Free walking tours in Viana do Castelo and what to see

Must-sees

Viana do Castelo sits at the mouth of the Lima river, in the Alto Minho, and is known for its folklore, its embroidered traditional costumes and its gold filigree. The historic centre revolves around Praça da República, with its Renaissance fountain, the old town hall and the Misericórdia house, with galleries on columns.

Above the city, Mount Santa Luzia is crowned by a neo-Byzantine temple; from its dome you can see the river, the iron bridge and the coast. You go up by funicular. In the port you can visit the Gil Eannes hospital ship, which accompanied the cod-fishing fleet, and south of the river begins Cabedelo beach, good for surfing and kitesurfing.

Free tours and guided visits

The Viana do Castelo free walking tour covers the historic centre and explains the city's traditions, its ties to the sea and cod fishing. It is a short visit in a city that is easy to walk.

Tickets to the Gil Eannes ship museum and surf lessons on nearby beaches are also sold. The August pilgrimages, with costume parades and flower carpets, are the region's big festival.

How long to spend

One day is enough for the centre, the Gil Eannes and the climb to Santa Luzia. With two or three you can enjoy the beaches and follow the Lima valley to Ponte de Lima, or visit the villages on the Minho river, facing Galicia. From Vigo it is less than an hour by car.

Where to stay

The historic centre is the most convenient: flat, with restaurants and within walking distance of the train station. On Mount Santa Luzia there is a historic hotel with outstanding views. For a beach plan, the Cabedelo area, across the river, and the northern beaches, such as Afife, have quiet apartments and houses.