Viana do Castelo is a coastal city located in the north of Portugal with a very particular cultural and historical heritage. It is the perfect place to enjoy the tranquillity of a small city with a remarkable quality of life, safety and excellent cultural, sports and social facilities for inhabitants, approximately 86 000, and visitors. The presence of Lima river, Santa Lúzia hill and the Atlantic Ocean, give the city an excellent landscape to sustain a very healthy and pleasant lifestyle.

The historical city center with numerous old buildings dated from the XV century is well connected with a new era of Portuguese contemporary architecture. In addition, the picturesque sights and the unforgettable sunsets from Santa Lúzia hill, attract to Viana do Castelo tourists from all over the world. Unique cultural richness makes Viana do Castelo the capital city of Portuguese folklore complemented with its traditional handicraft, with special emphasis on crockery and embroidery. Viana do Castelo is a perfect city break destination for tourism.

Well known for its gastronomy, Viana do Castelo offers its visitors several restaurants, pastry shops, bakeries, leisure cafes and bars. The historical connection with the Atlantic Ocean provides delicious fresh fish to local businesses. The two renowned pastries are “Torta de Viana” and “Bola de Berlim”, a delight for those who try them.

Viana do Castelo’s Lima River along with fine sandy beaches create a very special natural environment turning the city in an ultimate destination for the practice of nautical sports such as, rowing, sailing, wakeboarding, surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Viana do Castelo’s Santa Lúzia sanctuary attracts over one million visitors each year. Religious tourism from the sanctuary is complemented with the passage of thousands of pilgrims undertaking the coastal Portuguese Camino until the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.