Why north Portugal is ideal for a last-minute getaway
Discover buzzy cities, charming towns and spectacular scenery for a sunbreak with substance
There are so many reasons to make north Portugal your next stop for a getaway. As well as being home to some of Europe’s most vibrant cities (Porto and Braga), the region is steeped in history, brimming with cultural treasures and has some of the country’s most stunning natural scenery – including great beaches, of course. There’s an irresistibly laidback vibe to this sun-soaked strip of Portugal, but so much to uncover too. From historical quarters and hip neighbourhoods to the rolling hills of the Douro Valley and the picturesque towns that line this stunning stretch of coast.
To make booking your trip to Portugal as smooth and easy as possible, Jet2CityBreaks offer flexible packages, with direct flights and 2 to 5-star hotels included, located close to the best attractions and transport links. With 22kg of checked baggage and 10kg hand luggage included, you can also take advantage of flexible payment plans such as PayPal Pay in 3 to help spread the cost*. Even better, you can save £60 per person** on all holidays to Portugal with a free myJet2 account.
So what are you waiting for? Read on to find out everything that north Portugal has to offer…
Perfect Porto
Located along the Douro River estuary, Porto is ridiculously good looking, featuring colourful houses, tiled facades and awesome architecture. The riverside Ribeira District, with its winding cobbled streets, rows of vibrant buildings and Baroque churches is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a delightful place to while away an afternoon in a bustling café or trendy wine bar.
Other idyllic spots include the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge and the Livraria Lello bookshop (whose staircase is reminiscent of Hogwarts). There’s plenty of culture to soak up, including the Soares dos Reis National Museum (the oldest public museum in Portugal), contemporary concert hall Casa da Música and the must-visit Serralves Foundation, which houses a contemporary art museum, park and salmon-pink Art Deco villa. Porto is easy to get around on foot, though if you’re feeling weary, you can jump on one of the historic trams. There are also glorious gardens and beaches on your doorstep. What a city!
Beautiful Braga
If you want to be surrounded by history, then you’ll find Braga – a short drive or train ride from Porto – a delight. Believed to be Portugal’s oldest city, it dates back over 2,000 years and is often dubbed ‘Portugal’s Rome’ due to its ancient monuments and spiritual significance. Walk the old, winding streets and you’ll never be far from Roman ruins, medieval churches and architectural landmarks. The stunning Sé Cathedral is the country’s oldest, and an intriguing mix of Romanesque, Gothic and Manueline styles.
Braga’s main square Praça da República is ideal for people watching with a coffee and Pudim Abade de Priscos dessert, while a steep climb to the UNESCO-listed Catholic shrine Bom Jesus do Monte is rewarded with Insta-worthy views (or save your legs and take the historic funicular railway up). Braga is Portugal’s Capital of Culture for 2025, hosting a year-long celebration of the arts. Cutting edge arts venues like Gnration – housed in an old police station – show that, for all its heritage, this is also a thriving modern destination.
Enjoy easy getaways to north Portugal with Jet2CityBreaks
September and October, when the crowds and temperatures have eased, are great times to visit Portugal, and holiday experts Jet2CityBreaks have the ultimate packages for hassle-free, last-minute getaways. With return flights and 2 to 5-star hotels included – located close to the best attractions and transport links – plus 22kg baggage and 10kg hand luggage bundled in, you’re all covered on a Jet2CityBreaks trip. You can also take advantage of flexible payment plans such as PayPal Pay in 3 to help spread the cost*, plus you get VIP customer service from start to finish. Better yet, you can get £60pp off** all holidays with a free myJet2 account, to make things even sweeter.
Off the beaten track
Away from the cities, north Portugal has lots more to reveal. The area that stretches from Porto up to the border with Spain is known as the Minho region. It’s an alluring mix of laid-back coastal towns, charming villages and a beautiful national park. Just a few miles up the coast from Porto is the fishing port of Matosinhos, a surfing hotspot that’s as welcoming to beginners as it is to seasoned wave riders.
Further north things get even more chilled out in the beach resorts of Esposende and Caminha, while the towns of Viana do Castelo and Barcelos are steeped in history. The region is rich in natural wonders, too. The Parque Natural do Litoral Norte is a haven for wildlife, especially birds, and has trails and boardwalks that weave between dunes and river estuaries. Adventurers, meanwhile, will love Peneda-Gerês National Park, where hiking, biking, kayaking and more are on the agenda.
Fabulous food and wonderful wine
North Portugal is a gastronomic delight, with delicious local specialities to sample, an abundance of fresh produce and world-class wineries. Dining options range from authentic street food stalls and bustling markets to Michelin-starred restaurants. A must-try is local dish francesinha, a sandwich filled with assorted meats then topped with melted cheese and a fried egg. Of course, there’s no shortage of fresh fish and seafood, with beach town Matosinhos boldly claiming to have some of the best in the world. Head to Porto for historic food halls such as Mercado Bolhão, and to Vila Nova de Gaia for an array of port cellars to sample the region’s famous fortified wine. Don’t just taste it though – take a trip to the Douro Valley to see where it’s made.
The area’s rolling hills and steep terraced vineyards are as impressive as wines produced there (besides Porto wine, it’s known for its dry and complex reds). It’s the oldest wine growing region in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. White wine lovers should head to the Vinho Verde wine region instead, where the famous lightly sparkling namesake wine is produced in vineyards dotted among rivers, mountains and green landscapes. Like we said, there’s something for every taste in this special part of Portugal.
It’s not too late to get a last-minute trip this September or October in the diary! For travel inspiration and great-value packages, visit Jet2CityBreaks
*Available when booked online, for holidays under £2,000, departing within 70 days.
**T&Cs apply, please see jet2holidays.com/promotions for further details.
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