Located on Portugal’s West Coast, Viana do Castelo is a beautiful and vibrant portside city with a glassy marina and a passion for nautical pursuits that make it one of the country’s most popular yachting destinations. The vast soft white stretch of the Praia do Cabedelo, at the edge of a nature reserve, is perfect for swimming and families, with its gently sloping beach shelves. The city is also famous for its exceptional architecture – both old and new. Stately Renaissance-era buildings form a striking contrast with uber-modern edifices such as the Viana do Castelo Library – an exercise in a precisely proportioned geometric design. Take the funicular up to the summit of Santa Luzia Hill to admire the cupola-topped cathedral, and take in incredible 360-degree views over Viana do Castelo and the sparkling cobalt expanse of the bay beyond.