The north of Portugal isn’t only about Porto, Braga, Guimarães and the Douro Valley. Undoubtedly, these are the most iconic and touristic towns and villages, but there’s much more to uncover and see.

Just one hour from the “northern capital of Portugal” – Porto – lies a small town called Viana do Castelo. Following the main coastline, and passing by seashore villages such as Vila do Conde, Póvoa de Varzim and Esposende, you will arrive at this small and cozy town with a history dating from the Pre-historic times and with a strong Roman legacy.

Not far from the Spanish border, Viana do Castelo had several names since the Dark Ages; Viana da Foz do Lima, being one of them, served as a seaside stronghold, defending the northern coastline against pirates that came from Africa and wanted to settle an important hub in Portugal. Thus, Viana also had canon significance; between the 8^th and 13^th centuries, this maritime town was a religious outpost, protecting the holy city of Saint James (Santiago de Compostela).

A town of traders, especially with the Hanseatic League (a commercial network of northern traders from Hamburg, Oslo, Porto, London, Paris and much more) and one of the most important seaports during the golden age of Portugal – the Age of the Discoveries.

Its name is linked to an old legend, emphasizing a fisherman who transported several goods through the Lima River. When he arrived to what is nowadays Viana’s entrance, he saw a very beautiful woman, so beautiful that he immediately fell in love with her. This woman, named Ana, became a reference when the fisherman saw Ana on the horizon (Vi a Ana), suddenly this territory became Viana. Nevertheless, the name “do Castelo” was only added in 1848.