Leaving Porto in the morning, we head north with a delicious first stop in Esposende, along the Atlantic, to savor the traditional Clarinhas de Fão—a gem of convent sweets filled with chila jam and wrapped in a thin, crispy pastry. After this sweet awakening, we head toward Ponte de Lima, considered the oldest city in Portugal. Here, the historic center invites a leisurely stroll among cobblestone streets, centuries-old churches, and the iconic Roman-medieval bridge that crosses the Lima River. For lunch, there's nothing better than immersing yourself in the authentic flavors of Minho cuisine, with dishes like arroz de sarrabulho (rice with sarrabulho), rojões (rojões), or bacalhau à moda da terra (codfish). The afternoon is reserved for a visit to the Adega Cooperativa de Ponte de Lima, where you can discover the production process of the region's famous vinho verde (green wine), complete with a tasting and stunning views of the vineyards. On the way back to Porto, the route includes a stop in Santo Tirso for a brief visit to the Monastery of São Bento and to savor another convent sweet, the Jesuíta, ending the day on a remarkable spiritual, architectural, and gastronomic note. An itinerary that combines tradition, flavor, and authenticity in a single memorable day.
Highlights
From Conventual Sweets to Vinho Verde: A Journey through the Soul of the North
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