Magical Minho
In the beginning, there was Minho
Portugal began as a nation in the beautiful northern region of Minho. It was in Guimarães, that King D. Afonso Henriques and declared independence. For this reason, the Portuguese look at the most northern region of the country as the cradle of their homeland. Lovely in every season, Minho truly is a fantastic province. Bordering with Spain, the river, Minho, has lent its name to an entire region. Full of history, culture, tradition, Minho also has a very interesting artistic and creative contemporary side.
Portugal began as a nation in the beautiful northern region of Minho. It was in Guimarães, that King D. Afonso Henriques rebelled against his mother and declared independence. For this reason, the Portuguese look at the most northern region of the country as the cradle of their homeland. Lovely in every season, Minho truly is a fantastic province. Bordering with Spain, the river, Minho, has lent its name to an entire region. Full of history, culture, tradition, Minho also has a very interesting artistic and creative contemporary side.
Mesmerizing Minho: Nature and Culture
If you think of Minho, you think green. Nature is indeed generous in this region of the country, where the Atlantic climate nourishes the intensely green landscape, the coastline is of great beauty and the rivers and streams are full of life. Minho is known for its festive spirit – often associated with religious traditions – and the genuine hospitality of its people.
From quaint small villages where time seems to stand still, to historic cities such as Guimarães, Braga, and Viana do Castelo, the Minho region is always full of surprises. Guimarães, European Capital of Culture in 2012, is a vibrant city where traditions, history and vernacular architecture are blended with emerging trends in different fields of creation.
Minho is the country’s oldest region and for this reason one can truly feel the pulse of history by walking its streets, visiting its spectacular churches and monuments, or staying at one of its superb Manor Houses, from ancient noble families, that now exist as privileged places of hospitality. Minho has an unusually rich gastronomy is another highlight of the region. There are many typical restaurants and tascas serving delicious homemade food, as well as options for the more sophisticated foodies.
The luxurious side of Minho
In the food and wine chapter, too, the region has a lot to offer. Firstly, because it is the land of Vinho Verde, the fresh wine made with the grapes that grow in the region’s vibrant green vineyards. Grapes and vineyards are at the origin of one of the most special hotel projects in Minho. The Monverde hotel, near Amarante, is a place you will not forget. This is a superb eno-tourism complex with a sustainable profile where simplicity is at the heart of luxury. This “wine experience” hotel is set in the middle of the vineyards of Quinta da Lixa. But the outstanding landscape of Minho is not the only attraction here. The hotel has a fabulous Spa, serves great food and has a carefully curated selection of wines from all over Portugal. Not far from here, the ultimate sybarite experience awaits you at the restaurant Largo do Paço, at Casa da Calçada. This is the only Michelin-starred restaurant of the region, and, as part of the Relais & Chateaux chain, this 5-star hotel is one of the most charming and elegant places to the discover Minho.
