The Barbosa Wedding
Things To Do
Bom Jesus do Monte
This is one of our favorite places in Portugal. This is about 1 mile from the hotel. Take the train that will bring you up the mountain. It will be labeled as an "escalator." Check out the church and famous stairs with the amazing view. When your'e done there, follow the path up the mountain to the left of the church but to the right of the cave with the pretty garden in front of it. This will lead you to a little lake with cute row boats for rent. If you continue up the mountain you will find horse rides that will take you through the countryside!
Cascata do Arado
This is where Chris proposed to me! This is part of a national park in Portugal that has beautiful waterfalls. You can see these waterfalls without much hiking but you will have to take many steps to the top to see it. You can also hike through the stream fill with rocks that will lead you to small little fresh water pols you can take a dip in. If you are looking for the full experience, hike the rocks and be sure to swim under the waterfall! Travel Tip: As you start to drive up the mountain, begin to follow signs for Cascata do Arado. PS: There are really nice small river beaches nearby in Geres, Portugal that have Kayaks, Canoes and other water activities to rent.
Braga Cathedral
Be sure to take a tour of Braga Cathedral to see something you have never seen before! Be sure to walk around this downtown area to check out all the stores, restaurants and cafes Braga has to offer!
Luís I Bridge & Rio do Douro
Spend the day on the river where all the Port Wine is made! Take a boat trip to see all six bridges or check out the wine caves where the wine is stored. There is so many great places to eat outside on the river. Beautiful to see during the day or even light up at night.
Livraria Lello
Think Harry Potter and J.K. Rowling. "Rumor has it that J.K. Rowling’s inspiration to write Harry Potter has begun in Porto, particularly at this library. The well-known writer lived in Porto for 10 years working as an English teacher in the early 1990s and she used to drink a cup of coffee at the second floor of Lello’s bookstore. There are indeed great similarities between Lello’s bookstore staircase and the one described in Hogwarts." "It is also believed that the Hogwarts’ costume was inspired by the costumes of college students in Portugal, composed of a black suit and a black coat – these students are very likely to be found around this area, as the headquarters of the Porto University are located at Praça Gomes Teixeira (up ahead, where you can find a Lion’s fountain, hence the nickname “Praça dos Leões” – Lions’ Square, as the locals call it)."
St. Francis Cathedral of Porto
"Exploring the Catacombs under the church of Saint Francis in Porto is a macabre experience." The church is also beautiful, if you want to pass on the catacombs.
Casino da Póvoa
A casino thats right on the beach! Spend the day on the beach, eat lunch in the downtown area and stop at the casino before you head back to the hotel!
Viana do Castelo
Be sure to spend the day here and check out the website attached for all this town has to offer. The best part for us was climbing the 2K spiral staircase to the top of Santuário de Santa Luzia. The view was so worth it!
Barcelos Market
One of the largest flea markets in all of Europe. This is a MUST SEE. Only on Thursdays and leave plenty of time to find parking. After the flea market be sure to have lunch in town at hotel and go shopping in the downtown area near the church. If you follow the road toward the back of town you will find historical ruins called Paço dos Condes de Barcelos.
Ponte de lima
One of the oldest towns in Northern Portugal its charm is unmatched. Be sure it eat at Petiscas restaurante at Largo da Alegria 4990-154 Ponte de Lima Portugal. There is a beautiful public garden to explore after dinner near the bridge to the left.