The town’s elegant historic center has enough 16th-century Manueline and Renaissance architecture to enchant anyone. The awe-inspiring Santa Luzia Sanctuary is a highlight, as are the lovely streets and the picturesque riverfront.
The seaside Praia Norte is spacious enough for families to spread out and enjoy the sands. The museum housed in the former Gil Eannes hospital ship is also well worth a visit.
1. Visit the Santa Luzia Sanctuary
Located on top of the Santa Luzia Mountain and modeled after the Sacre Coeur Basilica in Paris, it is one of the most visited monuments in Portugal. This beautiful church and religious sanctuary is a great place for couples in love, tourists, art students, and photographers to snap pictures.
Besides the temple, there is also a museum called “Nucleo Museologico do Templo-Monumento de Santa Luzia”, which showcases carvings and illustrations, among others. In addition, you can visit the huge dome shaped cathedral style church itself.
Behind the church is a recommended inn named Pousada de Monte Santa Luzia, where you can enjoy stunning views over Viana do Castelo. Then, just behind the inn is the Citania de Santa Luzia, which features ruins of ancient Castrejo settlements dating back to the Iron and Roman ages. There is a path that leads from the church up to the ruins. It is free to enter and explore the area.
2. Visit the Museu do Traje
The Museu do Traje is a fascinating museum detailing the heritage of the region through its costume and clothing. The collection is housed in the Angeja-Palmela Palace located in the Monteiro-Mor Botanic Park.
The main street of the town, Rua Candido ends at the charming Praca da Republica, a square that is home to some of the most notable buildings of Viana do Castelo, including the Igreja da Misericordia and the Museu do Traje. The square also boasts the Chafariz, one of three identical fountains designed by Jo
The museum showcases a variety of traditional costumes on real-size mannequins. You can learn about the different garments, embroidery, occasions for which they were worn, and messages they conveyed. The museum also houses the tools that were used to make these clothes. Visiting the museum is one of the most popular things to do in Viana do Castelo. It is especially recommended for travelers interested in learning about the local culture and tradition.
3. Visit Valenca
The City of Arts and Sciences is a jaw-dropping array of modern architecture and a must-see attraction. The complex features a series of gargantuan buildings that house cultural venues and first-class family attractions like the L’Hemisferic, which resembles a giant eye and houses a planetarium and IMAX theater.
Another definite must-visit is the City of Arts and Sciences’ Oceanografic Aquarium. This cutting-edge aquarium is comprised of ten different zones, each synthesizing a distinct environment and filled with water pumped directly from Valencia’s waterfront. Your kids will love seeing everything from sea turtles to walruses and penguins at this spectacular aquarium.
The Valencia Cathedral is also a must-visit for visitors to the city. The iconic Roman Catholic church is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Valencia and features a stunning red brick exterior and impressive Gothic interiors. In addition to the cathedral, be sure to stop by Mercado Central, which is a large marketplace stocked with everything from seafood and cured meats to fruits and veggies.
4. Visit the Lima River
Besides its beaches, the Lima River offers plenty of activities to explore. The main attractions include the riverside cycling or hiking routes and kayaking. For those who prefer a more active holiday, there are also mountain biking trails in the nearby Serra d’Arga.
The Mercearia da Vila is another highlight. It’s a guesthouse inside a traditional grocery store in a historical square with double rooms, most of them with park views.
If you want to relax on the beach, there are two beautiful ones near Viana do Castelo’s old town: Praia do Cabedelo and Praia Norte. The former is a pier beach with strong winds that attracts windsurfers from all over the world, while the latter is a fine-sand beach with dunes and clear waters. It’s possible to visit both during one day trip from Senhora da Agonia, but for a more stress-free experience you should stay for a night.
