Welcome to Northern Portugal, a region brimming with charm, history and breathtaking landscapes. Are you looking for a destination that blends tradition with modernity, culture with creativity? The UNESCO Creative Cities are the perfect choice for your next trip. Get ready to be amazed!

The magic of UNESCO Creative Cities

Have you heard of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network? In the heart of Northern Portugal, where the green hills meet the serene blue rivers, four cities emerge as true gems of creativity and tradition.

Amarante, Barcelos, Braga, and Santa Maria da Feira, distinguished by UNESCO as Creative Cities, invite us on a journey of discovery through their unique charms.

The Creative Cities Network weaves a global tapestry of places where creativity and culture are the threads shaping the future. Established in 2004 to foster cooperation among cities that recognize creativity as a strategic driver for development, this network comprises municipalities that excel in seven creative fields:
 

• Crafts and Folk Art
• Design
• Film
• Gastronomy
• Literature
• Media Arts
• Music 

This initiative brings together cities from around the world with a common purpose: to promote creativity as a driver of sustainable urban development, social inclusion and cultural enrichment.

On the banks of the Tâmega river, Amarante hums a melody that echoes through its hills and valleys. Known as a UNESCO Creative City of Music, every corner here seems to resonate with a symphony of both nature and humanity. Its narrow streets hold stories of talented musicians and festivals that fill the air with harmonious notes.

In Barcelos, creativity blooms on every corner, much like the vibrant colors of its famous roosters. As a UNESCO Creative City in the category of Crafts and Folk Art, Barcelos is a visual poem of traditions constantly reimagined.

Known as the City of Archbishops, Braga is one of Portugal's oldest cities, with over two thousand years of history. Its pedestrian streets are bustling with life, blending traditional and modern shops.

With ancient roots and an innovative spirit, this is a destination where the past and the future dance together. As a UNESCO Creative City of Media Arts, Braga offers a unique setting where technology and tradition merge in perfect harmony.

Santa Maria da Feira, where gastronomy transforms into art and culture, was recognized in 2021 as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. Here, every dish is a celebration of local flavors, and the culinary traditions tell stories of land, sea and heritage.

Northern Portugal is easily accessible, with Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport welcoming flights from various parts of the world. An efficient public transport network and well maintained roads make exploring this region a pleasant and hassle-free experience.

Start with Porto, the second largest city in Portugal, renowned worldwide for its Port wine and picturesque cobblestone streets that weave a perfect melody between the old and the new. Strolling through Porto, along the banks of the Douro River, with its traditional rabelos and wine cellars, feels like traveling back in time.

3 must-see spots in Porto

• Ribeira: this historic riverside area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a vibrant atmosphere with cozy cafés, renowned restaurants and stunning views of the city’s iconic bridges;
• Lello Bookstore: one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, Lello is an architectural gem and a paradise for book lovers;
• Clérigos Tower: climb its 240 steps and be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of Porto.

After exploring Porto, venture into the wonders of Northern Portugal. Each city and town has its own unique character, brimming with stories and traditions waiting to be discovered. Follow a wave of creativity and make sure to include a visit to the UNESCO Creative Cities in your itinerary.

In Amarante, Barcelos, Braga, and Santa Maria da Feira, music, crafts, media arts and gastronomy intertwine in a cultural tapestry that celebrates the best of humanity.

Get ready for an adventure where each city is a poem, each street a stanza, and each moment a perfect rhyme on your journey. Come feel, explore, and be inspired by Northern Portugal!