Perched on a hilltop at the confluence of the Vouga and Zela Rivers — hence the name — Vouzela is a charming destination for hikers, history buffs and keen foodies alike. Just an hour south-east of Porto, the town is also gaining popularity with urban dwellers eager to escape the city for the weekend, and the best places to stay in Vouzela are appealingly charming and laid-back.

Explore Vouzela on foot to admire the 13th century Church of Santa Maria, and the 18th century Church of Misericordia. Both offer a striking insight into Northern Portugal’s religious past. Step far further back in time with a visit to the Roman-era Ponte Ferroviaria de Vouzela, or the medieval Acrofa Tower. Nature lovers, on the other hand, should make a beeline for the Cambarinho Botanical Reserve, where rare oleanders flourish — it's a stunning spot.

Bucolic landscapes of vineyards and farms, studded with tile-roofed villages where whitewashed houses peek between the trees, make this part of rural Portugal a delight for relaxed ramblers. Follow well-trodden trails, perch at family-owned eateries for long lunches of regional specialities, or return to your pick of the best places to stay in Vouzela to put your feet up with a glass or two of the good stuff.