Where the blue of the Atlantic Ocean embraces the green of Serra D’Arga, and the seagulls roam free over Santa Luzia Church as drifters over the magnificent landscape.

Welcome to Viana do Castelo, Lima’s Princess.

Sitting on the mouth of the river, the city invites us for a walk through history and culture, back to the Age of Discovery.

Strolling through the slender cobblestone streets of the historic district, one can stumble upon colonial and contemporary buildings, in a mix of Manueline, Renaissance, Baroque and Art Deco architecture.

The mouthwatering scent of charcoal-grilled seafood lures us into one of the many nearby restaurants, where the flavours of the local cuisine blend perfectly with the freshness of Vinho Verde wine.

Anchored by the waterfront, the vessel Gil Eanes pays tribute to the city’s maritime and shipyard heritage. The former Hospital Ship served the Portuguese cod fishing fleet off Newfoundland and is now a museum.

Across the Eiffel bridge, the wind blowing in our face, the scent of the salt water drags us further south and we let ourselves lie on the sun kissed sands of the rugged beaches.