Those who are most interested in history and culture will want to drive north from Lisbon to the Minho region, which runs from Galicia in northwestern Spain to just north of Porto in Portugal. This is the cradle of the Portuguese nation—Celts, Romans, Visigoths and Muslims all settled there.
Plan to spend three days in this scenic area, resplendent with vineyards, natural parks, mountain towns and historic villages.
Key places to visit in the Minho region include Barcelos, Braga, Citania de Briteiros, Guimaraes, Porto, Parque Nacional da Peneda Geres, Ponte de Lima and Viana do Castelo.
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