📷 Photo by Micael Rodrigues on UnsplashNorthern Portugal: Minho and Gerês
The birthplace of Portugal, Baroque Braga, granite mountains and a Roman bridge at Ponte de Lima.
- Distance
- approx. 155 km (96 mi)
- Driving
- 2 h 08 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 5
- Countries
- Portugal
- Best time to go
- May–October
- Tolls and vignettes
- ≈ €7
- Updated
- July 9, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 155 km (96 mi) with 5 stops, from Porto to Ponte de Lima. About 2 h 08 min of driving in total. Best time to go: May–October. Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €7 (Portugal).
More road trips in Portugal · More road trips from Porto
Photos along the route
Route description
From Porto, head north-east to Guimarães, known as the birthplace of Portugal, with a castle and the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza above a medieval old town. Braga, a short drive away, is a city of Baroque churches, and just outside it the Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary is reached by a monumental zigzag staircase or a water-powered funicular.
From Braga, head north-east into the Peneda-Gerês National Park, Portugal’s only national park, with granite mountains, waterfalls and old Roman milestones along the ancient road known as the Geira. The spa village of Gerês is a good base.
The route ends in Ponte de Lima, one of Portugal’s oldest towns, with a long medieval bridge on Roman foundations across the river Lima. Its riverside market is held every other Monday.
The mountain roads in Peneda-Gerês are narrow, and wild camping is prohibited in the park. Many Portuguese motorways have electronic-only tolls, so register your vehicle or use a toll device before you travel.
Which stops are on Northern Portugal?
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Porto
Portugal - 253 km
Guimarães
Portugal - 320 km
Braga
Portugal - 438 km
Peneda-Gerês National Park
NatureGerês, PortugalGranite mountains, waterfalls and old Roman milestones in Portugal’s only national park.
- 544 km
Ponte de Lima
Portugal
How do you drive Northern Portugal in 3 days?
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Porto → Guimarães · 53 km · 0 h 44 minOvernight nearby, for example: GarfePark Camping (11 km); Parque de Campismo e Caravanismo Municipal de Braga (15 km).
- Day 2: Guimarães → Peneda-Gerês National Park · 58 km · 0 h 48 minOn the way: Braga.Overnight nearby, for example: Lima Escape (17 km); Gerês Greenpark (10 km).
- Day 3: Peneda-Gerês National Park → Ponte de Lima · 44 km · 0 h 37 minOvernight nearby, for example: Camping de Covas (16 km); NaturViana (14 km).
When is the best time for Northern Portugal?
The most pleasant months are usually May–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March–April and November. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
What should you know before driving Northern Portugal?
Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €7 (Portugal).
- Portugal: Electronic tolls by number plate. Some motorways only have electronic tolls; register your plate or rent a transponder. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
More routes for the best months
Practical guides for this route
Themes
Plan this route for your vehicle
Scout adapts this route to your vehicle, your days and your budget.
FAQs
How long is Northern Portugal: Minho and Gerês?
3-day road trip of about 155 km (96 mi) with 5 stops, from Porto to Ponte de Lima. About 2 h 08 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Northern Portugal: Minho and Gerês?
We suggest 3 days: about 2 h 08 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Northern Portugal: Minho and Gerês start and end?
It starts in Porto and ends in Ponte de Lima.
Which countries does Northern Portugal: Minho and Gerês pass through?
Portugal.
Where can you camp along Northern Portugal: Minho and Gerês?
OpenStreetMap lists 45 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Parque de Campismo de Salgueiros, Istas Garden and Lima Escape.
How much are the tolls on Northern Portugal?
Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €7 (Portugal). Estimate with typical rates; motorhomes pay more, and vehicles over 3.5 t often pay by distance.
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