Portugal Regions
North West ·North East ·Northern Central ·Eastern Central ·Central ·Silver Coast ·Lower Central ·Northern Alentejo ·Lisbon Coast ·Southern Lisbon Coast ·Central Alentejo ·Coastal Alentejo ·Southern Alentejo ·Western Algarve ·Central Algarve ·Eastern Algarve ·Madeira ·The Azores ·Cape Verde
North West Portugal includes the following districts:
Cávado : Grande Porto : Minho-Lima : Tâmega : Ave








The Climate in North West Portugal
North West Portugal enjoys a mild climate – in winter the average temperature is 9°C/49ºF and in the summer the maximum temperature is about 25-28ºC/77-82ºF.
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Average values
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
|
May
|
Jun
|
Jul
|
Aug
|
Sep
|
Oct
|
Nov
|
Dec
|
|
max day temperature °C
|
14
|
14
|
16
|
18
|
20
|
23
|
25
|
25
|
24
|
21
|
17
|
14
|
|
min night temperature ° C
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
8
|
11
|
13
|
15
|
15
|
14
|
12
|
8
|
6
|
|
daily hours of sunshine
|
4
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
9
|
9
|
10
|
10
|
8
|
6
|
5
|
4
|
|
daily hours of daylight
|
10
|
11
|
12
|
13
|
14
|
15
|
15
|
14
|
12
|
11
|
10
|
9
|
|
sea temperature
|
14
|
14
|
14
|
14
|
15
|
17
|
18
|
19
|
18
|
17
|
16
|
15
|
Portugal seeps history and it was here in Northern Portugal that their first king, Dom Afonso Henriques, was born in the beginning of the 12th century. Evidence of Portugal’s past can be found throughout this region. Porto (Oporto) is Portugal’s second largest city and the heart of Portugal’s industry; and the North West remains one of the wealthiest regions of the country. Throughout the region spectacular mansions lay testament to this region’s prosperity.
The river Douro has always been important trading route to the rest of the world and, in the 15th century this is where Portuguese sailors – who were the first to circumnavigate the world - began their exploration travels. From Porto, there are a number of river cruises along the river Douro as it meanders through the lush countryside (the reason why this region is known as the Costa Verde (Green Coast)). North West Portugal has the perfect climate for growing grapes and the area produces excellent wines: from light vinhos verdes, through rich full-bodied reds and, of course, Port. Many of the Port producers offer tours providing an opportunity to taste the different varieties.
The landscape is a picturesque combination of rivers, waterfalls, vineyards and farmland interspersed with ancient monuments, prosperous towns, quaintly charming towns and villages – linked by quiet roads with breathtaking views. Nature lovers must add the Peneda-Gerês National Park into their itinerary. The unspoiled and sometimes rugged coastline has beautiful beaches, charming holiday resorts and busy, traditional fishing towns providing fantastic seafood to the region.
As well as the local seafood, specialities of North West Portugal's cuisine include: "caldo verde", duck with rice, cod and pork fillets ("rojões"). Those with a sweet tooth should try the rich and varied pastries traditionally baked by nuns such as: S. Gonçalo and papos de anjo (angel tummies); or doce de travessa; arroz doce (sweet rice) and aletria; pão de ló and the pastries based on egg yolk/almond paste.
Traditional handicrafts in North West Portugal include:
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Embroideries, linen, tapestries and textiles
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Jewellery and filigree
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Ceramics and pottery
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Wood, leather, copper, tin, wrought iron, wicker and osier.


- Arcos de Valdevez
- Braga
- Caminha
- Esposende
- Foz do Douro
- Maia
- Matosinhos
- Ponte da Barca
- Ponte de Lima
- Porto
- Póvoa de Lanhoso
- Póvoa de Varzim
- Viana do Castelo
- Vila do Conde
- Vila Praia de Ancora




This ancient and historic town is set in the heart of the High Minho region, close to the banks of the river Vez, at the foot of the Peneda mountain. This castle town is home to Nossa Senhora da Lapa - an impressive baroque church built in 1767.
Typical local cuisine includes roast veal and "cozido à portuguesa" (a rich meat stew with sausages and vegetables).
Nearby is the Peneda-Gerês National Park – one of Portugal’s most lovely areas of unspoiled scenery with charming villages.
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Facilities include:
- Restaurants
- Cafés
- Bars
- Shops
- Banks
Approximate Driving Times to Portuguese Airports:
- Porto - 1 hour 5 minutes
- Lisbon - 3 hours 40 minutes
- Faro - 50 hours 50 minutes



