Braga

Braga's UNESCO-listed baroque sanctuary on a forested hilltop east of the city. The 581-step zigzag staircase with chapels and fountains, the surrounding 22-hectare park, and the 19th-century water-counterbalance funicular all welcome dogs on lead. The basilica interior does not.

Portugal's oldest cathedral, founded in the 11th century on the site of a Visigothic basilica. The Largo do Paço square in front and the surrounding old-town streets are dog-friendly; the cathedral interior, the cloister and the treasury museum are not.

A 16th-century Benedictine monastery 6 km west of the centre, set in 40 hectares of terraced gardens, vineyards and forest. Dogs on lead are welcome throughout the gardens and estate trails; the monastery building and church interior are not accessible to pets.

Braga's signature urban park, eight hectares of lawn, plane trees and walking paths along the Este river just south of the city centre. Dogs on lead welcome on all paths; bag dispensers at the main entrances.

The café and terrace district between Praça da República and Avenida Central, the social heart of Braga's student and young-professional crowd. Most terraces accept dogs informally; water bowls are common.

Portugal's only national park, 40 minutes east of Braga. Marked trails, waterfalls, river pools and Garrano horse herds. Dogs on lead required everywhere; fire-risk closures are common in July and August.