introduction

Northern Portugal is the northern region of Portugal, it is steeped in tradition, cultural wealth and full of profound history. The region has a population of 4,034,271 (2007) inhabitants and has an area of 21,278 kilometres squared. The capital is Porto.

Numerous festivals take place in Northern Portugal each year in honour of a particular saint, who is celebrated with colourful street processions, enthusiastic folklore and the very best in regional cuisine. The region is also popular for its romantic castles, lakes and charming fishing villages dotted along the Atlantic coast.

surfing

The bleak industrial skyline, wet weather and pollution has mainly put off many travelling surfers from making the most of the very consistant and good quality surf in the northern provinces of Portugal. This is a shame as there is a gold mine of different waves around here from easy beach breaks to river mouths and slab reefs. Nazare is one of the best beach break in Portugal. Summer generally the best time to visit as the sea breezes ease and the breaks are more cut out for smaller swells, winter is windy and maxed out generally.

where to stay

There is a very large range of accommodation available in Portugal. You can choose from deluxe 5 star hotels and restores palaces to small family-owned hostels and ocean-view apartments.

Rooms are also available in historic buildings such as castles and private manor houses if you would like to experience a few days in one of them. According to local law though, accommodation in Portugal is split into a large number of categories: hotel, private guesthouse, aparthotel, quality inn, tourist village, tourist apartment, boarding house, motel, pousada and rural hotels..

You must be a registered user to comment. Click here to register.