Following yesterday’s overview of Porto and the Douro Valley, Travel Industry Today continues its journey through Portugal’s north, which will be serviced by new Air Canada flights to Porto out of Montreal beginning next June. Here’s a quick guide on where to go, what to do, and where to stay in the captivating region.

Porto

 Portugal’s second largest city, Porto is a coastal city known for its thriving downtown and historic Ribeira district with its cobblestone streets, small bars and eateries. Traditional markets abound throughout Porto offering fresh produce, seafood and traditional Portuguese crafts and goods. The Bolhao Market dates back to 1837 and is located in one of the most iconic buildings in the centre of Porto.

No visit to Porto would be complete without a visit to Livraria Lello (photo below), recognized as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Dating back to 1906, it’s most famous for its iconic central wooden staircase – said to have inspired J.K. Rowling and her creation of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter series – and its large stained-glass windows. You don’t just walk in here however, you’ll need a timed ticket, the price of which will be deducted if you buy a book.

Across the Douro River from Porto is the historic Vila Nova de Gaia (you can walk across a bridge to get here) featuring one of the area’s newest attractions, the World of Wine district (WOW). Born from the renovation of old port wine cellars, WOW is home to seven immersive museum experiences, 12 restaurants and bars, shops and a wine school. The Wine Experience is worth doing, very informative with numerous sensory experiences and ending with a tasting.

• Where to stay: Inspired by the arts, the Editory Boulevard Aliados Porto, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, is a 60-room boutique hotel ideally located in the heart of Porto’s business and financial district. It’s a great starting point for those just arriving in the area. Amenities include an outdoor heated pool and 24-hour fitness centre.

Matosinhos

One of Portugal’s most important fishing ports, visitors can take part in a unique experience here and dive into the world of sardine production with a Conservas Pinhais Factory Tour. The working canning factory, home of Nuri, was founded in 1920 and to this day produces 2.8 to 3.2 million cans of sardines yearly for worldwide distribution.

With 110 workers (100 of them women), the factory stays true to a traditional method of production with most everything done by hand. The secret to the success of their product, they say, “is in the (secret) sauce,” along with the purchase of only the best fish. Guests learn how to hand-wrap a can (which they get to keep) and every tour ends with a tasting.

• Where to stay: Located in the heart of Portugal’s Vila do Conde, the Lince Santa Clara hotel stands within the historic Santa Clara Monastery, dating back to 1318. The five-star hotel has 87 rooms and suites with amenities including a wellness spa and two restaurants.

Povoa de Varzim

 For those with clients that like to golf, the Estela Golf Course is a great option. It is a typical links course built over three kilometres of sand dunes and offering spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. Wind factors are definitely in play here. It is considered one of the top 10 courses in Portugal and has already hosted two European Tour events.

Opening in May will be the Tivoli Estela Golf & Lodges Porto. The new five-star resort will have 80 rooms and suites, an outdoor heated swimming pool, fitness centre, spa and meeting facilities.

Braga

Braga is the oldest town in Portugal and one of the oldest Christian cities in the world. A great walking city, it is known for its baroque churches, 18th-century homes and gardens and squares.

Nearby and a must-see is the UNESCO World Heritage Site Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte (photo below). The Portuguese Catholic shrine is located high in the hills, highlighted by a monumental Baroque stairwell dubbed The Sacred Way that climbs 116 metres. It can also be reached by funicular.

• Where to stay: The four-star Vila Gale Collection Braga is a former monastery and hospital dating from 1508. With 123 rooms, the hotel maintains much of the former structure such as the original vaulted ceilings. Amenities include a spa and outdoor pool, as well several gardens.

 Guimaraes

With its historic centre declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO, Guimaraes is known for its well-preserved medieval buildings, dominated by the 10th-century Guimaraes Castle. The city is often referred to as “Portugal’s birthplace” because it’s where the nation was officially founded in 1128. It’s also the native city of Portugal’s first king, D. Alfonso Henriques.

• Where to stay: About 40 minutes from Guimaraes (near the town of Amarante) is the Monverde Wine Experience Hotel, a luxurious retreat nestled among the vineyards of Portugal’s Minho region. It’s ideal for wine lovers and those looking for a spa experience – or for those just looking to relax from the rush of everyday life. You can even become a “winemaker for a day” with the Blending Experience, one of many experiences available. Sampling five varietals, you blend your favourite two or three to create your own wine. (Don’t worry, a resident expert is on hand to help with suggested percentages.) You then bottle it, cork it and even create your own label. And, of course, take it home to enjoy.

 Cumieira

 For another unique experience, visit Come na 2 in Cumieira, a family-run business that is focused on wine tourism and pottery. Available experiences include pottery workshops, hikes and private tours, as well as regional meals.

Douro Valley

A highlight of any visit to Portugal’s northern region, the Douro Valley (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is known for its stunning nature and renowned vineyards. Whether it’s a drive through the mountains or a cruise on the Douro River, there’s plenty to see and do here.

• Where to stay: A renovated 19th-century manor house set high on a hill, the 71-room Six Senses Douro Valley offers a taste of luxury amidst the vine-covered rolling hills of the Douro Valley and river below. At a higher price point than most other properties, a stay here is described as not only a vacation, but a learning experience. Amenities include an assortment of rooms and suites, restaurants, full-service spa, wine library, swimming pools and organic garden.

For an authentic vineyard experience, visit Croft’s famous estate, Quinta da Roeda in Pinhao, which is considered to be the geographical centre of the Douro-demarcated wine region. Guided tours, tastings and private dinners are available.

• Where to stay: A nice rural hotel in the heart of the Douro Valley is the 47-room Vintage House Hotel. The “house” and its lands are all part of an 18th-century estate. Lunch on the terrace overlooking the pool and Douro River highly recommended.

Another good option is the 49-room Vila Gale Douro Vineyards, also overlooking the Douro River. It’s all about the setting here with guests invited to walk among the vineyards, as well as olive and almond tree groves. Tours of the wine cellar and wine tastings are also available.

Information

For more, visit www.portocvb.com .

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