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Good base for a three day stay do explore North Portugal/Douro Valley

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Hey, I am planning an 11 day trip to the region in late Sept early October. I have been to Portugal once before and did Lisbon - Evera -The Algarve. This trip I was planning on 2 nights in Porto, then picking up a rental car and driving up the coast and seeing at least the south western part of the Galician coast. Then tack back inland and tool around Braga/Guimaraes or the Douro Valley. I was wondering if anyone had suggestions on good town for a 3 night stay, to use as home base.

Just two of us, are active, like a drink or two at the end of the night, and enjoy a good meal. Not a camper but don't mind getting off the beaten path a bit.

Thanks

Posted by
5588 posts

Sounds like a great time! Not sure how much help I'll be! We enjoyed Braga/Guimaraes quite a bit. We were there 3 nights. We also stayed 2 nights on the Douro at Quinta do Tedo about halfway between Pinhao and Pesa da Regua. The quinta had a wonderful restaurant and is also a working winery. The setting is gorgeous. I highly recommend both Quinta do Tedo and the lovely Douro river. I guess if I had to choose, I'd pick the Douro, but honestly, both areas were fantastic.

Posted by
6554 posts

Since you will have a car, want to go into Spain, and want day trips, consider Baiona. It’s less than two hours from Porto and 1.25 hours from Santiago de Compostela. We stayed at the Parador in Baiona. It’s inside the old castle walls and walking to the town center is easy.

Between Tui and Baiona, just outside of A Guarda are the Celtic ruins at Castro de Santa Trega. There was a nominal charge for parking (I believe cash only), but the views from the top of the hill are outstanding. Both Muxia and Fisterra and about 2.25 hours from Baiona. Driving that route you’ll pass plenty of pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago.

Posted by
11159 posts

We spent three or four nights in Guimares and loved this small, historic city. We stayed in the pousada. The Minho region is our favorite area of Portugal.
We also stayed in Baiona, Galicia, Spain mentioned by another poster. From Baiona we continued our trip through Spain, ending in Barcelona. Lisbon to Barcelona was a terrific six week trip!

Posted by
4 posts

Thanks for the advice. I am planning on making Baiona my first stop for two nights and taking in Santiago de Compostela. I have five days allotted for the Galician part of my trip and was considering an a stay and around A Coruna and then maybe two nights in Oviedo. I would welcome any suggestions on the Galician leg of my trip as well.

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