In northern portugal a short drive inland from porto straddling the banks of a gentle river lies the elegant village of amarante which has been described as one of the most beautiful places on earth with verdant trees drooping into the river and elegant ancient buildings amarante could be the setting for a fairy tale in its centre overlooking the tamega river the ancient bridge and the saint gonalo church and convent youll find a grand and imposing 19th century palacecompletely res