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Minho for two nights?

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
11056 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
1043 posts

We spent 3 nights in Ponte de Lima, using it as a base. There's not a lot to see in the town itself, but it's a very charming town along the river. All the ones you listed are nice, but I have the best memories associated with Ponte de Lima. We spent the day, driving around seeing sites, and would come back to relax.

We stayed by the river (which I would recommend), and would walk along it during the evenings, looking up at the stars. The Roman bridge is lit up at night. Some of the best food I ate was in this town.

The Minho is also my favorite area of Portugal. I also really like Porto, even more than Lisbon.

Edit to add: JulieDawnFox blog has information on the Minho area, in case you'd like more information on this region.

Posted by
36 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
1043 posts

We stayed at the Hotel Império do Norte. We got a room with a balcony looking towards the river. The rooms are on the small side and basic, but I liked the location and the staff who worked there. I'd recommend it to others who are looking for a nice, budget friendly place to stay.

Posted by
117 posts

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

Posted by
36 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
11056 posts

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

Posted by
7595 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.