Costa Verde Mini Guide
The Costa Verde is the Portuguese green coast and it comprises all the northern coast of Portugal from the estuary of the Minho River to the city of Porto.
In a country that is very popular with tourists, the Costa Verde is an area of lush landscapes, rolling hills and serene vineyards which allows you to get away from the madding crowd. When you visit the Costa Verde you will know that you are experiencing the real Portugal for this is a place where many locals go to take their holidays.
The Costa Verde also has a rich history as it was the place where Portugal's first king Dom Afonso Henriques was born in the beginning of the 12th century. From here he extended his kingdom to the south in what was thought of as an extremely heroic feat of Christian reconquest. Visitors can sample this illustrious history by organising to stay in one of the manor houses of the region which are richly decorated with coats of arms and various tapestries.
Among the villages worth visiting are Espinho which is about 20 kilometres south of Porto and has good beaches and cultural attractions such as a bullfighting ring and a casino. Espinho was originally a fish canning town and so this is also a good place to taste fresh Portuguese seafood should you decide to eat out.
If you head to the north of the Costa Verde you will find another coastal resort called Vila do Conde. This has famously been a source of authentic Portuguese handicrafts such as lace and knit wear and so is a good place to pick up a gift or a souvenir from your holiday. If you have a sweet tooth it is worth visiting as delicious pastries and chocolates are made here.
If nightlife is what keeps you going the vibrant and cosmopolitan town of Povoa de Varzim has some good bars and restaurants. Esposende is probably the most picturesque town in the Costa Verde as it is an old fishing village built on the banks of the River Cavado which surrounded by pine trees.
The country's longest motorway is the A1, from Lisbon to Oporto and this goes up to Braga in the heart of the Costa Verde.
If you follow the coastline on the road from Vila do Conde to Valença you will see beautiful beaches, seaside resorts and charming villages such as Caminha and Vila Nova de Cerveira.