My family will be in Viana do Castelo in August for sightseeing and to attend the Romaria da Senhora D'agonia festivities. Any suggestions on where and when to best observe the festival, best beaches and restaurants in Viana do Castelo? Also, any day trips by car into the Minho that are recommended?
Posted by
Washington DC
27104 posts
Way too long ago to remember details (30 years at least), I briefly visited Guimaraes and Barcelos. I remember (albeit vaguely) enjoying both. Barcelos has a market on Thursday. I just stumbled on this 2012 blog post about Guimaraes.
Posted by
Porto - Portugal
233 posts
Beaches: Moledo and Vila Praia de Ancora are very good beaches. Also the river beach at Caminha. Caminha itself is a nice village, as well as Vila Nova de Cerveira and Valença. To the south side, from Viana, you can visit Esposende. To esat you have Ponte de Lima, Braga and Guimarães. Braga needs a complete day, to visit both the city and the Sanctuary.
If you like pastrys, visit "Natário" and ask for "bolas de berlim". "Natário" is in the city center of Viana do Castelo, you can ask anyone where .
Posted by
OP
Toronto, Canada
25 posts
Thank you for this new information. Instead of going directly to Viana do Castelo from Porto by train, I won't have a car but II will attempt to stop at Guimaraes, Braga, Barcelos and then Viana do Castelo. All in a busy day with an early start - a couple of hours at each by trains and buses, schedules permitting. These beaches by the border look to be most impressive with the sand, view of Spain acoss the river and nearby restaurants. All with good train access from the south (1/2 hr). Obrigado!