The Costa Verde is the coastal section of the region known as the Minho which stretches from just north of Porto to the Spanish border running along the river Minho. Concidered by many to be the most beautiful part of Portugal the Minho is a region of rolling countryside, verdant river valleys, expansive woodland, vines and long sandy beaches.

Easy on the eye, particularly in the east which is more mountainous and somewhat lost in time. Rural fetes, known locally as festas and romarias are still much in evidence and well worth visiting as are the country markets the largest of which is held in Barcelos.

There are a number of prominent historical centres with Guimaraes. A UNESCO world heritage site having the prize claim of first capital of Portugal followed closely by Braga, the countries ecclesiastic centre.

The Costa Verde coastline is impressive with beautiful sandy beaches running right up to the border with Spain. The weather can be somewhat unpredictable even in the height of summer and in many ways this more temperate climate is part of the attraction. The main coastal resort is Viano do Castelo which has a delightful historical centre and bustles with life. The beaches to the north and south are generally pleasantly uncrowded.

Along the river Minho is a beautiful area with numerous fortresses in various states of preservation and the lively old town of Valenca do Minho. Further south the river Lima meanders along a beautiful valley stretching back to the mountains where Portugal’s only National Park, the Parc Nacional da Penada-Geres, offers waterfalls, river gorges, reservoirs and forests. Here you can find excellent walking.