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Minho for two nights?

Posted by (WA State) on

Finalizing three week plan for Portugal in September roughly divided between Lisbon/Central and Porto/Douro. Would like to explore Minho region for a couple days before Porto (with interest in traditional textiles, artisans, etc.) and considering two nights.

We will have a car for this portion. Would like feedback:
1. Is 2 nights ( ~ 2.5 days) sufficient for exploring Minho before dropping car for 3 nights in Porto?
2. Where to base? Viana do Castelo, Braga, Guimaraes, Ponte de Lima?
3. Accommodation recommendations? Would like a relaxing environment before heading to bustling Porto for a couple days.

Thanks in advance.

Posted by
11609 posts

We spent three nights in Guimares and explored the Minho from that base before going to Porto. It was our favorite area of Portugal, less touristed. Any of the towns you list would be fine as bases. Viana do Costelo overlooking the ocean.
After Porto we took a taxi into Galicia, Spain , picked up a Spanish rental car and continued our journey. Galicia and the Rias Baixas pair well with the Minho.

Posted by
39 posts

Thanks for the replies. We may extend to three nights in Minho based on these responses. I appreciate the blog recommendation,.

Do you recall where you stayed in Ponte de Lima? Would you recommend?

Posted by
127 posts

We are considering the same trip - 18 days from Lisbon to Minho area. Do you mind sharing your itinerary?

Posted by
39 posts

Sure, Natique2 --
Here's the itinerary, flying in and out of Lisbon.

Arrive Lisbon
Lisbon - 5 nights
Evora - 2 nights
Coimbra - 1 night
Duoro Valley - 3 nights
Porto - 4 nights
Viana do Castelo - 3 nights
Sintra - 2 nights
Depart Lisbon

Posted by
11609 posts

We stayed in the Pousada in Guimares.We always look for Pousadas first just like we look for Paradors in Spain.

Posted by
8331 posts

We did a 7 day river cruise up the Douro River and it was fantastic. Definitely, consider going up the river. I know the train goes up the river.

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