Viana do Castelo: One of the Most Welcoming Cities in the World

Booking.com analysed over 309 million reviews to determine the most welcoming cities on Earth — and Viana do Castelo ranked third in the world. For those of us who call this place home, the recognition came as no surprise.

Viana do Castelo is a city where history and nature converge in ways that few places can match. The Basilica de Santa Luzia crowns the hilltop with panoramic views that stretch across the Lima River estuary to the open Atlantic. Below, the city centre is a living museum of Manueline architecture, Art Nouveau facades, and cobblestone streets that lead to one of the most beautiful waterfronts in Portugal.

But what earned Viana its ranking isn't the architecture — it's the people. This is a city where the fishmonger at the market remembers your name, where the café owner brings you a pastel de nata before you order it, and where strangers offer directions before you've finished unfolding the map. The warmth here is cultural, not performative.

The natural setting amplifies everything. Viana sits where the mountains meet the river meets the ocean, creating a playground for outdoor pursuits that ranges from surfing and stand-up paddleboarding to mountain biking and hiking. The beaches north of the city — Cabedelo, Afife, Moledo — are among the most beautiful in the country, with golden sand and consistent Atlantic waves.

Every August, the Romaria de Nossa Senhora d'Agonia transforms the city into one vast celebration. It's the biggest traditional festival in Portugal, with processions, traditional costumes, fireworks over the river, and a spirit of communal joy that captures everything Viana represents.

Portugal Active properties in the region consistently achieve review scores between 9.4 and 10. When your guests love the destination as much as we do, the hospitality comes naturally.