PORTUGAL’S secret hideaways
FOR QUIET BEACHES
Viana do Castelo
Less than an hour north of Porto, in the heart of the Costa Verde, Viana do Castelo is one of Portugal’s most underrated cities. It’s the jumping-off point for some of its best beaches too.
Why go The town itself has historic tile-fronted houses, cobbled streets lined with little bakeries and a handful of excellent museums (such as the Fundação Gil Eannes, a maritime museum housed in a decommissioned ice-breaker ship). But the real reason to come here is to access the numerous blonde beaches that lie to the north and south of the town. You may have many of them to yourself – even in high season!
Grab your swimmers and hop in the car. Follow the N13 road north towards Vila Praia de Âncora,
