Viana do Castelo is a beautiful harbour town at the northern Atlantic coast of Portugal. This charming town is a perfect day trip destination, as it offers breathtaking views, historic sites, and culinary delights. On top, this town is located near the Spanish boarder and is just a short drive from Porto and Braga. Therefore, it’s an essential stop for pilgrims on the Camino da Costa who are travelling to Santiago de Compostela.
So, whether you’re looking for things to do in Viana do Castelo or planning a stop along the Camino da Costa to Santiago de Compostela, this costal town in northern Portugal offers something for everyone. In this guide, we’re going to share what makes Viana so special. And if you’re wondering what to do in Viana do Castelo during a day trip, this guide will show you exactly what makes it so unique.
The legend behind Viana do Castelo’s name
If you’re planning a day trip to Viana do Castelo, you have to know about the romantic history of this city. There is the legend of a shy princess named Ana, who spent her days in a castle tower on the hill. Whenever a lovestruck young man caught a glimpse of her, he screamed “Vi Ana!” (“I saw Ana!”). This romantic legend adds a mystical aura to its name, which means “Viana of the Castle.”
Santuário de Santa Luzia and how to get there
Things to do in Viana do Castelo include visiting the iconic Santa Luzia basilica. Here, our exploration began at the heart of the town, the Praça da República, which is surrounded by impressive buildings including the town hall. There, we walked through the small and narrow streets of Viana do Castelo and discovered many small artisanal jewellery stores.
Nevertheless, the town’s highlight is the Santuário de Santa Luzia, which is situated at the very top of the hill of Monte de Santa Luzia. This majestic basilica was inspired by the Sacré-Cœur in Paris and is a fusion of Neo-Romanesque and Neo-Byzantine architectural styles. It offers incredible panoramas of Viana do Castelo, the Atlantic Ocean and the Rio Lima.
The journey to the Santuário de Santa Luzia is an experience in itself. Here, visitors have the choice to go up the hill via the Funicular Santa Luzia (3€ per person for a round trip), which is Portugal’s longest funicular railway, or visitors can take the 400-step adventurous hiking trail. Alternatively, the hill can also be accessed by car, bus or bike. But no matter how you get there, visiting Santa Luzia is one of the top things to do in Viana do Castelo.
During our visit, we decided to take the funicular as it already offered a glimpse of the beautiful view. At the top, the views of the Atlantic, Viana do Castelo’s commercial harbour, and the Rio Lima were breathtaking. This is also one of the many reasons why Viana do Castelo is worth visiting. And if you ever plan to go to the Santuário de Santa Luzia, you will probably find this man with his 100 years old camera. He takes photos from visitors right in front of the church, as how it was done 100 years ago.
Is the climb to Santa Luzia Basilica worth it? A scary but stunning experience
Inside the Santuário de Santa Luzia basilica, the adventure continues with the option to climb the spiral staircases to the top. This is one of the more unique things to do in Viana do Castelo, especially for those seeking a bit of thrill and an unforgettable view: From here climbers are rewarded with an even more panoramic view over the Atlantic coast, the Rio Lima, and the surrounding hills of northern Portugal. However, you should be assured that the spiral staircases are very narrow, and it isn’t recommended for people who are struggling with claustrophobia.
Besides that, the climb is regulated by traffic lights to avoid congestion on the narrow stairway and the entrance fee is 2€. The small price for this great adventure and the chance to simply enjoy the breathtaking view of the region’s landscapes are further reasons why Viana do Castelo is worth visiting. But be aware that during peak seasons it might fill up quickly at the viewpoint, as the top of the basilica is very small.
Where to Eat in Viana do Castelo – Seafood & the best bolas de berlim in Portugal
If you’re still wondering what to do in Viana do Castelo, make sure to include a taste of the local cuisine. Then, our culinary journey in Viana do Castelo was as memorable as the climb in the sanctuary. The highlight of our culinary journey was a visit to Tasquinha da Linda, which is a renowned seafood and fish restaurant located in an old fishing warehouse at the port. They source the freshest seafood and fish directly from the sea. But no visit to Viana do Castelo would be complete without sampling the local pastries.
We stopped at Manuel Natário, a vintage bakery known for its hot bolas de berlim (which is a Portuguese delicacy). Arriving at 16.30 pm, we were in time to enjoy these hot bolas fresh out of the oven, dusted in cinnamon sugar and filled with a flavoured egg custard. Moreover, the bakery’s retro interiors provided a charming setting and transports you back in time.
Viana do Castelo: A secret tip in the North of Portugal
Is Viana do Castelo worth visiting? Absolutely, our day in Viana do Castelo was a journey through history, culture, and gastronomy. From the breathtaking views at Santa Luzia to the delicious food, Viana do Castelo offers some of the best things to do in northern Portugal.
Whether you’re a pilgrim, a history lover, or a foodie, a day trip to Viana do Castelo promises a day trip filled with unforgettable experiences. Finally, we enjoyed a beautiful sunset at the harbour of Viana do Castelo and ended our day trip there. We will definitely come back to this beautiful small secret in the North of Portugal.
