Overview
Nestled along the scenic northwest coast of Portugal, Viana do Castelo is a vibrant mid-sized city known for its rich maritime history and stunning coastal views. As a key port city dating back to the 13th century, it played a central role in Portugal’s Age of Discovery—making it a destination where past and present blend seamlessly.
Often referred to as the jewel of Portugal’s Green Coast, Viana is beloved for its medieval charm, cobbled streets, and historic old town filled with narrow lanes and traditional architecture. Overlooking the city is the iconic Santa Luzia Basilica, a neo-Byzantine masterpiece perched on a hilltop with sweeping views of the Atlantic and the town below.
Through the Atlantis medical shadowing program in Viana do Castelo, pre-health students can gain clinical experience by shadowing doctors in Portugal, all while soaking in the local culture. Between hospital shifts, students can explore peaceful town squares, enjoy fresh seafood along the river, or take a scenic tram ride up to Santa Luzia for a panoramic sunset.
Destination Information
Local Time Now:
10:58pm
Official Languages:
Portuguese
Almost all alumni have not spoken the local language.The City
In the surroundings of the city, you can take a ride on the coastal or river bike path, or on one of the many marked trails. With beaches of fine golden sand, Viana do Castelo is also popular for surfing, windsurfing or kitesurfing, and bodyboarding. You can also go jet skiing, sailing, rowing, or canoeing on the Lima River.
Viana do Castelo is a perfect place from which to organize a weekend visit to nearby Porto, the famous UNESCO World Heritage City. Nature lovers can also visit the Peneda-Gerês National Park, which features a beautiful landscape and rushing waterfalls, and is the only such park in the country.
Dates & Availability
- Summer Break 2026
Dates
Price
Availability
May 23, 2026 - June 12, 2026 3 weeks
$5,499
Full
June 13, 2026 - July 3, 2026 3 weeks
$5,499
Full
July 4, 2026 - July 24, 2026 3 weeks
$5,499
Full
You may pay over time, fundraise, consider scholarships, and more. Learn about our significant partial need-based scholarships here.
Add a 3-credit online course to your Atlantis program (university dependent). Learn more.
What’s Included
Atlantis programs include ~20h/week of shadowing, housing, some meals, transportation, travel health insurance, and more. Airfare is not included but can be very affordable.
What’s Included
On Program Components
Pre/Post Program Components
Hospital Overview
Unidade Local de Saúde do Alto Minho (ULSAM)
The Unidade Local de Saúde do Alto Minho (ULSAM) is a public healthcare organization in Portugal that provides integrated hospital and primary care services to the Alto Minho region. It operates two main hospitals, Hospital de Santa Luzia in Viana do Castelo and Hospital de Conde de Bertiandos in Ponte de Lima, as well as a network of health centers and community services.
These hospitals offer a wide range of services, including outpatient consultations, emergency care, inpatient services, conventional and ambulatory surgery, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, home care, and telemedicine. Together, they have 392 inpatient beds, 13 cribs in the obstetrics department, and modern surgical facilities for conventional and laparoscopic procedures. Outpatient care is supported by 102 consultation rooms across both hospitals.
Classic Pastries
Bolas de Berlim are a Portuguese twist on the Berline – a classic German pastry. The most popular place to find them is at a local café called Zé Natário. They’re 100% worth the wait in line!
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Excursions
Our excursions are designed to offer a deeper look into your host culture, for both the educational benefit and the enjoyment of exploring a new place with others who share your interests in travel and medicine. Excursions range from historical tours to culinary and cultural explorations.
Your Site Manager will inform you of the excursions they have planned during your program orientation. If you make travel plans outside of your city for a weekend and it conflicts with the events your Site Manager has planned, notify your Site Manager several days in advance so that they can plan accordingly.
Clinical Experience that Stands Out to Schools
Medical schools want 3 things: healthcare exposure, GPA/MCAT, and certain competencies. Uniquely, “360 Shadowing” gives you the best version of the 1st, frees you to focus on the 2nd, and cultivates/shows the 3rd to medical school admissions.
Funding Your Future
The cost of Atlantis isn’t too dissimilar from the cost of many study abroad programs that you may find. And we’re here to help: from our extensive fundraising guide to flexible payment plans and financing options, we make the process simple and easy, allowing you to focus on what really matters.
Bring a Friend
Consider bringing a friend to the same program you’re applying to. Although the vast majority of Atlantis alumni have gone on programs without knowing someone in their cohort, bringing a friend allows your experience to be shared in a unique way, while still allowing you one of the benefits of Atlantis: meeting new pre-health friends from across the country. Consider sharing this idea with your friends.