- Shops
- Supermarkets
- Market
- Restaurants
- Cafés
- Bars
- Banks
- Post Office
- Health care
- Porto - 40 minutes
- Lisbon - 3 hours 15 minutes
- Faro - 5 hours 30 minutes




- shops
- cafés
- bars
- restaurants
- nightclubs
- banks
- Porto - 56 minutes
- Lisbon - 3 hours 45 minutes
- Faro - 6 hours




The actual town of Esposende is surrounded by pine wood and is close to estuary of the River Cávado. It has some lovely historic houses, large squares, interesting churches and a ruined castle.
Specialities of the local cuisine include: roast rock-bass, grey mullet, flounder and shellfish; roast pork and sarrabulho (a dish made from pig's blood) - and all should be eaten with the local vinho verde (green wine)!
Traditional handicrafts include: basketry; rag quilts; stoneworks; and shell work.
-
Restaurants
-
Cafés
-
Bars
-
Shops
-
Banks
-
Post Office
Approximate Driving Times from Portuguese Airports:
-
Porto - 30 minutes
-
Lisbon - 3 hours 15 minutes
-
Faro - 5 hours 30 minutes



- Restaurants
- Bars
- Cafés
- Shops
- A large market held every Tuesday
- Bus services to Ponte de Lima, Braga and Viana do Castelo
- Porto - 1 hour
- Lisbon - 3 hours 40 minutes
- Faro - 5 hours 50 minutes



Ponte de Lima is one of the prettiest towns in the region. The town is approached by crossing an impressive bridge (with 24 arches, 4 of which (on the south bank) are of its original roman construction) – and this bridge gives the town its name. Worth seeing is the Parish Church, built in 1425 and restored and enlarged during the reigns of King Duarte and King Alfonso VI.
- Restaurants
- Bars
- Cafés
- Shops
- Pedestrianised areas
- Town square with cafés
- Supermarkets
- Banks
- Market - held fortnightly on a Monday
- Health care
- Bus service
- Golf
- River beaches
- Open air swimming pool
- Gardens
- Nautical club where canoes can be hired
- Riding school
- Nearby:
- fish farm where visitors are lent rods and tackle and can catch their own supper.
- hang gliding
- Porto - 50 minutes
- Lisbon - 3 hours 30 minutes
- Faro - 5 hours 40 minutes



- Restaurants
- Bars
- Cafés
- Shops
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Porto - 55 minutes
- Lisbon - 3 hours 30 minutes
- Faro - 5 hours 45 minutes




The port and pretty fishermen’s quarter lies at one end of the town where you can see brightly-painted boats and women mending fishing nets. The town has a wide, sandy beach which is ideal for bathing, surfing and most other kinds of water sports. At the other end of town is the seaside resort with:
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beach-side cafés
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water slides
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discotheques
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bars
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restaurants
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tennis courts
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casino
Other facilities include:
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indoor fresh fish & produce market
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shops
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banks
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post office
Approximate driving time from Portuguese Airports:
-
Porto - 20 minutes
-
Lisbon - 3 hours 15 minutes
-
Faro - 5 hours 20 minutes



- Restaurants
- Bars
- Cafés
- Shopping Mall
- Supermarkets
- Railway station with links to Porto and the south
- Summer festival
- Hospital
- Nearby beaches
- Porto - 1 hour 15 minutes
- Lisbon - 3 hours 30 minutes
- Faro - 5 hours 38 minutes




Facilities include:
- Medical Centre
- Dentists
- Chemists
- Excellent shopping facilities including
- Supermarket
- Butchers
- Bakers
- Fish Market
- Market
- Cinema
- Cafés
- Bars
- Restaurants
- Banks
- Bus services to Viana do Castelo
- Train service to Porto and north to Spain
- Porto - 50 minutes
- Lisbon - 3 hours 40 minutes
- Faro - 5 hours 50 minutes



- Shops
- Supermarkets
- Banks
- Post Offices
- Restaurants
- Cafés
- Bars
- Nightclubs
- Railway Station
- Bus Services
- International Airport
- golf
- beaches
- boat tours up the River Douro
- Oporto International Film Festival – specialising fantasy and sci-fi films
- Porto - 20 minutes
- Lisbon - 2 hours 50 minutes
- Faro - 5 hours

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- Restaurants
- Bars
- Cafés
- Shops
- Supermarkets
- Banks
- Daily Market
- Health care
- Bus service
- British School
- Beach
- City park with:
- lakes
- ponds
Approximate Driving Times to Portuguese Airports:
- Porto - 20 minutes
- Lisbon - 2 hours 50 minutes
- Faro - 5 hours




