Viana do Castelo:
A Natural Treasure in Northern Portugal
Those who love come, those who like stay.
Discover the best of Tourism in Viana do Castelo, a city full of history, iconic monuments, stunning beaches and a unique gastronomy that enchants visitors.
Strategically located in the heart of a triangle formed by the cities of Vigo, Porto and Braga, Viana do Castelo stands out as a jewel of northern Portugal. Just 65 kilometers from these major cities, this municipality is embraced by green mountains that welcome the first rays of sunshine and by the vibrant blue of the Atlantic Ocean, complemented by the serenity of the Lima River.
Viana do Castelo enchants with breathtaking landscapes, where natural contrasts come together harmoniously. From the beaches of fine golden sand to the iconic Monte de Santa Luzia, which dominates the horizon, everything here exudes beauty and tranquillity. The banks of the Lima River, with its serene river beaches, add a unique touch to this idyllic setting.
This balance between majestic nature and careful man-made preservation makes Viana do Castelo one of Portugal's most stunning and authentic destinations. If you're looking for a place where the sea, the river and the mountains come together in perfect harmony, Viana do Castelo is the ideal destination.
The images used on this page were taken from the official website of the Viana do Castelo City Council and are used to promote the region
Discover the wealth of Viana do Castelo:
Culture, Nature and Memorable Experiences
Getting lost in the streets of Viana means discovering the wealth of Manueline, Baroque and contemporary architecture that brings the city to life.
A proximidade com a natureza é outro ponto forte de Viana do Castelo. Desde as praias de areia dourada, ideais para desportos aquáticos como o surf e o kitesurf, até às trilhas verdejantes da Serra d’Arga, há sempre algo para explorar. Não perca a oportunidade de passear junto ao rio Lima, um convite à tranquilidade e ao relaxamento.
In addition, Viana do Castelo is famous for its traditions, such as the Nossa Senhora da Agonia festivities, and for its excellent gastronomy, where fresh fish and typical Minho dishes feature prominently.
Viana is in our heart!
Places to Visit
- Praça da República
- Museu do Traje
- Hospital Velho
- Casa dos Nichos
- Jardim Público e Estátua de Viana
- Janela da Casa dos Costa Barros
- Sé de Viana
- Capela das Malheiras
- Câmara Municipal
- Estação de Caminhos de Ferro
- Casa dos Melo Alvim
- Igreja da Caridade
- Teatro Municipal Sá de Miranda
- Ponte Eiffel
- Biblioteca Municipal
- Praça da Liberdade
- Centro Cultural
- Igreja de São Domingos
- Forte Santiago da Barra
- Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Agonia
- Elevador de Santa Luzia
- Santa Luzia
- Citânia de Santa Luzia
Activities & Leisure
Beach
- Praia da Ínsua
- Praia de Afife
- Praia da Arda
- Praia de Paçô
- Praia de Carreço
- Praia do Canto Marinho
- Praia Norte
- Praia do Coral (permite animais de estimação)
- Praia do Cabedelo
- Praia de Luzia Mar
- Praia do Rodanho
- Praia da Amorosa
- Praia de Castelo do Neiva
- Praia Fluvial (Barracão dos Touros)
Cycle and Ecovia
- Ciclovia da Cidade de Viana do Castelo
- Ecovia do Rio Lima – Percurso das Veigas (Viana do Castelo)
- Ecovia Litoral Norte
Food & Drink
- Bacalhau à Viana
- Bacalhau à Gil Eanes
- Rojões à moda do minho
- Arroz de Polvo malandrinho
- Pescada à vianense
- Arroz de Sarrabulho
- Vinho Verde
- Doces Tradicionais
Way of Santiago de Compostela
Portuguese Coastal Way
This route along the seafront, which starts in Porto and crosses the municipalities of Matosinhos, Maia, Vila do Conde, Póvoa de Varzim, Esposende, Viana do Castelo, Caminha, Vila Nova de Cerveira and Valença, gained importance in the Modern Age, especially from the 18th century onwards. It was widely used both by coastal communities and by those arriving via the seaports, becoming, at that time, one of the main access routes to Santiago de Compostela.
