It was in this region that Portugal was born at the beginning of the 12th century.

Between your golf games, we suggest some visits you should not miss.

Oporto, perched on the, right-bank of the Douro river, is dominated by the Torre dos Clérigos (18th century), built in the Baroque style. Other monuments that cannot be missed are the Cathedral, the Church of São Francisco and the Palácio da Bolsa, with its fabulous Salão Arabe (Arab Room). To the south of the river, are to be found the cellars where you can taste the famous port wine. The Museu Soares dos Reis, with its Portuguese treasures, and the Casa de Serralves, with its collection of modern paintings, might complete your short visit to Oporto.

From here, one could set off on a triangular tour of the region's towns, starting with Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal. Here you should visit the Palácio dos Duques de Bragança and the Colégio de Nossa Senhora de Oliveira, in whose Roman cloisters are displayed the treasures of the Museu de Alberto Sampaio.

Castle of Guimarães

Proceed to Braga, a town founded by the Romans in the 5th century, and the centre of northern Portugal's Baroque art tradition. Highlights include the cathedral, the archbishops' palace and a ride on the funicular up to the Santuário do Bom Jesus do Monte to see the panoramic view.

Cathedral of Braga

Then continue to the delightful town of Barcelos, set at the heart of the region that still keeps alive the heritage of medieval monuments. Revel in nature by, spending a day at the Peneda-Gerês National Park, which covers more than 70,000 hectares. Finally, recharge your energies spent in golf games with the wonderful gastronomic delights of this region.

Gerês National Park

Near the romantic town of Ponte de Lima, you will find a 18-hole course.

Not far from Oporto, you will find the city of Amarante, a nice place to visit with a 18-hole course.

Ponte de Lima - Paço dos Marqueses

The grandeur of the landscape makes the mountains of northeastern Portugal extremely attractive from the tourist's point of view. On the other hand, local traditions and customs make for considerable cultural richness. Not far from your golf course, may we advise on itineraries that will bring you different sights of this outstanding natural beauty.

Chaves is a town situated at the end of a long valley, which one may enter by crossing a Roman bridge over the Tâmega river. The mineral waters here are famous, selling up at the extraordinary temperature of 73ºC, as you will be able to experience by wallowing in one of the most famous European spas.

Chaves - Roman Bridge

Vila Real is a university centre somewhat further to the south, which is bordered by the Marão Mountains and the Alvão National Park. Very close to Vila Real is the Solar de Mateus, a palace in which important cultural events take place over the year. It has beautiful Baroque architecture and the interiors of an aristocratic home.

Vila Real - Solar de Mateus

Both Vidago and Pedras Salgadas have excellent hotels decorated in the Belle Époque style, surrounded by agreeable woods with unique vegetation that could serve as an excellent spot to unwind after a game of golf.

To the south, the town of Régua might serve as the starting point for a tour of the extraordinary Douro valley. By driving some 10-15 km to the village of Pinhão, you will be able to see the hillsides on which the vines of the famous port wine are planted.

Continuing southward, the streets of the town of Lamego represent a high point in Baroque art, especially the fountains, the statues, and the monumental staircase leading to the sanctuary of Our Lady of Remédios. In the local museum, you will enjoy seeing wonderful tapestries of the 16th century and a rich collection of religious art.

It is difficult to suggest meals, for here there is so much to choose from. Of the local cuisine, we should draw your attention to the enchidos (sausages) and the famous queijo da Serra (cheese), together with the local red wines.

Climate - The most northerly coastal region, , it experiences hot summers and mild winters, ideal for touring. Season High 26 C/ 79 F - Low 13 C / 56 F
The mountainous north east sees the greatest seasonal variations as the mountainous areas are snow covered in winter and warmed by the Mediterranean sun in summer
Season High 24 C/ 72 F - Low -5 C / 22 F