need-to-knows

Where To Stay

FeelViana Sport Hotel, 4-star

This highly-rated resort with in-room jacuzzis is the most sustainable hotel in the area. Think ‘ecological concept’ – wooden bungalows in a forest setting while still close to beaches. feelviana.com

Axis Viana, 4-star

Next to the city park and renowned for its architecture and ‘business and spa concept’, it is considered the most modern hotel in its category in the country. axishoteis.com/pt/axis-viana

Pousada Viana do Castelo, 4-star

Atop the Monte de Santa Luzia, this is the first choice for many for the historical feel and the exceptional panoramic views. pousadas.pt/en/hotel/pousada-viana

Where To Eat

Viana do Castelo is known for its fresh seafood (seriously, I had no words), traditional stews, and sweet pastries. Some of the musttry dishes include bacalhau com broa, bacalhau à moda de Viana do Castelo, arroz de sarrabulho, the delicious bolas de Berlim and the torta de Viana. Here are some places to try:

Manuel Natario Bakery

Home of the twice daily line-ups for freshly baked bolas de berlim, sold until they run out. A cool fact: if you happen to know of the Brazilian writer-poet, Jorge Amado (yep, Amado does mean ‘loved’), you might find it charming to know that he was once a local in Viana and a frequent customer of this donut shop. In fact, in his novel Showdown, Amado named a character Captain Natario after the owner with whom he shared friendship.

258 822 376 pastelariaconfeitariamanuelnatario.pt

Open till 19:00

Maria Petisca

Super charming, in the town centre, and food that goes above and beyond to steal your heart.

258 409 546 mariapetisca.com

O Pescador

In the historical centre and delivering traditional taste for modern foodies and seafood lovers.

258 826 039 opescadorviana.com

Tasquinha da Praça

A local favourite down by the docks with great traditional Portuguese, seafood and the famous ‘francesinha’.

258 823 361 tasquinhadapraca.pt

Casa Primavera

A no frills family-owned and operated restaurant serving delicious (sea)food at very generous prices.

258 821 807 facebook.com/TabernaSoares

Joanna's Wine Shop and Tapas

Worth driving a few minutes from the city centre for their good wines, good snacks and good times.

968 522 947 joannaswinetapas.pt