10 TOP Things to Do in Minho (2024 Activity Guide)

Bom Jesus do Monte which includes a garden

Bom Jesus do Monte featuring a castle and a park

Palacio dos Biscainhos which includes a garden and flowers

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Most popular experiences in Minho

Tours & day trips

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BARCELOS Tour - Half-Day

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Adventure & outdoor

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Waterfalls, Heritage and Nature in Gerês Park - from Porto

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Classes & workshops

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Cook Cod Fish as a Local in Traditional Place

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Wildlife & nature

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Peneda Geres National Park: Private Tour with a Guide

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What to do in Minho

Popular places to visit

Bom Jesus do Monte

Travel to the hills above Braga to tour an important pilgrimage site for Catholics, an 18th-century baroque church surrounded by gardens, grottoes and sculptures.

Apulia Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Apulia Beach during your trip to Apúlia?

Guimaraes Castle

Guimaraes Castle is just one of the places to see in Oliveira do Castelo, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Amble around the area's gardens or visit its cathedral.

Braga Cathedral

One of the oldest churches in Portugal is known for its art, architecture and tombs of notable people from the country’s history.

Ponte de Lima Bridge

You can learn about the history of Arca e Ponte de Lima when you stop by Ponte de Lima Bridge. Wander the riverfront and parks while you're in the area.

Santa Barbara Garden

Explore the great outdoors at Santa Barbara Garden, a lovely green space in São João do Souto. While in the area, you can find time to visit its cathedral.

Republic Square

You can find out about the history of Santa Maria Maior e Monserrate with a visit to Republic Square. Visit the area's cathedral, or simply enjoy its local chocolate shops.

Esposende Beach

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Esposende Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Esposende, Marinhas e Gandra.

Arco da Porta Nova

Find out about the history of Maximinos, Sé e Cividade when you spend time at Arco da Porta Nova. While in the area, you can find time to visit its cathedral.

Areas of Minho

#Castelo #castle #Guimaraes #Portugal #History

O Castelo de Guimarães começou por um mosteiro mandado construir por Mumadona Dias no século X, antes, portanto, da formação de Portugal. Como os ataques dos mouros eram frequentes decidiram construir uma muralha para proteger a comunidade e os monges que viviam no seu interior. Foi esta fortaleza que deu origem ao Castelo de Guimarães. Mais tarde, no século XII, foi neste castelo que nasceu Dom Afonso Henriques que viria a ser o primeiro rei de Portugal. Com a falta de uso o castelo foi-se degradando. Recentemente foi recuperado e classificado como Monumento Nacional. É também considerado Patrimônio Mundial pela UNESCO. Um lugar cheio de história e que foi berço de Portugal. Não é à toa que em um pedaço da muralha original tem os dizeres “Aqui nasceu Portugal”.

The Castle of Guimarães began with a monastery built by Mumadona Dias in the 10th century, before, therefore, the formation of Portugal. As the attacks of the Moors were frequent they decided to build a wall to protect the community and the monks that lived inside. It was this fort that gave origin to the Castle of Guimarães. Later, in the twelfth century, it was in this castle that Dom Afonso Henriques was born. Some years after he would become the first king of Portugal. With the lack of use the castle was degrading. Recently it was recovered and classified as National Monument. It is also considered World Heritage by UNESCO. A place full of history and that was cradle of Portugal. It is no wonder that in a piece of the original wall has the words "Here was born Portugal".

Old Town Guimarães

Unique features of Old Town Guimarães include the historic sites and restaurants. Make a stop by Paco dos Duques de Braganca or Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira while you're exploring the area.

Old Town Braga

Old Town Braga is noteworthy for its historic sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Braga Cathedral and Santa Barbara Garden.

Rubiães

Praia Fluvial do Taboão - Festival Paredes De Coura is one noteworthy place to stop while you're exploring Rubiães and the surrounding area.

Cervães

Check out nearby sights like Tibaes Monastery while you're spending some time in Cervães and the surrounding area.

Caldelas

Caldelas might not have many top sights, but Citania de Briteiros and Sameiro Sanctuary are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Petimão

While Petimão isn't home to many top sights, Chapel of Our Lady Fatima and Monastery of Saint Miguel of Refojos Garden are some notable places to visit nearby.