Portugal Regions: Minho
The region of Minho, in the far north west of Portugal, takes its name from the River Minho that forms the northern border with Spain. Minho lies west of Trás-os-Montes and is an area of outstanding natural beauty with mountains, river valleys and a dramatic Atlantic coastline (Costa Verde).
Main Towns
The main towns in the Minho are Braga, the ecclesiastical center of Portugal, Guimarães, Portugal's first capital and a wonderfully-preserved medieval city and the Atlantic resort of Viana do Castelo. Barcelos is known for the huge Feira de Barcelos, an open air agricultural produce and crafts market held every Thursday and the colorful, ceramic Barcelos cock. Valença do Minho on the Spanish border is known for its huge city walls built in the 17th century to protect from invasion from the north.
The Peneda-Gerês National Park is a protected area and Portugal's only National Park and covers parts of both the Minho and Trás-os-Montes.
This is one of the wettest areas in Portugal and in summer is cooler here than in the Algarve to the south.
Getting to The Minho
Air Travel in Portugal
The nearest airport to the Minho region in Portugal is in Porto only an hour by train from Braga.
Train Travel in Portugal
11-14 trains daily make the 1 hour run between Braga and Porto sometimes changing at Nine; 8-11 trains daily on the 5-hour 30 min run from Lisbon to Braga. The IC train to Lisbon takes 4 hours.
Car Travel in Portugal
Around an hour by car from Porto on the A3/IP1 Auto-Estrada.
Bus Travel in Portugal
In Braga the bus station is 500 meters north of Praça da República on Av. General Norton de Matos.
Fairly frequent buses a day make the 2 hours 40 minute journey between Braga and Coimbra.
Buses to Porto are every 30 minutes and take 60-70 minutes. There are 8-11 buses daily to Lisbon (approx. 4 hours 30 mins.) There are also bus connections to Viana do Castelo (90 minutes), Guimaraes (50 minutes), Viseu (3 hours) and Barcelos (1 hour). If coming from Chaves and Bragança in Trás-os-Montes, change in Guimaraes.
Portugal Hotel & Hostel Accommodation
Featured Hotel
Basic Braga Hotel, Braga, 3 Star hotel, close to Braga Station, satellite TV, ensuite bath.
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Eating
The Minho produces some of Portugal's best wine and is home to Vinho Verde, a young wine with a fresh, light taste that goes well with Portuguese food. Caldo verde, a soup made with potatoes, greens and sausage is a local delicacy.
Weather
The average high June temperatures for Portugal is between 22 degrees Centigrade and 26 degrees Centigrade.
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