Historically rich and synonymous with Vinho Verde, Viana Do Castelo District is found in the northwest of Portugal, bordered by Spain and the Braga District, with an Atlantic seaboard. It has an area of approximately 2,250 square kilometres, a population of around a quarter of a million inhabitants, and therefore not densely populated by Portuguese standards.
The climate is considered temperate oceanic, which produces mild, rainy winters and pleasantly warm, sunny summers that can be spent on its sandy beaches. Though the most northerly district of Portugal, Viana Do Castelo still enjoys around 2,500 hours of sunshine each year. Visitors may, however, wish to avoid the wettest month which is December.
If seafood is your passion, you could do far worst than move to Viana. The place is buzzing with traditional seafood restaurants, arguably serving some of the freshest fish in Portugal. The people are friendly and the climate, one that tends to contain all of the seasons, is a good choice for those who don't like it too hot. You are also only a stone's throw from "Green Spain" and of course, where the Camino trail leaves Portugal on its way to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia.
Porto is the closest international airport, a 45-minute drive away. Major roads are the A27 which takes drivers to Ponte de Lima, and the A28 which is the Porto road.
The district capital is the city of Viana do Castelo, the most urban of the district, where some think fado music may have been born. It’s positioned on the increasingly popular Portuguese Way (An alternative path to the Camino de Santiago) at the mouth of the Lima river.)
Some say Viana was once Portugal’s second commercial capital. Service industries dominate here these days, though the city does have a seaport, where the Estaleiros de Viana do Castelo is one of the few large Portuguese shipyards still in operation. It is also home to a large cluster of wind farms, and car-part manufacturing has made Viana do Castelo one of the most dynamic exporting regions in the country. Viana do Castelo has a railway station that connects to the capital in just over five hours, offering legendary Portuguese value. Public transport provision will be better in the district capital than in most other locations, and a car is best advised for exploring the ‘Costa Verde’ and the interior.
Should you visit this district via the Portuguese Way path, you’ll be just 2 km from the Atlantic Ocean in the municipality of Caminha. At Paredes de Coura in August, you can enjoy the town’s annual rock festival held every year at the Praia do Taboão beach, one of the three largest summer music festivals in Portugal. Another district treat is the stunning 15th-century bridge over the Lima river, at Ponte da Barca.
Named after another long medieval bridge that crosses the Lima, is Ponte de Lima, the oldest chartered town in Portugal, founded in 1125. Every second Monday, the town plays host to one of the largest country markets in the land. Nearby, you can experience one of the country’s largest concentrations of baroque manors, and whilst doing so savour a local red Vinho Verde.
Of note may be the fact that Viana do Castelo decommissioned its bullfighting arena back in 2009, 70 years after it was built, when then-mayor Defensor Moura, declared his city “anti-bullfighting”. Clearly, this somewhat overlooked and arguably underrated district is evidently ancient, yet progressive in outlook and aspiration. There is also golf available within the district if that is what you're looking for..
Property wise you can rent a three bedroomed apartment in the city centre for around 380 euros per month reducing to € 300 outside of the centre. Be prepared to pay between €2500 to € 3500 per square metre in the centre if you are intending to purchase.
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Viana Do Castelo from Facebook
Viana Do Castelo Council (Câmara)
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For a detailed look at the area topography please click here
If you are planning a trip to view properties in this District and need help or guidance, get in touch Contact us and we will put you in touch with a property expert that speaks your language.
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