North Portugal Tourism Guide - North Portugal Recreation

Ponte de Lima, North Portugal

Ponte de Lima is a great base for exploring the lush Minho countryside around in which walking, canoeing and horse-riding are popular past-times. There are hiking trails running alongside the Bertiandos and Sao Pedro de Arcos lagoons. The Alto Minho Regional Tourism website has a downloadable brochure "Santiago - Rotas do Alto Minho" with walks relating to the religious pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostela (with English alongside the Portuguese), link right. Tourist Information Office, Paco do Marques, 4990-063 Ponte de Lima. Tel: 351 258 942 335. Fax: 351 258 942 335. Email: info@rtam.pt

Ponte da Barca

Ponte da Barca, named after the bridge that used to ferry pilgrims across the Rio Lima, is to the east of Ponte de Lima. This is a beautiful waterfront town dominated by the 15th century bridge. The old town is east of the bridge with narrow lanes leading off the main road Rua Conselheiro Rocha Peixoto. Wednesdays are the big event of the week when a huge market sprawls out along the riverside.

Romantic walks can be taken along the willow shaded waterfront from where you can get good photos of the 10 arched bridge and the town behind. Beside the bridge is the old arcaded marketplace and the Jardim dos Poetas, a garden dedicated to two poet brothers, Diogo Bernardes and Agostinho da Cruz, who were born in the town.

The countryside around the town lends itself to some good hikes - ask at the Tourist Information Office for more information Rua Placido de Vasconcelos. Tel: 351 258 820 270. Open 9.30 am-12.30 pm and 2.30-6 pm.

The town's website also has some downloadable routes for walking and driving and although they're in Portuguese there is an explanatory map that may be useful. Check the link right.

Peneda-Geres National Park

The Peneda-Geres National Park is a stunningly beautiful wilderness of rugged boulder strewn mountains interspersed with the bright purple and yellow of heathers and gorses. Lower down the mountains are conifer and broadleaved forests including some rarely occurring native broadleaved woodland that contain Pyrenean and English oaks - much like our oak woodlands but which are much rarer in Portugal's drier climate. The National Park covers a massive 70,000 hectares crossing over into Spain where is links into the Baixa Limia-Serra do Xures Natural Park. The mountains reach 700-1500 metres in altitude and are striking with their rounded granite rocks that lie all over the landscape.

There are now several hiking trails (trilhos) throughout the Park and the PNPG offices provide numbered leaflets which detail the walk and interesting geological and ecological sights on the way as well as a brief map. These come in Portuguese/English versions. There are also themed walks such as the Roman trail that takes you past a series of Roman milestones, and the Bee Hives Interpretive Trail that shows you how the mountain inhabitants made honey and protected their hives from bears! You will need a proper map if you're heading off for a hike as although most trails are waymarked landmarks are not always that obvious and you may not meet any other walkers while you're out. The National Park offices produce two glossy, colourful maps, but these aren't detailed enough for walking. You should make sure you've got a good topographical map before you head off into the wilderness. You can buy these at home or in bigger cities like Porto or Lisbon. Lake Canicada lies at the southern edge of the National Park and is a beautiful setting for a range of watersports. Agua Montanha have kayaks, doughnuts, pedalos and motorboats for hire by the hour, half day or full day. They also organise water skiing, off-roading, sailing and boat trips. Check their website for more information.

When travelling in the Park keep your wits about you. Upland fires are a common incident caused by litter which can cause fires in the intense heat, discarded cigarettes or carelessness of picnickers. The vegetation can be tinder dry so once a fire's started it can spread rapidly. Natural wildfires are also part of the ecological system here but do take care not to leave anything that could start fires unnecessarily. Some of the roads can be steep and windy so take care as you may well meet another traveller head on.

Peneda-Geres National Parks Information Offices

There are National Park offices at Braga, Terras de Bouro, Arcos de Valdevez and Montalegre: Braga: Avenida Antonio Macedo, Braga 4704-538, Portugal. Tel: 351 253 203480. Fax: 351 253 613169. Email: pnpg@icn.pt. Directions on our Braga page - link opposite. Arcos de Valdevez: Rua Pde Manuel Himalaia, 4970-462 Arcos de Valdevez. Tel: 351 258 515 338. Fax: 351 258 522 707

Terras de Bouro: Centro de Educacao Ambiental do Vidoeiro, Lugar do Vidoeiro, no 99 4845-081 Geres. Tel: 351 253 390 110. Fax: 351 253 391 496.

Montalegre: Rua do Reigoso, 5470-236 Montalegre. Tel: 351 276 518 320/1. Fax: 351 276 518 322.

