Região Norte

The Região Norte borders Spanish Galicia, sharing a very similar climate with its northern neighbour. Including the vast commercial city of Porto, the ‘Costa Verde’ is both the richest and also the most fertile region thanks to its abundant rainfall. The shoreline, river landscapes, mountains and last but not least the wine – almost everything around here epitomises Portugal. Alongside a plethora of fruit and vegetables, port vines are the most important crop. In summer, there’s also plenty of sun on the Costa Verde and hence a thermally-reinforced Nortada at select spots. The jewel in the north’s crown is an idyllic little town – Viana do Castelo at the mouth of the River Lima where the Nortada blows strongest of all northern spots, although the waves are usually moderate. The biggest swell can be found near Moledo just inside the Spanish border, whereas further south Esposende offers flat water and moderate winds.