Things to do in Viana Do Castelo
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Viana Welcome Centre
This private outfit offers adventure activities such as canyoning, rafting and kayaking. Unfortunately, it’s geared mostly to groups. Bike rental is also available (€2.50/6 per hour/day).
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Monte de Santa Luzia
There are two good reasons to visit Viana's 228m, eucalyptus-clad hill, Monte de Santa Luzia. One is the god's-eye view down the coast and up the Lima valley. The other is the Templo do Sagrado Coração de Jesus.
There's an over-the-top Pousada de Portugal (Pousada do Monte de Santa Luzia) up here, too, behind and above the basilica. Behind that is another attraction, the poorly maintained ruins of a Celtiberian citânia from around the 4th century BC, though these remained closed for redevelopment at the time of writing. You can also make the short walk onwards to the summit.
You can get up the mountain by car or taxi (3.5km) or on foot - an often steep, 2km climb only f…
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Praça da República
The fine Praça da República is at the heart of the city's well-preserved zone of mansions and monuments. Especially elegant is the praça's Chafariz, a Renaissance fountain built in 1554 by João Lopes the Elder. It's topped with Manueline motifs of an armillary sphere and the cross of the Order of Christ.
The fortresslike Antigos Paços do Concelho is the old town hall - another 16th-century creation. The striking former Misericórdia almshouse was designed in 1589 by João Lopes the Younger, its loggias supported by monster caryatids. The adjoining Igreja de Misericórdia was rebuilt in 1714 and is adorned with some of Portugal's finest azulejos by the master António …
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Praia do Cabedelo
Viana's enormous arcing beach, Praia do Cabedelo, is one of the Minho's best, with little development to spoil its charm. It's across the river from town, and one way to get there is a five-minute trip by passenger ferry from the pier south of Largo 5 de Outubro. The ferry goes about hourly between 08:15 and 19:30 daily from May to September, and often later in July and August. Alternatively, TransCunha have multiple daily buses to Cabedelo from the bus station.
Check at the station or turismo for current schedules.
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Ship
Demanding attention on the waterfront near Largo 5 de Outubro is a pioneering naval hospital ship, the Gil Eannes (zheel yan -ish). Now restored, the ship once provided on-the-job care for those fishing off the coast of Newfoundland. Visitors can clamber around the steep decks and cabins, though a scattering of old clinical equipment may make your hair stand on end. The ship even houses a novel – if cramped – youth hostel.
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Museu Municipal
The 18th-century Palacete Barbosa Maciel, home of the museu municipal, bears witness to Viana’s affluent past. It houses an impressive collection of 17th- and 18th-century ceramics (especially blue Portuguese china) and furniture. Most impressive are three 2nd-floor rooms lined with azulejos, depicting scenes of hunting, palace life and the anthropomorphic allegory of the four continents.
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Templo Do Sagrado Coração de Jesus
A good reason to visit Viana’s 228m, eucalyptus-clad hill is the fabulously over-the-top, 20th-century, neo-Byzantine Templo do Sagrado Coração de Jesus. You can get a little closer to heaven on its windy, graffiti-covered roof, via an elbow-scrapingly tight stairway (€0.50) – take the entrance marked zimbório (dome) – or the lift (€0.80).
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Taberna Do Valentim
Hidden among the humble abodes of the old fishermen’s neighbourhood you’ll find this fantastic seafood restaurant. Fresh grilled fish is available by the kilo, while the equally well-loved dishes are the rich seafood stews – arroz de tamboril (monkfish rice) and magnificent caldeirada (fish stew).
reviewed
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Castelo de São Tiago Da Barra
You can still scoot around the ramparts of the Castelo de São Tiago Da Barra, a short walk west of the centre, which began in the 15th century as a smallish fort. It was integrated into a larger fort, commissioned by Felipe II of Spain (Felipe I of Portugal) in 1592, to guard the prosperous port against pirates.
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Parish Church
This elegant parish church – also known as the sé – dates back to the 15th century, although it has since been through several reincarnations. Check out its unusually sculpted Romanesque towers and Gothic doorway, carved with figures of Christ and the Evangelists.
reviewed
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Margarida da Praça
Bringing a bit of bohemian chic to the scene, this intimate restaurant has a small selection of tasty, lovingly made dishes. Pasta with monkfish and seafood, vegetable goulash and shrimp with guacamole are among recent selections. There’s always a good vegetarian option or two.
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Portela & Filhos
If there are enough passengers, boats run up and down the Rio Lima daily in summer, from the pier south of Largo 5 de Outubro. The most common trip takes 45 minutes, but longer excursions, with lunch, are available in midsummer. For details call Portela & Filhos or check at the pier.
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Igreja Matriz
The elegant Igreja Matriz - also known as the sé - dates from the 15th century, though it has since had several reincarnations. Note its unusually sculpted Romanesque towers and Gothic doorway, carved with figures of Christ and the Evangelists.
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Scala Restaurante
Overlooking the rugged Praia Norte, Scala has unrivalled views of the sea. The interior is less exciting, but livened up perhaps by the broad menu of salads, crêpes, seafood and the usual Portuguese favourites. Scala is 2km west of the centre.
reviewed
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Gondola Gelataria
For creamy rich gelato (known in these parts as ‘gelado’ ), Gondola delivers the goods. Mango, blood orange, banana and pistachio are among the flavour temptations at this indoor/outdoor spot by the water.
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Igreja de Misericórdia
The Igreja de Misericórdia, which was rebuilt in 1714, is adorned with some of Portugal’s finest azulejos, created by the master António de Oliveira Bernardes and his son Policarpo.
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New Look Club
A popular newcomer to the club scene, this boxy space has a spacious dance floor ringed by an upstairs gallery for checking out the scene below. It’s next door to Flôr de Sal hotel on Praia Norte.
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Os 3 Potes
Set in the former public kiln, this cosy restaurant serves traditional Minho delicacies such as oven-roasted lamb, lamprey (in season) and grilled fish. An ample wine cellar adds to the appeal.
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Afife
There's a string of fine beaches north of Viana for 25km to Caminha, including good surfing at Afife. Four daily regional trains (15 minutes) make their way up the coast to Afife.
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Dolce Vianna
This pleasant local favourite cooks up thin-crust, cheese-heavy pizzas in a wood-burning oven. Lasagne, calzones and fettuccine provide a nice respite from Portuguese standards.
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Restaurante O Garfo
Hunkering down in the arches that face the docks, O Garfo is a solid, unpretentious eatery offering lots of very fresh fish dishes and more. There are tables outside in summer.
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Teatro Municipal Sá de Miranda
Viana do Castelo’s cultural epicentre, this neoclassical theatre hosts a regular line-up of music, theatre, dance and the occasional opera.
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Caffe del Rio
Imported DJs spin house and hip-hop as well as pop and R&B here. The sleek glass-and-chrome, ’60s-style bar upstairs has great river views.
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Glamour
This nightlife mainstay is Viana’s longest-running disco, with a menu of commercial house and pop, as well as the odd band thrown in the mix.
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Confeitaria Brasileira
Around the corner from the main plaza, this pastry shop delivers flaky fresh-baked delights as well as decent coffee.
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