Guimarães: A historic jewel to discover in a motorhome
Introduction
If you’re a camper van or leisure vehicle roadtripper looking for a destination rich in history and charm, look no further than Guimarães in Portugal. Nestled in the Minho region, Guimarães is known as the cradle of the Portuguese nation and offers a captivating mix of medieval architecture, picturesque cobbled streets and a lively atmosphere. In this article, we’ll introduce you to the key aspects of Guimarães, from spots to sleep in your camper van to must-see sights and local culinary delights.
See the Vanlife video on the visit to Guimaraes
The video subtitles are available in your language, don’t hesitate to activate them!
What is Guimarães?
The history of the town
Ah, Guimaraes! Its name alone conjures up images of cobbled streets, medieval houses and a castle that dominates the town like a wise old man watching over his protégés. It was here, in this city, that the history of Portugal took root. It’s as if every stone, every alleyway, every building had a story to tell, an epic to share. And what an epic!
Let me tell you a story, one that began over a thousand years ago. It was a time when kings and queens reigned, and knights fought for honor and glory.
It was here, in Guimaraes, that the first king of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, was born.
This is where he grew up, where he learned to fight, to lead, to dream. It was here that he decided to create a country, a country that would be free and independent. And he did. He fought, he conquered, he created Portugal.
But Guimaraes is not just a city of history, it’s also a city of culture, tradition and passion. It’s a city where you can feel the soul of Portugal, where you can hear the echoes of the past, where you can see the beauty of the future. It’s a city that lives, breathes and dances to the rhythm of saudade. It’s a city that welcomes you with open arms, inviting you to discover its secrets, share its joys and live its dreams.
Geographical location and climate
Ah, Guimarães! A Portuguese town that charms with its authenticity and climate. Located in northern Portugal, Guimarães enjoys a Mediterranean climate with an oceanic influence. Winters are mild and rainy, while summers are hot and relatively dry.
The average annual temperature hovers around 16°C, with summer peaks of up to 30°C. Rainfall is fairly high, especially in winter, with an annual average of 1,862 mm. But make no mistake, this city has much more to offer than its climate.
When to visit Guimaraes on a roadtrip?
| Month | Average temperature (°C) | Precipitation (mm) | Weather | Opinions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 6°/13° | 282 | ☔️ | Unfavorable |
| February | 6°/14° | 237 | ☔️ | Unfavorable |
| March | 8°/17° | 182 | ☔️ | Unfavorable |
| April | 9°/19° | 148 | ☔️ | Unfavorable |
| May | 13°/23° | 105 | ☀️ | Favorable |
| June | 15°/26° | 64 | ☀️ | Ideal |
| July | 17°/29° | 23 | ☀️ | Ideal |
| August | 17°/30° | 26 | ☀️ | Ideal |
| September | 16°/28° | 70 | ☀️ | Ideal |
| October | 13°/22° | 240 | ☀️ | Favorable |
| November | 9°/16° | 218 | ☔️ | Unfavorable |
| December | 7°/13° | 273 | ☔️ | Unfavorable |
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Our personal opinion: Guimarães is a fascinating destination for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts. The town has a unique medieval atmosphere that transports you back in time. We were amazed by the beauty and authenticity of the old town, and from the moment we arrived we could see the Portuguese tradition in the town’s facades, and its earthenware, which is part of the soul of Portugal.
Here you’ll discover cobbled streets and weathered facades, where exposed electrical cables lend a certain cachet if not a sense of security. You’ll also find balconies full of flowers and hanging plants, even in the middle of December when we visited. The pretty medieval squares are home to numerous buildings and cafés where it’s good to take a few minutes to admire the ancient stonework all around us.
So when should you visit Guimarães? If I had to give one piece of advice, I’d say that the ideal time to visit Guimarães is between June and September. Temperatures are pleasant, the sun is out and rain is rare.
Sleeping spots and RV parks in Guimarães
For motorhome travellers, Guimarães offers several options for spending the night. Here are some recommended spots
- 📍 Rua Bernardino Jordão: A dirt parking lot in a quiet residential area a stone’s throw from the historic center.
