Northern Portugal: your total escape

Spa: 1 access per person, per night included

When you book this deal, you’ll enjoy 1 spa access per person, per night.

Spa conditions:

• The spa is open 24 hours a day and you can enjoy it with no time limit.
• Guests of all ages can access the spa.
• Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult throughout their visit.
• Flip-flops and a swimming cap are compulsory to enter the spa.

The Vinea Collection Hotel: wellbeing among vineyards and mountains

Discover The Vinea Collection Hotel, an elegant 5-star hotel set within the historic Quinta da Porteleira in Monção, where contemporary design blends seamlessly with the charm of an 18th-century manor house.

Its rooms and suites, with views of the mountains, offer the perfect setting to switch off and recharge. For an even more relaxing stay, enjoy moments of wellbeing at the Panoramic Spa, with an indoor pool, sauna and jacuzzi, or keep active in the gym.

Surrounded by vineyards, the hotel is ideally located for exploring Alto Minho and visiting the Peneda-Gerês National Park.

The experience continues at Mosto restaurant, where you can enjoy Portuguese and international cuisine. Guests particularly praise the cleanliness, comfort and attentive service from the staff.

Book now and enjoy a getaway where nature, history and wellbeing come together.

Monção is a lovely place to slow down and discover the greener, quieter side of northern Portugal. Set beside the River Minho, this historic town pairs old stone walls and riverside viewpoints with vineyards that roll across the Alto Minho countryside. It is especially rewarding for couples looking for a relaxed escape, and for travellers who enjoy discovering a region through its wine and food.

The local star is Alvarinho, a fragrant white wine for which Monção and neighbouring Melgaço are celebrated. Spend your days wandering the old town, taking in the river scenery and lingering over a good meal; there is enough to explore without ever needing to hurry.

Make sure you visit:

Begin in Monção’s historic centre, where old fortifications and churches lend the town its distinctive character. Follow the line of the walls and pause at the viewpoints for a look across the River Minho. The stroll is an easy way to get your bearings, and the calm atmosphere makes it just as appealing in the softer light of late afternoon as in the morning.

For a change of scene, head to Palácio da Brejoeira, one of the places most closely associated with Alvarinho. The surrounding vineyards make this a particularly appealing visit for wine lovers, while the setting offers a glimpse of the landscape that gives the local wine its sense of place. Back in town, drop into Paço do Alvarinho to learn more about the region’s signature grape and its wines.

Family-friendly activities:

Monção makes family days out easy to keep flexible. Start with a gentle walk through the historic centre and along the old walls, stopping at viewpoints to admire the river and let younger travellers set the pace. The open riverside scenery offers a welcome change from busy town streets, and there is plenty of room to pause for a snack or simply watch the water.

Later, visit Palácio da Brejoeira and take in the vineyard landscape together. Grown-ups can enjoy the connection with Alvarinho, while children can appreciate the open surroundings and the change of scenery. Round off the day with an unhurried meal in town, where local flavours make dinner part of the outing.

Local delicacies you have to try:

A glass of Alvarinho is an essential part of a visit to Monção. Its fresh, aromatic character makes it an excellent match for the traditional flavours of the Minho, so ask for a local pairing when you settle in for lunch or dinner. A leisurely meal is the best way to appreciate the region’s food culture, rather than treating it as a quick stop between visits.

For a closer look at the wine that shapes the area, make time for Paço do Alvarinho in the centre of Monção. Then, if you visit Palácio da Brejoeira, notice how closely the surrounding vineyards are woven into the landscape. Even a simple meal feels more memorable when you know a little about the wine and countryside behind it.

Make the most of your visit:

Monção is a peaceful base for exploring the Alto Minho, with the River Minho and vineyards close at hand. If you have an extra day, visit a neighbouring town and enjoy how the scenery and pace of life shift as you travel through the region.

• Melgaço (around 20 minutes by car): explore another of the area’s great homes of Alvarinho.
• Valença (around 25 minutes by car): discover a historic town close to the River Minho.
• Vila Nova de Cerveira (around 35 minutes by car): enjoy a change of scene in another riverside town.
• Ponte de Lima (around 45 minutes by car): make time for one of the Alto Minho’s best-known historic towns.