64 Best Sights in Northern Portugal, Portugal

This part of the coastline is where you'll find the Mindelo Ornithological Reserve, which became Portugal's first protected area in 1957. One of the few remaining swaths of undeveloped land in the region around Porto, it has 1,500 acres of dunes, fields, and wetlands. It's home to more than 80 bird species and is an important haven for amphibians. The reserve is a 20-minute drive from Vila do Conde; you can also take the metro to Varziela or Espaço Natureza, from where it's a 15-minute walk to the marked trails—or to the boardwalk along the dunes.

This huge cathedral was originally Romanesque but is now an impressively cohesive blend of styles. The delicate Renaissance stone tracery on the roof is particularly eye-catching. Enter from Rua do Souto through the 18th-century cloister; the cathedral interior is on your left, and there are various interesting chapels. Steps by the entrance to the cathedral lead to the Museu de Arte Sacra (Museum of Religious Art), which has a fascinating collection, including a 14th-century crystal cross set in bronze. From the magnificent coro alto (upper choir), which you cross as part of the tour, there are views of the great baroque double organ. Across the cloister, you'll see the Capela dos Reis (Kings' Chapel), a 14th-century chapel containing the tombs of Afonso Henriques's parents, Henry of Burgundy and his wife, Teresa.

For sweeping views of the town, board this cable car that whisks you up to the top of Mount Penha in 10 minutes. The journey ends with a nice view from the gardens that overlook the city. The climb down is steep, so buy a round-trip ticket.

The city's most prominent landmark is this great, blunt, 14th-century castle keep overlooking the river. It houses the military collection of the Museu da Região Flaviense (Flaviense Regional Museum), where a hodgepodge of local archeological finds are presented in a free display at the neighboring city hall. The ramparts around the tower offer grand views of the town.