- 📍1282 Avenida Dom João IV: Free parking next to Guimarães train station. A shopping center and supermarket are just a three-minute walk away, and the Palacio Cultural Center Vila Flor is a five-minute walk away.
- 📍601 Rua de São Miguel: A large, flat, open parking lot in an empty industrial hall. Apparently, parking is free.
- 📍Guimarães – 220C Parque das Hortas: Although I wouldn’t recommend this parking lot due to its high noise level, it may be an option if other parking lots are busy. Don’t hesitate to go up to the old town after the service area at the top of the cable car.
- 📍Azurém – 442 Rua Teixeira de Pascoais: A laundromat with wifi.
We spent the night at the first spot on the list, a huge field that takes you to the center of town in just 10 minutes on foot. There are services such as water, emptying of the wastewater cassette and garbage cans.
Be very careful when you arrive in the city, as there are many different ways to get there. We arrived via a hill where the streets were particularly steep and narrow, and at one point we thought we’d be blocked in. Pay particular attention!
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Where to eat in Guimarães and what?
Guimarães’ gastronomy is a feast for the taste buds, with a variety of traditional dishes that will delight lovers of Portuguese cuisine. Price-wise, it’s in the average range for northern Portugal, although the city is quite touristy: 10€ for a Prato do dia. If you get the chance, don’t miss the opportunity to sample the following delights:
- Francesinha: A sandwich emblematic of the region, made with various types of meat, melted cheese and spicy sauce. It’s a hearty and delicious dish.
- Arroz de Pato: A flavorful, fragrant duck rice, slow-cooked for a tender texture and rich flavors.
- Caldo Verde: A traditional Portuguese soup made with kale, potatoes and sausage. It’s comforting and full of flavor.
- Almond tartlets: Crunchy, sweet little tartlets made with almonds, a real delicacy not to be missed.
We were in Guimaraes on a Sunday and found a restaurant called Picanha Sal e Brasa. It was considered a Brazilian restaurant. The restaurant offers meat cuts such as entrecôte and filet mignon, as well as tasty side dishes such as fries and grilled vegetables.
Guimarães’ must-see sights
Guimarães is packed with fascinating sights worth exploring. Here are some of the places not to be missed:
- Guimarães Castle: An imposing medieval hilltop castle with panoramic views over the city. It’s a place steeped in history and legend. Built in the 10th century, it served as a defense against Moorish attack, and is believed to be the birthplace of Alfonso Enriques, although other sources point to Viseu. the first King of Portugal
- Place de Oliveira: A charming square surrounded by historic buildings, cafés and restaurants. It’s the ideal place to relax and enjoy the city’s lively atmosphere.
- Church of São Miguel do Castelo: An impressive medieval church with Gothic and Romanesque architecture. The interior is brimming with architectural details and magnificent works of religious art.
- Palace of the Dukes of Bragança: A magnificent palace dating from the 15th century, which today houses a museum. It offers a fascinating insight into the region’s history. Impressive and really cool, this Ducal Palace is very impressive from the outside. One detail that stood out for us was the Palais’ many enormous chimneys, reminiscent of Burgundian architecture. Inside, the Palace features furniture and tapestries dating back to the 17th century.
Conclusion: Discover Guimarães on a Vanlife roadtrip
Guimarães is a must-see destination for motorhome and roadtrip travelers in search of history, charm and an authentic medieval atmosphere. From convenient spots to spend the night in your motorhome to local culinary delights and fascinating sights, Guimarães has it all. Don’t miss the opportunity to discover this historic gem on your next motorhome adventure.
We’ll definitely be back!
FAQ
Yes, you can visit Guimarães by camper van. The town offers several options for spending the night, including free parking and service areas for motorhomes.
The best time to visit Guimarães is between June and September. Temperatures are pleasant, the sun is out and rain is rare.
Guimarães is packed with fascinating sights. Highlights include Guimarães Castle, Oliveira Square, the Church of São Miguel do Castelo and the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança.
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