Northwest Portugal. Where the charming tiled buildings of Porto meet the sandy beaches of the Atlantic. I knew very little about this country before visiting. I always wanted to see its bigger sibling to the north (Spain), but when we went to Porto I was completely taken aback by the incredible beauty. The charm and uniqueness of Porto’s hillsides and the mountainous terrain surrounding the city was enough for me to call it one of my favorites.
Here’s Northwest Portugal in 3 Days:
Day 1
Camarido Beach
Before exploring the city of Porto, drive north for a little over an hour to Camarido Beach. After parking on the side of the road near the trees, there’s a boardwalk that hugs the edge of the channel.
Follow that path to come upon a small beach next to a restaurant. Feel free to enjoy this area for the day but with a little exploring, there’s a place a little more hidden. Continue on the trail through the woods until you begin to see sand.
Welcome to Camarido Beach! This was my favorite beach because we literally had the entire thing to ourselves. Also, see that hill across the water? That’s Spain!
Drive to Caminha
After bathing in the sun and ocean for a bit, you’re bound to get pretty hungry. There’s only one option for food at Camarido Beach but if you’re there out of season like us, you’ll find no luck with it being open. When leaving Camarido Beach, take a left at the T and drive about 10 minutes northeast to Caminha.
Lunch in Caminha
Beautiful little Caminha, a town with the perfect amount of Portuguese charm. The iconic tiled buildings carry on to this quant little village. Stop in to one of the many restaurants for lunch, like the grotto-style cafe of Sandes & Baguetes.
Porto Hotel Check-In
There are many places to stay around the Caminha area from AirBnb’s to resorts but we booked a place in the city of Porto. With a stunning rooftop terrace, free parking and comfortable rooms, Hotel Premium Porto Downtown was a great option for accommodation.
Read More: A Complete Guide to Porto, Portugal
Dinner & Drinks
After spending a day in the sun, you’ll most likely want to eat somewhere close to the hotel. Douro Sentido is one option, a wonderful restaurant serving traditional Portuguese cuisines and pizza. If you’re looking for something a bit fancier/upscale, try the Portobello Rooftop Restaurant & Bar located at the top level of the hotel itself. Offering a wide range of fresh seafood and dinner plates, reservations are required for restaurant.
Day 2
Breakfast at the Hotel
Head up to the rooftop of the hotel again at Portobello for a buffet-style meal. I’m usually never impressed with European breakfasts but this one was to die for!
Explore the City of Porto
Today is city exploring day! If you’re driving a car in the city of Porto, expect many delays as the one-way streets are narrow and difficult to navigate through. I suggest doing the majority of exploring on foot or the Hop On Hop Off buses are also a good way to see the city!
Click Here for a full guide to Porto, Portugal
Worthy Things to See in Porto:
- Muralha Fernandina – A beautiful medieval castle built in 1336 overlooks the Douro River on the cliffs of Porto.
- Dom Luis Bridge – One of the most recognizable structures of Porto. The bridge crosses over the Douro River, connecting Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia.
- Porto Cathedral – Built in the early 1700s, the Cathedral is the staple landmark for local Porto residents.
- Crystal Palace Gardens – Looking over the Douro River on the edge of the cliff is this stunning romantic garden full of intricate fountains and unique landscaping.
- Miguel Bombarda Street – Porto’s art district hub is a fun place to walk around with its modern feel among the old Portuguese buildings.
- Museums – The FC Porto Museum, the Museu da Misericordia do Porto and the Casa do Infante are just a few worthy ones.
Take a Wine Tour
Porto is internationally-known as the land of Port wine so you definitely can’t leave without taking some sort of tour! Take a trip to the Douro Valley to experience where the Port is actually made. If you want to stay within the city, try out Secrets Wine Tasting or the cellar tour of Caves Ferreira.
Dinner
Walking up and downhill on all those steps from the base of the Douro River works up an appetite. Snag a seat outdoors at any of the restaurants in the area like Portugues de Gema, Casa da Mariquinhas, or Taberna da Fernandinha.
Day 3
Breakfast
Right around the corner to the south of Hotel Premium Porto Downtown is a quaint little bakery called Seara Sweet Pastry Bakery Café. Snag a fresh pastry and a cappuccino before heading out for the day.
Miramar Beach
About a 20 minute drive to the south of Porto is one of the best beaches I’ve been to. Miramar Beach is quite large, predominantly sandy with some rocks along the shoreline and also features something you don’t see on a beach very often…
The Chapel on the Sea
Senhor da Pedra, or Lord of the Rock, is a chapel that sits right on the edge of the Atlantic. Elevated by large stones that shield it from the crashing waves, this little hexagonal church has been around since 1686. Today it still attracts people today from all around the world, especially during its featured annual festival.
Lunch at Miramar Beach
There are a few options of places to grab a beer and a meal next to Miramar Beach. If you’re looking for a sandwich and drinks, try Sinfonia Amarela or Neca’s Bar. If you’re a little hungrier and want a full meal, check out Restaurante Cabana or Solar Do Sr Da Pedra.
Sunset Dinner Cruise on the Douro River
Make it back to Porto in time for a sunset dinner cruise. You may be able to find some options for this along the banks of the river below the Bridge, but your best bet is to buy tickets for it online beforehand. Douro À Vela is one good option, offering tours that range in duration. This will be the perfect finale to your trip to Northwest Portugal!
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These photos are so pretty! What wonderful travels!! Can’t wait to be able to travel more myself!
Ahh thank you so much! I just loved Portugal, it’s so so beautiful! Hoping you get to travel more from here on out!