Investing in Property in Northern Portugal
The North comprises the provinces of Minho, Douro and Tras-os-Montes. The Minho borders on to Galicia in Northern Spain, and there are many overlaps, in culture and language across the frontier.
The Minho is one of the lushest areas in Portugal, with a climate and landscape similar to that of a damp, northern European country. It's no wonder its coastal line is called the Costa Verde. The area produces the popular 'green wine' (young wine) vinho verde, both red and white. The Minho houses the country's largest National Park, Peneda Geres. The north is steeped in traditions, and is very religious and hardworking.
To the east, the Minho is flanked by the mountainous region of Tris-os-Montes (literally translated as behind the mountains). This is an area isolated geographically from the rest of the country, rugged in landscape, very poor, and whose towns and lifestyles are still somewhat reminiscent of Medieval Europe. Its people however are fiercely proud of their heritage, more Celtic in nature than much of the country, a legacy of northern invasions.
The main industrial area in the north is the Douro, whose river runs down from Spain (917 km from source to coast), providing the vital font of life along the long valley from the surrounding hillsides down into Porto and the wine lodges (caves) on the riverfront at Vila Nova de Gaia. There are many links with the British, most of which are still visible today in Porto, the country's second largest city ( Oporto is the anglicised name for it, it is in fact O Porto = the port). About 1.3 million people live in and around Porto, participating in the many busy commercial activities of the area which, in addition to viniculture, also include the production of ceramics, cotton goods, sardine-canning and some farming. The coastline stretching from the Douro southwards is popular with holidaying Portuguese, although Atlantic winds keep temperatures to a less tolerable level than in the Algarve at certain times of the year.
Northern Portugal Property Fact File
Region: Costa Verde and Montanhas (Norte).
Provinces: Minho, Douro, Tras-os-Montes.
Main towns and cities: Porto, Viana do Castelo, Braga, Guimaraes, Braganca, Chaves, Vila Real.
Types of property: rustic farmhouses, town centre apartments, seaside flats and town houses, with or without businesses, typical rural stone-built houses with steps up the outside and space underneath for animals/vehicles, some traditional windmills.
Prices: apartments in Oporto area from €5,00Ot/on the coast 3-4 bedroom flats at €135,000+, and detached country houses from €275,000+.
Further Info: Tourist Office Porto - Praca D. Joao 1. 43, 4000 Porto.
