Experiences - Hotel Castelo Santa Catarina

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Experiences

Discover the North

Enjoy your stay at Castelo de Santa Catarina while taking the opportunity to explore the city of Porto and get acquainted with other nearby cities. 
Our team is at your disposal to offer helpful recommendations for your visit, such as restaurants, transport, travel, sightseeing highlights and more.

Porto

Porto, a World Heritage city, serves as the starting point of a journey through the North of Portugal. Known for the famous Port wine, beautiful landscapes along the Douro River and unparalleled gastronomy, Porto is distinguished by the variety of historic and contemporary buildings that make up the city.
  • Clérigos Tower
  • Stock Exchange Palace (Palácio da Bolsa)
  • Casa da Música
  • Cathedral (Sé)
  • Church of São Francisco
  • Douro River (Ribeira)
  • Dom Luís Bridge
  • Port Wine Cellars
  • Avenida dos Aliados
  •  Serralves Foundation
  • Carmo Church
  • São Bento Station
  • Lello Bookshop

Guimarães

Considered the first city in Portugal, Guimarães is one of the most important historical cities in the country. Its historical centre is considered a World Cultural Heritage site, with its characteristic streets and monuments which are steeped in history and enchant all those who visit.
As Guimarães was the starting point for the construction of Portugal, the locals are proudly referred to as ‘conquistadores’ (conquerors) in honour of the legacy of the conquest that began in the city. Examples of top sights to see:
  • Castle of Guimarães
  • Historic Centre of Guimarães – UNESCO World Heritage
  • Palaces of the Dukes of Bragança on Colina Sagrada
  • City Wall on Avenida Alberto Sampaio
  • Dominican Church and Convent on Rua da Liberdade
  • Convent of Santa Marinha da Costa on Largo Domingos Leite Castro
  • Monastery of St Torcato in São Torcato

Douro Valley

 The Douro Valley has one of the most beautiful cultural landscapes in Portugal, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s here, on the slopes of the Douro Valley, where you’ll find the estates that produce the renowned Port wine. 
You can enjoy your tour of the Douro Valley by car, train, boat or even by helicopter. 
  • Douro Valley landscape – UNESCO World Heritage – First demarcated wine region in the world since 1756
  • Port wine estates
  • Unique landscape transformed by humankind

Amarante

In addition to appreciating the beauty of this city brought to life by the Tâmega River, one of the important tributaries of the Douro River, you can’t leave without having visited its historical centre and the Church of São Gonçalo.

Sabrosa

In the heart of the Alto Douro wine region, you’ll embark on an unforgettable descent to Vila do Pinhão.

Vila do Pinhão

Classified as a World Cultural Heritage site, one of the most interesting attractions to visit is its railway station, which is renowned for its 24 tile panels depicting the landscapes of the Douro.

Lamego

In this ancient, monumental town, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Los Remedios is well worth a visit, and it’s essential that you make a stop at a wine farm specialising in sparkling wines.

Régua

Situated on the banks of the Douro River in the extreme west of the northern region of Portugal, Peso da Régua is where the barrels of Port wine were loaded on to wooden boats, known as rabelos, and transported to Vila Nova de Gaia, at the mouth of the Douro. Peso da Régua is the cradle of the oldest demarcated wine region in the world, the Douro DOC, which has been regulated since 1756. Guided tours, walks along the river and hikes through this peerless landscape should be part of your plans when visiting this town.
  • São Vicente Church, Galafura Parish Church (17th-century Site of Public Interest)
  • Stained-glass windows of the Casa do Douro by Lino António
  • Douro Museum
  • Port Wine Manor (Solar do Vinho do Porto)
  • Houses and manors emblazoned with coats of arms
  • Alto da Fonte do Milho Archaeological Station in Canelas do Douro, Poiares (1st to 4th centuries AD)
  • Fonte dos Mouros medieval necropolis in Galafura

Braga

Braga, once a Roman city and heavily influenced by Baroque architecture, is one of Portugal’s main religious centres. Discover its major places of worship, such as the cathedral and the sanctuaries of Bom Jesus do Monte and Sameiro.
It’s considered the third city of Portugal and it’s the capital of the Minho region. It enjoys an international reputation as a tourist-friendly city featuring iconic monuments, magnificent gardens, fine cuisine and a vibrant social and cultural life. Prepare your itinerary and explore the county’s heritage, history and popular festivals, as well as the region’s exquisite gastronomy.
  •  Sanctuary of Bom Jesus (Santuário do Bom Jesus)
  • Sameiro Sanctuary (Santuário do Sameiro)
  • Historic Centre of Braga
  • Braga Cathedral (Sé)
  • Arch of the New Gate (Arco da Porta Nova)