Quinta Viana

The Elevador de Santa Luzia at Viana do Castelo (25 minutes’ drive) travels up a forested hill topped by the monumental Sanctuary of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, started in the early 1900s. Take in far-reaching views of the coastline and the city before checking out the Roman ruins nearby, then head to the modern cultural centre on the Limia river for an exhibition. Built between the 15th and 17th centuries, the cathedral in Braga (25 minutes) displays various architectural styles – from the Manueline exterior to the rich baroque decoration of its chapels. After visiting the cathedral treasury, head to the landscaped Santa Barbara Garden, part of the Archbishops Court. Porto (45 minutes) is famed for its many buildings covered with blue azulejo tiles – from the cloisters of the cathedral, to the Chapel of Souls and São Bento Station. After visiting Livraria Lello, a splendid bookshop with an elegant staircase and a stained-glass ceiling, take a breather and sample the local Port wine in one of several bars.