Costa Verde

Overview:

Costa Verde (Green Coast) is a region tucked in the northwest corner of Portugal, stretching north from Porto to the border with Spain. Although small in size, this is an area rich in geographic beauty with mountains, rivers, nature parks as well as history-the castle at Guimarães was the birthplace of the nation’s founder and first king, Dom Afonso Henriques. Also here are towns dating back to the Roman times, such as picturesque Barcelos and Ponte de Lima, which is surrounded by estates of great wealth. Here too is Portugal’s second largest city, Porto, situated at the mouth of the Douro. Portuguese explorers set off for new world from the ancient port city of Porto which gave both the nation and its native drink its name. This region is also defined by the great waterway that segments it, the beautiful and scenic River Duoro. Translated to mean the River of gold as the grapes that lace its sun drenched hillsides that rise from the river's edge produce the world-famous Port Wine and vinho verde.

Karen Brown Itineraries that traverse this section: Romantic River Routes Back to the Beginning Port to Port

SIGHTSEEING: Barcelos, Braga, Guimarães, Peneda-Gerês National Park, Ponte de Lima, Porto, Viana do Castelo. HANDICRAFTS: Embroideries, tapestry, filigree, jewelry, ceramics, wrought iron, wicker.