Guimarães, a medieval city in Portugal, has been named one of the top travel destinations for 2026, according to a BBC ranking. The city, located 65km inland from Porto, is described as "astonishingly under the radar" despite its rich history and accessibility from the UK.
As the 12th-century birthplace of Portugal and its first capital, Guimarães boasts a beautifully preserved medieval core with cobbled squares and lanes dotted with grand palaces and terraced restaurants. Visitors can enjoy Michelin-starred dining, affordable eateries like O Petisko (with meals from £4), and craft beer bars. The Taberna Trovador offers classic taverna vibes with tapas and small plates.
Key attractions include Guimarães Castle and the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança, a 17th-century national monument. The city is also a vibrant university town, with nearly half its population under 30. Bars and clubs cluster around Praça de São Tiago and Largo da Oliveira.
2026 marks the 25th anniversary of Guimarães' UNESCO World Heritage status and its new title as Europe's Green Capital, recognising two decades of sustainability work. The city features electric buses, restored riverbanks, and repurposed heritage buildings. According to the European Commission, 97% of residents enjoy good or very good air quality.
While no direct flights from the UK serve Guimarães, budget airlines fly to nearby Porto. Direct coaches from Porto Airport take 40–50 minutes (from €5), or trains from Porto's São Bento or Campanhã stations take about 60 minutes.
