieval bridge, Gimonde is located in the Natural Park of Montesinho, in Bragança. This historic village in the north of Portugal is very famous for its gastronomy, so when you visit Gimonde you should try some of the traditional dishes from the region of Trás-Os-Montes.
5. Soajo: In the heart of Gerês
In the Minho region you should visit Soajo village, in the famous area of Gerês. Find the beautiful granite houses that have recently been restored by the inhabitants, the several stone granaries and the Largo de Eiró.
6. Quintandona: A quiet place near the city
Very close to the city of Porto, in Penafiel, there is the village of Quintandona, a small schist village that has more and more inhabitants. We recommend that you visit this village during the local celebration called Festa do Caldo da Quintandona. This way, you have the opportunity to participate in several cultural and gastronomic activities and you can try this famous dish.
7. Rio de Onor: Half Portuguese, Half Spanish
Very close to the Spanish border, there is the village of Rio de Onor, located in the Natural Park of Montesinho. Rio de Onor has a such a strong connection to Spain, that the inhabitants speak their own specific language, that is a result of their isolation and contact with the Spanish people. This is a village full of history, where the practice of community habits is still very common.
8. Lindoso: Espigueiros Village
This historic village in the north of Portugal, located in Gerês, is known for its natural landscape with more than 60 granaries used for storing corn. Discover the Lindoso reservoir, visit the castle, the bridge and the medieval cobbled streets, the Parada watermills and the Cidadelhe fort.
9. Get to know the village of Sistelo, the "Portuguese Tibet”
After remaining unknown for many years, as soon as it was called the "Portuguese Tibet”, the village of Sistelo became a very famous place. The winner of "The 7 Wonders of Portugal” in the category of "Rural Village”, stands out for its terraces of vineyard, which were shaped by the human action.
10. A walk in the Passadiços de Pitões das Júnias
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12. Montesinho: A small refuge in the Trás-Os-Montes region
Visit the historic villages in the North of Portugal with Guerin
10. A walk in the Passadiços de Pitões das Júnias
One of the most famous villages in the region of Trás-Os-Montes, located in the National Park of Peneda Gerês. This historic village in the North of Portugal is well known for its gastronomy, but there is much more to discover. In this village you should visit the ruins of the Pitões de Júnias Monastery and you should also take some time to take a walk along the walkway until you get to the viewpoint, where you will find a beautiful waterfall.
11. Ucanha: An important crossing point
On the banks of the Varosa River, in the municipality of Tarouca, you will find a village that is known as the older one in the Douro Vinhateiro region.
During the medieval period, the village of Ucanha was an important crossing point, and today it is famous for its medieval bridge that was used as a toll to enter the "couto de Santa Maria de Salzedas”.
12. Montesinho: A small refuge in the Trás-Os-Montes region
In the Natural Park of Montesinho there is a small village which has a lot to visit. You should visit the village of Montesinho and discover the typical houses, the church and the museum. Take a walk in Montesinho walking trail and discover the regions of França and Portelo.
Visit the historic villages in the North of Portugal with Guerin
A trip to these villages might be the perfect plan for a getaway with the family and away from the city. Get to know the wonderful landscapes, the delicious gastronomy and everything else that the historic villages in the North of Portugal have to offer in our company. Rent a car with Guerin and drive to the north of the country to discover all the history and tradition of these villages. Guerin is with you at every moment of your trip! With the road assistance service, if anything doesn’t go as planned, you can contact us and we will provide you with the support you need.
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