Saint John's Day

Where to go for Saint John's Day

Saint John's Day on 24 June is a municipal holiday in Porto, Braga and several other towns. The night before brings street parties with grilled sardines, pots of basil and music, and a day of leave can stretch it into a longer break.

Budget-friendly

• Braga

  Braga holds its own São João festivities, with decorated streets, music and traditional celebrations in the historic centre. The Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary and Peneda-Gerês National Park are nearby for a day outdoors.

  Typically around 24 June: high 27°C (80°F), low 13°C (55°F), rain on 14% of days.

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• Aveiro

  Aveiro's canals, travelled by brightly painted moliceiro boats, and its Art Nouveau buildings make an easy summer stop. The striped beach houses of Costa Nova are nearby, and ovos moles, a sweet egg-yolk confection, are the local speciality.

  Typically around 24 June: high 24°C (76°F), low 15°C (59°F), rain on 17% of days.

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• Viana do Castelo · Viana do Castelo

  Viana do Castelo combines a historic centre, the Santa Luzia basilica on the hill above town with wide views over the Lima estuary, and Atlantic beaches nearby, making it a coastal option within reach of Porto and Braga.

  Typically around 24 June: high 24°C (74°F), low 15°C (59°F), rain on 17% of days.

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Mid-range

• Porto

  On Saint John's night the city celebrates with street parties, grilled sardines, pots of sweet basil and, by tradition, playful taps with plastic hammers, with fireworks over the Douro at midnight. The following day is the city's holiday.

  Typically around 24 June: high 23°C (73°F), low 15°C (60°F), rain on 16% of days.

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• A Coruña · Galicia

  Across the border in Galicia, A Coruña marks the Night of San Juan with bonfires on its city beaches. The Tower of Hercules, a UNESCO-listed Roman lighthouse still in use, and the long seafront promenade fill the rest of the weekend.

  Typically around 24 June: high 22°C (72°F), low 14°C (57°F), rain on 19% of days.

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Trip ideas chosen by Public Holidays World, not sponsored. “Typically” lines are past averages, not forecasts; when the date is within about 9 days, a forecast is shown too. For trips abroad, check your government’s official travel advice and entry rules before you book.