In addition, there are National Park Gateways which have the full range of maps and leaflet information as well as permanent displays explaining different aspects of the park at: Lamas de Mouro, Concelho de Melgaco - accessed from EN 202 road. Mezio, Concelho de Arcos de Valdevez, - accessed from EN 202 road via Cabana Maior. Cabril, Concelho de Montalegre, - accessed from EN 103-8 road.

Alto Tamega and Barroso Regional Tourist Information

The Regional Tourism website for Alto Tamega and Barroso has all sorts of information on the region as well as some tours including Chaves, Montalegre, Boticas, Ribeira de Pena, Valpacos and Vila Poucar de Aguir.

The Regional Tourism office is in Chaves at: Avenida Tenente Valadim, 39-1 dt, 5400-588 Chaves. Tel: 351 276 340 660/1/2/3/4. Fax: 351 276 321 419. Email: rturismoatb@mail.telepac.pt

The area lends itself to all sorts of outdoor activities such as walking, climbing, horse-riding and watersports. Check the link right for more on outdoor activities in North Portugal.

Golfing Holidays in North Portugal

The Clube Golfe de Ponte de Lima is a popular 18-hole golf resort that is open to non-members, It is located two kilometres south of Ponte de Lima near the intersection of the N201 and the N536. This is a mountain course, covering six kilometres amongst mature chestnut, cork and English oak trees leading, through a ravine, to the Quinta do Anquiao, with fantastic views over the Lima valley. Hole 3 (par 5), at 622 metres, is the longest drive in Portugal and one of the longest in Europe.

Near Vidago town is the nine-hole Vidago Golf Course a par 33 course covering 2,449 metres - the only one in the Tras-os-Montes region. It was designed by Scottish architect Mackenzie Ross who rebuilt the Turnberry course in Scotland after the Second World War. Vidago Golf Course was opened in 1936 and is part of the Termas de Vidago Park. Pavilhao de Golfe, 5425 Vidago Telephone: 351 276 97 356. Fax: 351 276 973 59.

One mile south of Espinho and eighteen miles south of Porto, Oporto Golf Club is a genuine 18 hole. par-71, links course that is the second oldest in Europe (the oldest on the Iberian Peninsular). It was founded in 1890 by the old British families trading in port wine that needed some form of recreational activity in Portugal. Being close to the sea it is noted for its brisk Atlantic winds and spectacular ocean views. Visitors are welcome Tuesdays to Fridays (closed Mondays); weekends and Bank Holidays til 10.30 am. A Handicap Certificate is required. Oporto Golf Club, Paramos, 4500 Espinho, Portugal. Tel: 351 227 342 008. Fax: 351 227 346 895.

Seven kilometres from Esposende, on the right bank of the Cavado river, is The Quinta da Barca Golf Course. This is a tourist and residential development, including a nine hole golf course with driving range, putting green, pro shop, freshwater marina, swimming pool, tennis and restaurant and bar in Barca do Lago. Barco de Large, 4740 Esposende. Tel: 351 253 96 67 23. Fax: 351 253 96 90 68.

Montalegre Frontier Town

Montalegre is another frontier town 45 kilometres west of Chaves with strong ancient traditions. Bread is still baked in communal ovens in local villages.

The countryside around the town is excellent for hiking with dolmens and ancient churches scattered around. The local Tourist Information Office on Praca do Municipio has leaflets detailing the various marked circuits that mostly start a few minutes walk from the hotels and end up near the Spanish border. Tel: 351 276 511 010.Mon-Fri 9 am-12.20 pm and 2-5.30 pm, Jun-Sept Sat 10 am-12.20pm and 2-5.30 pm, Sun 10 am-12.30 pm and 2-4 pm.

Braganca & Montesinho Natural Park

Braganca is a good base for those wanting to explore the Montesinho Natural Park. The 70,000 hectare Park is one of the wildest regions in Europe that has meant a range of rare species are still able to survive here including wolves, wild boars, otters and eagles. The mountains here are covered in heather with the lower lying areas cloaked in oak forests and grassland through which several rivers flow through mountain valleys.

The area has changed very little since medieval times and ancient villages are dotted throughout the Natural Park such as Frana and Montesinho, whose traditional stone houses and cobbled streets are typical the region. Many of the paths date from the Visigothic empire and some of the villages such as Fresulfe and Sernande still bear distinctly Germanic names). The total population of the area is around 9,000 people scattered around small traditional villages.

The office for the Parque Natural de Montesinho is also in Braganca on Rua Conego Albano Falcao 5. Tel: 351 273 381 444. Email: pnm@icn.pt. From here you can obtain information about the Natural Park and a free schematic map.

Douro Internacional Natural Park Location

The Douro Internacional Natural Park stretches for 852 square kilometres Miranda do Douro in the north down to south of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo in the south. It abuts the Spanish border which is marked by the River Douro itself.

