Portugal was founded in the North in the 12th century. It is the most populous regions after Lisbon and the third largest by area. Known for Port its wine, natural wonder and rich heritage which includes ancient monuments, churches and modern buildings alike.

The River Douro is one of the main rivers crossing the Iberian Peninsula and can be explored by boat or train.

Northern Portugal’s only national park is called Peneda-Gerês, boasting beautiful wilderness, mountains, waterfalls and abundant wildlife.

There are also two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Alto Douro Wine Region, and Palaeolithic rock art in the Côa Valley. Read more about this area and a fabulous walking tour you can in the Dao Valley take here.

The surrounding villages and towns feature winding streets, manor houses and beautiful traditional houses and farms.

Porto is a compact and beautiful city. It has quaint old buildings with stunning architecture sell traditional food and fayre. It feels incredibly safe for a city even at night, the streets bustle with life but in a less hurried way than is accustomed with other cities, and people are warm and friendly. It is the second most expensive city in Portugal to live in but property can still be found for a fraction of the prices in Lisbon.

Braga – Famous for its huge cathedral, monuments and fountains, a beautiful city in the heart of the green Minho region, known as the religious centre of Portugal where you can hear church bells much of the time.

Chaves – A small city located on a stretch of the river Tâmega and only 10km from the Spanish border, this is a modern city known for its bars and nightlife.

Vila Real – A sleepy university town which brims with tranquillity and history.

Aveiro – Beautiful bright houses and known as the Venice of Portugal thanks to its canals. Only an hour from Porto. Not too far from here you can visit the Passadicos de Pavia – read more about it here.

Like what you read? Check out properties for sale in this area here.