Beyond the port and situated on a hill close is the 18th century church of Bom Jesus (also known as the Igreja do Senhor de Matosinhos) which has a wooden statue of Christ on the cross. Legend has it that this statue was washed up on the beach in the 10th century – but it was missing an arm - 50 years after its discovery, an old woman looking for firewood found the wooden arm and took it to the shrine, where it miraculously attached to the statue.
- Restaurants
- Bars
- Cafés
- Shops
- Supermarkets
- Banks
- Daily Market
- Health care
- Bus services
- Beach
- Surfing
- Porto - 10 minutes
- Lisbon - 2 hours 50 minutes
- Faro - 5 hours



- Restaurants
- Bars
- Cafés
- Shops
- Supermarkets
- Banks
- Market - held every Friday
- Health care
- Public transport - easy access to the Metro and Bus services
- Porto - 20 minutes
- Lisbon - 3 hours, 10 minutes
- Faro - 5 hours, 50 minutes



- embroideries
- ceramics & pottery
- wood carving
- leather work
- tin & ironwork
- roast cod
- sardines in vinegar sauce
- roast kid
- cozido à portuguesa (a variety of sausages, meat and vegetables)
- and local vinho verde (white wine).
- Restaurants
- Bars
- Cafés
- Shops
- Supermarkets
- Banks
- Health care
- Public transport (bus services and metro)
- Maia Zoo
- Porto - 15 minutes
- Lisbon - 2 hours 22 minutes
- Faro - 5 hours
|
North West Golf Course |
Location |
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Estela |
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Espinho |
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Ponte de Lima |
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Esposende |



|
Estela Golf Course
|
|
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Holes
|
18
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Par
|
72
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Length
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6,017 m
|
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Driving Range
|
YES
|
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Putting Green
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YES
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|
Restaurant
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YES
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Bar
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YES
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back to the list of North West Golf Courses
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Oporto Golf Club
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|||
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Holes
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18
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Chipping
|
NO
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Par
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71
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Caddies
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YES
|
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Length
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5,599 m
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Buggies
|
YES
|
|
Driving Range
|
YES
|
Trolleys
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YES
|
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Putting Green
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YES
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Shop
|
YES
|
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Restaurant
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YES
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Professional
|
YES
|
|
Golf Clubs
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YES
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Golf Balls
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YES
|
Designed by Francisco Javier Olazabal this is an authentic Links Course, it is relatively short and has narrow fairways which are the main obstacles, beginning with a difficult Par 4. Perhaps the most challenging holes are number 11, a Par 5 of 494 m and number 4, which is considered to be the most difficult on the course. As if to balance the difficulties, each of the course's two halves concludes with a very accessible Par 5 hole, providing some exciting endings for competitions.




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Ponte de Lima Golf Course
|
|||
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Holes
|
18
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Chipping
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NO
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|
Par
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71
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Caddies
|
YES
|
|
Length
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6,095 m
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Buggies
|
YES
|
|
Driving Range
|
YES
|
Trolleys
|
YES
|
|
Putting Green
|
YES
|
Shop
|
YES
|
|
Restaurant
|
YES
|
Professional
|
YES
|
|
Golf Clubs
|
YES
|
Golf Balls
|
YES
|
The first nine holes are surrounded by age-old trees and lead through a ravine, to the Quinta do Anquião, where holes 1, 2, 8 and 9 have wonderful views over the Lima valley and the town of Viana do Castelo, which is about 20 kilometres away. Hole 3 (par 5), at 622 meters, is the longest one in Portugal and one of the longest in Europe; hole 8's tee (Par 3) is situated higher, allowing one to attack directly the green below. The next nine holes are sited in the Quinta de Pias valley and surrounded by vines, cornfields and fruit trees. The facilities at this club include Tennis Courts and a Sauna.




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Holes
|
9
|
Chipping
|
YES
|
|
Par
|
31
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Caddies
|
NO
|
|
Length
|
2,012 m
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Buggies
|
NO
|
|
Driving Range
|
YES
|
Trolleys
|
YES
|
|
Putting Green
|
YES
|
Shop
|
YES
|
|
Restaurant
|
YES
|
Professional
|
YES
|
|
Golf Clubs
|
YES
|
Golf Balls
|
YES
|
This is a 9-hole course, designed by Jorge Santana de Silva, with well-placed bunkers and water hazards to challenge most players – whilst still being suitable for the novice golfer. An 18-hole round can be played using different tees. It has six Par 3 holes and three Par 4s for a Par 31 over 4,024 metres.
The course starts off with holes 1-4 in a tree covered area. The fairways for hole 5 cut through the pine forest. The remaining holes are set in more open landscape, near the Cavado river. The longest hole is number 3 totalling 339 metres.
The club also has a swimming pool and tennis courts.



