Viana do Castelo

Viana do Castelo is in the heart of beach and architecture lovers. On these Minho beaches, you can practice Surf, Bodyboard, Windsurf and Kitesurf. You also feast your eyes on magnificent examples of engineering and architecture, from Eiffel to Siza Vieira. 

Start your itinerary at the Hostel itself, the work of architect Carrilho da Graça and a local architecture benchmark. Throughout the day, you'll be able to see beautiful projects of traditional and contemporary architecture. Take the elevator up Monte de Santa Luzia to the Sanctuary of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Here, the views are magnificent over the city, the River Lima and the Eiffel Bridge. 

Go down to Praça da República, the city centre. Around the Fountain are the Paços do Concelho [City Hall], the Misericórdia Church and the Casa da Misericórdia, with beautiful facades. Continue along Av. da Liberdade and you’ll see contemporary buildings by the best Portuguese architects, such as the Municipal Library by Siza Vieira, and the Cultural Centre by Souto Moura. 

But now it's time to go to the beach. Both the River Lima and the Atlantic beaches give you the opportunity to practice Surf, Bodyboard, Kitesurf, Sail and Canoeing, among other water sports. The Afife, Cabedelo and Amorosa beaches, among others, are of great beauty and certified for the quality of their bathing areas. 

Before dinner, you can play Bowling near Norte Beach. Between the Marina and the Historic Centre, you have several bars to liven up your night. 

+ Points of Interest 

• Centro de Mar / Gil Eannes Ship 
• Peneda Gerês National Park 
• Neopop Electronic Festival 
• Vilar de Mouros Festival 

• Paredes de Coura Festival 
• Way of St. James 

More Information: 
www.cm-viana-castelo.pt