Find your new life
If you're looking to settle close to a big city in the Portugal but not in the center, the villages around Porto are really the perfect place to find a house! Authentic, charming, peaceful, sometimes porty, these villages offer a perfect combination of nature, history, and a high quality of life.
Here is an overview of the most beautiful villages around Porto.
Located about an hour north of Porto, Amarante is a charming village crossed by the Tâmega River and known for its pretty medieval bridge, colorful houses and the church of São Gonçalo. It's a place for foodies: the village is also famous for its traditional pastries. Surprise, during the June festivities, they are all cooked in the shape of genitals (but still delicious!).
Amarante is located next to the Marão mountain range, ideal for hiking.
About 40 minutes from Porto, Braga is one of the oldest Christian cities in Portugal! Today, the city is home to many monuments, gardens and churches, most of which date back to the seventeenth century. The Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, with its iconic Baroque staircase, is a must-see site. The city also offers a rich cultural life and many cafes and restaurants.
Often considered the birthplace of Portugal, Guimarães is a historic village where you can discover the medieval castle and the palace of the Dukes of Braganza. The cobbled alleys and lively squares of the center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offer a unique medieval atmosphere. Guimarães is a great place for history and culture lovers.
This village, located in the mountains, is perfect for nature lovers. The UNESCO-recognized Arouca Geopark offers spectacular hiking trails and impressive geological sites, such as the famous Paiva Footbridge.
Located in the Douro Valley, Pinhão is the heart of Portugal's wine region. Visitors can explore terraced vineyard landscapes, visit quintas (wine estates), and take cruises on the Douro River. The Pinhão train station is adorned with beautiful azulejos depicting wine culture.
An hour's drive from Porto, Castelo de Paiva is a charming village surrounded by lush landscapes. The village is known for its panoramic views of the Douro Valley and its numerous hiking trails.
North of Porto, this coastal village is renowned for its beautiful beaches and well-preserved historic center. The Santa Luzia Basilica offers a stunning view of the region. Viana do Castelo is also an excellent place to enjoy seafood dishes.
Known as the "Venice of Portugal", Aveiro is famous for its canals and its colorful boats called moliceiros. The houses with their azulejo facades and the lively city center make it a pleasant destination for a day trip.
The surroundings of Porto are filled with beautiful towns, each offering its own attractions and advantages. These destinations, with their unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and high quality of life, make the area around Porto an exceptional place to explore and enjoy. Whether you are a lover of history, nature, or gastronomy, there is always something to discover around Porto.
