Castelo, or Viana do Castelo is located between the sea, the river and the mountains. The city is located on the Lima Estuary, surrounded by hills that can be pictured from atop a mountain, the Monte de Santa Luzia. The choices between the sandy beach with the differing horizons of the mountain and the Atlantic have become a haven for tourists and visitors alike throughout the years.

The town of Castelo lies at the mouth of the Rio Lima and has had a long historic love affair with the sea. The earliest recorded name was Calpe, christened by Diomedes in 1156 BC. In 1253, King Henriques Alfonso granted its town charter under the name of Viana. The town became a haven for Jews escaping persecution from Spanish authorities in the 15^th century. With the influx of a new population, it made Viana a favored raiding ground for corsairs and pirates. It was also during this time that Viana became one of the main ports of the Portuguese fleet. Two famed explorers bid Portugal from the waters around the town, namely Joao Velho who conquered Congo and Joao Alvares Fagundes who was able to reach Newfoundland. That same year, the Spanish Army invaded the port town. Dom Antonio, the Prior of Crato was able to liberate the town from the Spanish Army in 1640 and changed the name of the town to Viana do Castelo.

Viana do Castelo retains its old folksy charm despite the influx and growth of tourism in the area. This is due to the many industries that retained the traditions of the town. These include deep-sea fishing and other land based industries such as pyrotechnics, wood manufacturing, ceramics and boat building. The many narrow streets of the town are decked with Manueline inspired manors with an occasional ox cart with wooden wheels that pass along its stone streets. The town has also retained its pottery and handicraft industry, which is sold not only in town but also all throughout Portugal. One of the most renowned industries in the city is the decorative filigree jewellery which came to fore during the Moorish occupation of the area.

Viana do Castelo is also famous for the many celebrations and festivals that fill the calendar of the town. The most famous festival is the annual Festa de Nossa Senhora de Agonia or the Festival of Our Lady of Agony. This festival is held in late August and provides women the chance to wear the regional garb in vibrant colors of orange, scarlet blue bedecked with layers of golden necklaces with heart and cross-shaped pendants.

At the center of Viana do Castelo is the Chafariz, a water fountain built in 1553. The magnificent water spewing figures have been a favorite habitué in the town be it during the day or the night. Another landmark of the city is the Igreja de Misericordia. The three-storey house was constructed in 1598 featuring Roman archways, Renaissance inspired balconies and pillars. Another must see edifice is the Cathedral circa 15^th century named Igreja de Matriz. The building is built like a fortress but its interiors feature many Gothic reliefs of the Apostles. The Paco do Concelho or the old town hall was built in the 16^th century is also another famed building in the city’s old town. Also located in the Sao Domingos Square is the Sao Domingos Church and nearby is the Palace of Barbosa Maciel. This former home stands as the City Museum showcasing many rare ceramics, furniture, paintings and archaeological treasures of the area.  The only castle in Viana do Castelo is the Castelo de Santiago do Barro that was built under the orders of King Philip I of Spain. The castle served to protect the port city from piracy and invaders.

Towards the northwest part of Viano do Castelo is the 18^th century Chapel Nossa Senhora de Agonia. This chapel is one of the central areas of the annual celebrations held every August of the year. There is a three-day celebration culminating in the veneration of the image on the high hill of Monte Santa Luzia that overlooks the city. Monte de Santa Luzia is the district capital of Viana do Castelo.

There are many other tourist locations in and around Viano do Castelo. First among them is the Vila Praia de Ancora, a fort built during the 17^th century. Also located to the north of Viana do Castelo is Areosa that is home to a 16^th century chapel as well as a 17^th century port. One of the earliest chapels in the area is located in a hamlet just outside Areosa named Sao Pedro de Varais. When you reach this area, you are running alongside the Spanish-Portuguese border and there are many towns situated along this border that offer the best of both countries. The towns are Caminha, with the Forte de Insua, Vila Nova de Cerveira and Valenca, with its railway museum and joined forts.

The towns of Moncao and Melgaco are renowned for their spa facilities and for their sterling history. During the siege of the town in 1368 by the Spanish Army, it was claimed that the wife of the town leader used the last flour to bake bread that she threw over the fort walls with taunts. Upon seeing this, the Spanish army decided to withdraw its troops as it thought the siege was a failure. On the other hand, Melgaco was the site of many battles where many of the ruins of fortifications some dating back to the 12^th century still stand until today. The best location in Melgaco is the Termas do Peso and the hamlet of Fiaes. In the hamlet is a Cistercian Monastery that can view the hamlet of Castro Laboreiro and its 9^th century church.

The biggest tourist attraction in nearby Viano do Castelo is the Gerez Nature Reserve. Sitting inside the 72,000 hectare preserve is Lindoso and Soajo, the most secluded spas in the region. East of the city is the town of Giela, which is home to a 14^th century tower that was once part of a small palace. Up the Rio Lima is the oldest official recorded town in Portugal, Porta de Barca. Among the sites found in this historic town is the chapel of Anjo da Guarda and the town church named Igreja da Misericordia.

Viano do Castelo has many nooks and crannies waiting to be explored and enjoyed. The city provides all the sights and experiences one can enjoy in a getaway area. So if you want all the splendour of Portugal in one place, between the river, the sea and the mountains, then you have to be at Viano do Castelo soon enough.