Unlike so much of Europe, temperatures in Portugal are not breaking records at the moment. And though parts of the country are under drought and wildfire warnings (as they are every year), there is nevertheless a miraculous corner that remains a place apart, a region where greenery flourishes and temperatures hover around the balmy high-20s throughout the summer, complemented by a gentle breeze and long days of almost inevitable sunshine.
Here, in the lush northwest, camellias, azaleas and magnolias endlessly flaunt their beauty; the tendrils of vines are woven into the landscape – here across a chicken coop, there forming a border between two gardens – time has stood still, and the everyday Portugal of yesteryear goes on.
Folklore and traditions are still observed, every town has its own colourful festival of fireworks and dancing, continuing late into the night with a bowl of caldo verde soup before departure. People stop to help each other here, take the time to show you the way to your destination. There is a tangible generosity of spirit.
Costa Verde is the name of the coast, but in reality, “Green Portugal” is all of Minho, a historic province that stretches far into the interior and right up to the Spanish border. The Galicians, on the other side, are considered brothers, with much in common, including some aspects of language, a respect for nature and a love of wine.
