'''Minho''' is a region of Northern Portugal. On the northernmost Atlantic tip of the country, Minho borders the Spanish region of Galiza, sharing with it many affinities in geography, tradition, people and language. The are however two Minhos, the Alto Minho and the Baixo Minho, being the first one caracterized by the folk dance and vivid green.

Regions

  • Ave
  • Cavado
  • Minho-Lima
  • Cities

    The most known cities and towns, full of cultural or religious landmarks, are (north to south):

  • Viana do Castelo (city on the estuary of Lima river).
  • Braga - is the main city and the country's religion capital city,one of the most important cities in Portugal,sprawling along the Cavado valley.
  • Guimaraes - the founding place of the nation (an histori city)
  • Other destinations

  • Ponte de Lima - near Viana do Castelo
  • Caminha
  • Understand

    Altough some 20% of the Portuguese territory is under some type of ecological protection reserve, Minho features the country's only National Park - Parque Nacional da Peneda-Geres - covering some 72.000 ha.

    Talk

    Portuguese, Galician, English.

    Get in

    The major cities are reachable by train or bus and also served by modern highways. From there it is possible to explore the smaller towns using the local transportation system (bus) or by renting a car.

    Get around

    Train (linha do Minho: Porto-Valenca); Ramal de Braga.

    See

    The annual Fair at Viana do Castelo, in the third week of August - Nossa Senhora da Agonia - renowed for the impressive display of folk art and traditional clothes.

    Itineraries

    Braga/Guimaraes Braga/Barcelos/Esposende/Viana do Castelo/Caminha Braga/Terras de Bouro/Parque nacional da Peneda-Gerez.

    Do

  • Braga:cathedral(Se).Sanctuaries of Bom Jesus & Sameiro.
  • Eat

    Renowned for its uniqueness, '''Green Wine'''(''vinho verde'') is only produced in the Minho region, supporting fully the regions gastronomical treasures, some of the most representative of the country.

    Drink

  • Vinho verde.
  • Stay safe

    Because Minho it's not a mass touristic destination such as Algarve or Porto, the chances of you being robbed are few. But of course, one should always pay attention.

    Get out

    Porto, Amarante, V.Real, Douro, Lamego, Chaves.