Viana do Castelo has been named the world’s most welcoming city by Booking.com. The title is based on hundreds of millions of verified guest reviews worldwide and reflects one thing above all else: visitors genuinely feel welcome here.

Since the announcement, interest in Viana do Castelo has grown fast. More bookings, longer stays and a growing number of repeat visitors confirm what locals already knew. This coastal city in Northern Portugal leaves a lasting impression.

What makes Viana do Castelo so welcoming?

Viana do Castelo is located in the far north of Portugal, about 30 a 45 min from Porto Airport. It combines sea, mountains and culture in a way that feels natural rather than curated. The city is large enough to offer variety, but small enough to feel personal.

Hospitality here is not polished or staged. People take time. Shop owners talk to you. Café tables are shared. That sense of ease shows up clearly in guest reviews, which is exactly what this recognition is based on.

A city shaped by sea, wind and history

Viana do Castelo has a strong maritime identity. For centuries, fishing and shipbuilding shaped daily life. You still see that history today at landmarks like the Gil Eannes hospital ship and the old shipyards along the river Lima.

At the same time, the city is surrounded by nature. Praia do Cabedelo is internationally known for kitesurfing and windsurfing thanks to consistent Atlantic winds. Just minutes inland, hiking trails lead into forests and hills, with views over the ocean and the city.

Above it all stands the Santuário de Santa Luzia, one of the most iconic viewpoints in Portugal. From here you can see the coastline, the river, the city centre and the green Minho landscape in one panoramic view.

Culture without crowds

Another reason visitors feel at home in Viana do Castelo is the balance between culture and calm. The historic centre is full of palaces, churches and squares, but it never feels overwhelming. Architectural styles range from Renaissance and Baroque to Art Deco, all within walking distance.

Traditional festivals, music and gastronomy still play a big role in daily life. Locals are proud of their heritage and happy to share it, whether that’s through food, stories or a simple recommendation for where to go next.

Why this recognition makes sense to us

At Yuna, this news didn’t come as a surprise. What Booking.com recognised in 2024 is exactly what we see every day. Guests arrive curious and leave feeling connected. Not just to the place, but to the rhythm of life here.

Viana do Castelo is not a destination you rush through. It’s a place where people slow down, breathe deeper and feel comfortable being themselves. That feeling is hard to describe, but easy to recognise once you’re here.

More than a place to visit

Being named the world’s most welcoming city isn’t about luxury or trends. It’s about how a place makes you feel. Viana do Castelo doesn’t just welcome visitors. It makes them feel they belong.

And that’s why so many people come back.