Miranda do Douro in the north of the Park and Mogadouro in the middle are the easiest places to get to and visit the park. Both are reached via the IP4 motorway and then turning off on the EN317 and EN218 for Miranda do Douro, and the EN216 for Mogadouro.

Buses and coaches will get you to the two towns mentioned above and Santos runs more local services to a variety of the towns within the natural park. Check the links right for more information. For total freedom to explore the wonders of the Natural Park you'll be better off with hiring a car.

Douro Internacional Natural Park Information Offices

There are four offices for the Douro Internacional Natural Park. They can provide you with leaflets and maps of the park with information on the flora and fauna of the area and walks including Ribeira do Mosteiro to Calcada de Alpajares, Miranda do Douro to S. Joao das Arribas, Almofala to St Andre das Arribas and a driving route from north to south of the Natural Park. To date the majority of these are only available in Portuguese.

The main office is in Mogadouro: Rua Santa Marinha, 4, 5200-241 Mogadouro. Tel: 351 279 340 030. Fax: 351 279 341 596. E-mail: pndi@icn.pt

Other offices are at: Miranda do Douro office: Rua do Convento, Palacio da Justica, 5210 Miranda Do Douro. Tel: 351 273 431 457 and 273 432 833. Fax: 351 273 431 457.

Freixo de Espada a Cinta office: Largo do Outeiro, 5180 118 Freixo De Espada A Cinta. Tel: 351 279 658 130. Fax: 351 279 658 131. And Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo office: Rua Artur Costa, 1, 6440 Figueira De Castelo Rodrigo. Tel: 351 271 313 382. Fax: 351 271 313 382

Outdoor Activity Companies in North Portugal

Javasport Tel: 351 252 850621/3. Fax: 351 252 850622 R. Padre Domingos Maia, 189, 4780-211 Santo Tirso. Paintball, canyoning, mountain biking.

NortAventure, Largo de S Roque, Madalena, 5400-504 Chaves. Tel: 351 276 324282. Fax: 352 276 331872. Email: nortaventura@yahoo.com. Bikes, canoeing/kayaking, canyoning, adventure circuits, orientation, paragliding, walking/hiking, rafting.

Rotas de Terra, Alvara: 46/2003, Apartado 169, 5401-909 Chaves. Tel: 351 914876923 - 934205548 - 965161839. E-mail: rotasdaterra@gmail.com

Agua Montanha e Lazer Lda, Lugar de Paredes, Rua 6 - no 3, 4845-024 Rio Caldo. Tel: 351 253 391 779. Mobile: 351 968 021 142 and 351 965 000 917. Fax: 351 253 391 598. Email: aguamontanha@mail.telepac.pt. Canoeing, waterski, boat trips and boat hire, pedalos, sailing and off-roading.

More Outdoor Adventure Companies

Minhaventura, Calcada de Santo Antonio, No 1 - 2 Esq, 4910-122-Caminha. Fax: 351 249 836 999. Mobile: 351 962 023 674 and 351 962 023 675. Email: info@minhaventura.com Canoeing/kayaking, adventure circuits, orientation, walking/hiking and archery.

Oficina da Natureza - Animacao Turistica Unipessoal, Lda, Rua do Carrezido, No 7, 4990-139-Ponte de Lima. Tel: 351 936 077 462. Mobile: 351 936077462. Email: info@oficinadanatureza.pt. Bikes, adventure circuits, photography, riding, 4x4 safaris, countryside walks/hikes.

Ritmos D'Aventura - Projeccao e Promocao de Actividades Turisticas, Lda. Centro Empresarial de Viana do castelo, Campo da Agonia, Monserrate, 4900-360-Viana do Castelo. Tel: 351 258 801 400. Fax: 351 258 828 251. Mobile: 351 914 220 925 Email: ritmosdaventura@turismoaventura.net Bikes and adventure circuits.

Tundra Aventura, Alameda S. Miguel, no 39-1 Dto // 4465-010 Leca do Balio. Tel/Fax: 351 229 022 135. Mobile: 351 916 651 894 and 351 916 651 922. Email: info@tundra-aventura.com Bikes, canoeing/kayaking, canyoning, adventure circuits, diving, trekking, paintball, archery, sailing.

More Outdoor Adventure Companies

Montesinho Aventura, Alvara 46/2004. Tel: 351 273 326080. Mobiles: 96 4082619 and 96 4206622. Email: montesinhoaventura@mac.com

Dunar - Turismo e Lazer do Norte, Lda, Travessa Sra das Neves, 9 Marinhas, 4740-577 Esposende. Tel: 351 253 963 331 - 968 680 025. Fax: 351 253 963 331. Email: dunarlazer@gmail.net.