Penafiel is a secular city located in the Tâmega region. It surprises with its rich historical and cultural heritage and the surrounding natural beauty.
Visitors can explore the historic center with its manor houses and baroque churches, visit the Penafiel Municipal Museum, considered the best Portuguese museum in 2010, visit the Termas de São Vicente and its therapeutic waters, or venture into the surrounding mountains.
With a gastronomy rich in traditional flavors, such as the famous roasted goat or lamprey, and vibrant popular festivals such as São Martinho and the Festa do Corpo de Deus, Penafiel offers an authentic immersion in the culture of northern Portugal, and the preserved village of Quintandona is a must-see.
More information: Visitar Penafiel
The Route of the Romanesque invites visitors on a journey back in time through 58 monuments of Romanesque architecture spread across 12 municipalities in northern Portugal.
This cultural itinerary offers a unique experience where history, art and landscape merge, revealing medieval churches, monasteries, towers and bridges perfectly integrated into the natural beauty of the Sousa Valley and Baixo Tâmega.
The route not only highlights the architectural heritage dating from the 12th to the 14th centuries, but also promotes local traditions, gastronomy and handicrafts.
More information: Rota do Românico
Porto - Portugal's second largest city, enchants visitors with its UNESCO World Heritage historic center, where medieval alleys descend towards the Douro River, offering breathtaking views of the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge.
Known worldwide for its Port Wine, the city impresses with its century-old cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, the monumental Lello Bookshop, the Clérigos Tower and São Bento Station with its historic tiles.
With a rich gastronomy - from Francesinha to Tripas or the unmissable cod - and an authentic atmosphere that mixes tradition and modernity, Porto offers unforgettable experiences at any time of the year.
More information: Visitar o Porto
Braga and Guimarães - about 40 minutes from Quinta de Santiago - are two historic cities with many sights and activities to enjoy, and can be visited in the same day or over several days, depending on your interest and time available.
A must-see in Braga is the Braga Cathedral - the oldest cathedral in Portugal, with impressive architecture - and the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary - a baroque sanctuary with a spectacular staircase and breathtaking views over the city.
A visit to Guimarães should include the Castelo de Guimarães - a medieval castle with an important role in Portugal's history - and the Paço dos Duques de Bragança - a historic palace that was the seat of the Bragança House.
More information: Visit Braga and Guimarães