Viana do Castelo

Tours

The Gil Eannes Hospital Ship was built in Viana do Castelo shipyard in 1955 to aid the cod-fishing fleet off the banks of Newfoundland and Greenland. Its main purpose was to render medical assistance to the fishermen and crew of this fleet. However, it also served as a flagship, a mail ship, a tugboat, an icebreaker and a supply ship as it guaranteed the supply of provisions, nets, bait and fuel to the fishing vessels. There was also a chaplain on board to provide spiritual and religious guidance. It completed its last voyage to assist the fishing fleet in 1973 and two years later in 1975, it made its final journey as a hospital ship, providing medical-hospital aid during the withdrawal of troops when Angola became independent. It was decommissioned in 1984 and docked on the Lisbon port only to be moved from pier to pier until it was sold to a scrap dealer in 1997. In a deplorable state of degradation and most of its equipment ransacked, it was scheduled to be dismantled. In the face of this inglorious fate, the Vianense community united to bring the ship back home, to where it was built, being rescued from the scrapyard. It returned to Viana on January 31st, 1998. After major restoration works at the Viana do Castelo shipyard, it was docked on the city's old commercial port for people to visit. Since then, visitor has "navigated" through the various restored museum spaces which include: the bridge, galley, bakery, engine room, operating theatre, doctor's surgery room, treatment room, radiology room, various cabins, chapel, temporary exhibit rooms and other spaces. Now serving as a museum ship under the custody of the Gil Eannes Foundation, a non-profit organization who owns the ship, an array of services and products are available to tourist which provides memorable experiences and a glimpse into the country and city's maritime heritage.

Enjoy a unique experience that will allow you to explore one of the most beautiful nature routes in the water in a Kayak: the Açudes section. Discover the route that connects Ponte da Barca and Ponte de Lima. Cross safely fast dams with a low degree of difficulty, inserted in a pollution-free valley, allowing you to enjoy nature in its pure and relaxing state. During this experience, you will be accompanied by a monitor in the water and a support vehicle outside the river, bringing all the safety and guidance necessary for beginners and pros.

The fun begins at the Canyoning Center in Lugar da Varziela in Castro Laboreiro, where adventurers are provided with a neoprene suit and socks, boots, helmet, and special-grip sandals. A quick safely briefing will give an overview on how to navigate the stream and rappel before we make our way to the river.   The Varziela river offers a variety of natural slides perfect for jumping and rappelling and suitable for all levels.

Portugal Active’s Horseback Riding Tour will take you through the breathtaking scenery of Viana do Castelo. You’ll pass through fields of flowers, mountain trails and even the paradisiac beaches* of the city. The tour can be made for anyone – from a beginner to a professional – we have horses for all types of riders. It will be supervised by an experienced teacher who will guide and teach you how to better control your horse. * Please note that, due to local legal restrictions during bathing season, it might not be possible to ride on the beach sand, therefore the route shall be slightly adapted.

Enjoy a night of fado while enjoying your meal in a historic building in the city center of Viana do Castelo. The show lasts 2 hours, with some breaks to allow you to enjoy the meal and socialize. Unforgettable cultural and musical moment with one of the best singers in the North of Portugal. You can have dinner or just drink something. We have a wide menu with vegetarian, meat and fish options. the repertoire is 80% of the fado muse Amalia Rodrigues. We promise to convey the emotion and feeling that fado conveys.

We'll drive along the North Coast of Portugal on a 4x4 jeep unveiling some of the most amazing natural gems hidden in Portugal that fortunately, not everybody knows. We will visit Vila Nova de Cerveira (medieval village), Viana do Castelo and its wonderful beaches, the waterfalls of the "pinchos" and much more. Weather permitting, you can refresh yourself in the clear waters of the waterfalls and we will have a lunch in typical taverna whit Portuguese “tapas”. Returning to Porto, we will visite one of more typical Fisherman villages (Angeiras). Come and discover the surprises waiting for you! Other things to note Meet at the indicated meeting point (on request we can make the drop in and drop off in your accommodation with extra cost) bring comfortable clothes and bathing suit. RNAAT nº de registo 285/2018.

Get ready for an exciting and unforgettable experience in the turbulent waters of the Minho River, here in Melgaço. Our company specializes in providing safe and fun rafting adventures for people of all ages and skill levels. Rafting is a perfect activity for nature and adrenaline lovers. Our experienced and certified guides ensure that you enjoy an exciting adventure, always with safety in mind. Both for families looking for fun, and for groups of friends who want an extra dose of adrenaline, rafting is an activity that appeals to everyone. Here, in Melgaço, we have the advantage of having water in the River Minho all year round. Even in the summer months we manage to provide exciting rafting sessions. This means that, regardless of the time of year you visit us, you will be able to enjoy the adrenaline of the waters of the Minho River. We value your safety above all else. Our equipment is of high quality and always in perfect condition. We strictly follow safety regulations and provide a full explanation prior to the activity to ensure you are well informed and prepared. So, if you are looking for an amazing rafting experience on the Minho River, visit us at Melgaço Whitewater. We look forward to welcoming you to our team and providing unforgettable moments of fun, adventure and togetherness amidst the natural wonders of Melgaço. Get in touch with us right now and book your rafting adventure!

Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Ponte de Lima and Viana do Castelo from the stunning heights of Serra da Nó. With passages through natural wonders that envelop the mountain range, enhancing your journey with their timeless beauty. This exhilarating tour not only immerses you in the splendor of nature but also tests your driving skills on diverse terrains. It promises an adrenaline-fueled adventure suitable for nature enthusiasts, thrill-seekers, and individuals of all ages. An exciting and complete ride for people of all ages who like nature, driving and challenge

The Viana do Castelo Costume Museum, integrated into the Portuguese Museum Network since 2004, is a permanent, non-profit institution at the service of society and its development, which incorporates cultural assets and values them through research, inventory, conservation, exhibition and interpretation, disseminating the representative assets of nature and the Alto Minho man, with the mission of studying popular culture, safeguarding and developing heritage and educating, in the true dynamic sense of creativity and culture.

Portugal and Spain are well represented on this excursion to Santiago. The pickups are made between 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM, and, after this, the adventure will start. First, you discover the Capital of Galicia - a very special place. Santiago de Compostela is visited by millions of people, many of them pilgrims arriving through the Camino de Santiago. A center of the Catholic faith, it is considered a Cultural Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO. When all the group agrees, you will have some free time so that you can have lunch and enjoy the local gastronomy. After Santiago, you will travel to Valença do Minho.