Valença do Minho

Built along the banks of the Minho River that form a border with Spain, Valença was the first line of defense against Spanish invaders, making the fortified town key in protecting Portugal. The old town is circled by a 3.1-mile (5-kilometer) long wall—built in the mid-13th century and then expanded in the 1600s—that includes a network of walls, moats and gates. Restaurants and shops selling fabrics, pottery, and souvenirs fill the old town's narrow streets.

• Artifacts in the town dating back to prehistory include rock engravings made during the Bronze Age and Roman pillars.

• Most of the things to see are concentrated within the walls of the fort and old town.

• For a fun activity, stroll over the river bridge to briefly set foot in Spain.

• The town is an important stop along the Portuguese Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route from Lisbon to Santiago de Compostela.

Valença is one of the most northerly points in Portugal. The closest airport is in Porto, less than a 2-hour drive by car. Trains also connect Porto, Valença, and the Spanish city of Vigo.

You can visit northern Portugal year-round, although spring, summer, and fall sees less rain and more sunshine. Valença has a number of local festivals and fairs throughout the year including a medieval fair held yearly in June.

One hour south of Valença by car is the city of Guimarães, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The extremely well-preserved medieval town is famous for being the cradle of Portuguese civilization (cidade berço in Portuguese). Many believe that Portugal’s first king, Alfonso Henriques, was born here at the start of the 12th century. Alfonso gained independence for the County of Portugal from Galicia—find out about his influence on a visit to the city.