City culture
The city of Viana do Castelo is just a few kms away and a great option is exploring it using the hotel’s electric bikes or the hotel has a water taxi that can bring you into town – they will even carry the electric bikes onboard if you’re feeling extra lazy! The old narrow streets beg to be discovered and in an innovative move the local council offers incentives for people to live in the city so ensuring there’s life in the centre rather then deserted streets in the evenings. The range of architecture – Manueline, Renaissance, Baroque or Art Deco – is a rich visual feast but to really appreciate the beauty of the area take the funicular railway to the top of the hill that overlooks the city where you will be rewarded with amazing views and get to explore the ornate 20th-century Basilica of Santa Luzia, the Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus built on the western spur of the Santa Luzia mountain that dominates the city’s skyline.
Maritime connections
Viana do Castelo’s long connection to the sea runs all the way from the Portuguese discoveries to its importance as home port to a large cod fishing fleet and shipbuilding industry. With the fishing and shipping industries in decline in recent times the local council again took another bold move and sought to keep the maritime connection by making sure that the local schools have water sports as part of their program and are keen to promote marine based tourism. In the middle of August the city marks its connection with the sea formally with a celebration of Nossa Senhora da Agonia, the patron saint of fishermen. For three days the streets are filled with parades of floats, towering puppets and colourful local costumes, as well as traditional music and food in what locals call “The biggest party in Portugal!”
