Pedro DominguesArcos de Valdevez was one of the most interesting municipalities I visited in High Minho, with places of unique nature, accompanied by well-prepared trails for the visitor, and idyllic lagoons for a swim in the summer. It is also very rich in History, because after all, as they say, Arcos de Valdevez was “where Portugal was made”! 😉
In its territory you will find rural villages that are wonders of Portugal, and even terraced landscapes that are a national monument. I’m talking about Sistelo, of course, for both cases, which needs no further introduction!
Arcos de Valdevez is also one of the gateways to the Peneda-Gerês National Park, with fabulous mountain landscapes, from Soajo to Nossa Senhora da Peneda, passing through Tibo and Gavieira.
Want to know all things to do in Arcos de Valdevez? In this article, I’ve gathered all the tips that I think are essential to prepare a visit to this municipality in the north of Portugal.
Where is Arcos de Valdevez located, in Portugal?
Arcos de Valdevez is located in High Minho, as I have already mentioned, in the district of Viana do Castelo. Its borders are Monção, Melgaço, Ponte da Barca, Ponte de Lima, Paredes de Coura and Galicia in Spain, more precisely the Baixa Limia Natural Park in the province of Ourense.
If you look at the map below, you can easily identify the location of Arcos de Valdevez, whose territory is partly part of the PNPG – Peneda-Gerês National Park.
MORE ARTICLES FROM THE NORTH OF PORTUGAL: - Porto Itinerary - Things to do in Porto - Best Museums in Porto - Best Churches and Cathedrals in Porto - Best Parks and Gardens in Porto - Best Port Wine Cellars in Porto - Best Beaches in Porto - Best Day Trips from Porto - Best Matosinhos Beaches - Things to do in Matosinhos - Things to do in Vila do Conde - Things to do in Póvoa de Varzim - Things to do in Vila Nova de Gaia - Things to do in Espinho - Minho | Northern Portugal Itinerary - Things to do in Viana do Castelo - Things to do in Ponte de Lima - Things to do in Monção - Things to do in Valença - Things to do in Caminha - Things to do in Braga - Things to do in Guimarães - Things to do in Barcelos - Things to do in Esposende - Peneda Gerês National Park Itinerary - Best Hikes and Trails in Peneda Gerês National Park - Best Peneda Gerês National Park Waterfalls and Lagoons - Douro Valley Itinerary - Douro Valley Wineries - Best Douro Viewpoints - Things to do in Peso da Régua - Things to do in Lamego - Things to do in Pinhão - Best beaches in Northern Portugal - Trás-os-Montes Itinerary - Things to do in Bragança - Montesinho Natural Park Itinerary - Douro International Natural Park Itinerary
When to visit Arcos de Valdevez?
If you want to do some great hiking in Gerês, I recommend you to choose spring, which is the most beautiful time to visit the mountains, and also the one in which you will find the most favorable weather for it, still mild. In May, for example, it will be warm enough for a few dips in the lagoons, and you will probably find them less crowded, which will be fantastic! Don’t forget to leave them as you found them: no litter!
In the summer you can enjoy the river beaches on the river Vez, and even do the Ecovia do Vez itself, a relatively easy trail to do in any season, even with more heat. It has sections on beautiful wooden walkways! 😉
For other activities I have no seasonal preferences. Arcos de Valdevez has a lot to offer, and you will always find things to do. You should also take note of the main festivities in the region, which are very varied:
- The Arcuense Carnival.
- The Easter Parade.
- The Pilgrimage of Nossa Senhora do Castelo, on Ascension Sunday, usually in May/June.
- ExpoVez – High Minho Fair.
- Festivinhão, associated with the region’s vinho verde wines.
- The historical re-enactment of the Valdevez Encounter, on the first weekend of July.
- The Soajo Arts and Crafts Fair in July.
- The Festivities of Nossa Senhora da Lapa, in August.
- The Pilgrimage of Nossa Senhora da Peneda, in early September.
- The Pilgrimage of Nossa Senhora da Porta, also in September, and associated with the Church of Mercy of Arcos de Valdevez.
- Halloween at Paço de Giela, on October 31.
- And the “Magic of Christmas“, during the month of December and associated with the Christmas decorations of the village of Arcos de Valdevez.
Travel Insurance + Car Rental
If you don’t have a car for your travels in Portugal yet, start by comparing prices in Discover Cars, before renting one.
As far as travel insurance is concerned, it is always important to be more protected against any type of hazards. I recommend World Nomads for that. Don’t travel to Portugal without it. Be safe! 😉
Gastronomy and Restaurants in Arcos de Valdevez
It was in Arcos de Valdevez that I ate best during my trip through the Peneda-Gerês National Park, namely at the Saber ao Borralho Restaurant, in the village of Soajo. I tried the Cachena Meat with a delicious rice to go with it, and I recommend you do it too, without fail! 😉
There are, however, other traditional dishes and also other excellent restaurants to eat at. For example, try Cozido à Moda dos Arcos, roasted kid, Papas de Sarrabulho or Pica no Chão, and go eat at Restaurante O Lagar or Braseiro (in Arcos de Valdevez), or at Cantinho do Abade and Tasquinha Ti’Mélia (in Sistelo).
Regarding traditional sweets, Charutos dos Arcos are one of the 7 wonders of Portugal, in the shape of a cigar and sprinkled with sugar. Try Rebuçados dos Arcos, Pão de Ló do Soajo, or Bolo de Discos.
Accommodation tips to visit Arcos de Valdevez
| Accommodation | Score | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Casas do Cavaleiro | 9.7 | Soajo |
| Casa de Bairros | 9.2 | Soajo |
| Casas da Peneda | 8.8 | Gavieira |
| Casa dos Cabecinhos | 8.8 | Paradamonte |
| Casa do Ferreiro | 8.8 | Sistelo |
| Casa da Ferreirinha | 8.8 | Sistelo |
| Miradouro da Branda | 9.2 | Branda de Santo António |
| Luna Arcos Hotel | 8.8 | Arcos de Valdevez |
| Casa do Pomar | 9.6 | Arcos de Valdevez |
| Casa nos Penedos | 9.3 | Arcos de Valdevez |
| Escondidinho do Vez | 9.1 | Arcos de Valdevez |
| Quinta da Toural | 9.0 | Arcos de Valdevez |
| Quinta Lamosa | 9.1 | Arcos de Valdevez / Vilela |
| Quinta do Olival | 9.5 | Arcos de Valdevez |
Things to do in Arcos de Valdevez | Portugal
Finally, I will now introduce you to what to do in Arcos de Valdevez. You can and should use the map below to prepare your trip in the municipality, following the description I present in this article, organized in a similar way:
- Center of Arcos de Valdevez
- Soajo and surroundings
- Mezio and surroundings
- Nossa Senhora da Peneda, Gavieira and Tibo
- Monastery of Ermelo and Ecovia
- Sistelo and Ecovia do Vez
- Other things to do in Arcos de Valdevez
Map | Things to do in Arcos de Valdevez
Visit Arcos de Valdevez – Town Center
In the center of Arcos de Valdevez I highlight the centenary bridge, the river beach of Valeta, and the whole Recontro de Valdevez Avenue with its gardens. But there are many other interesting places to visit, and I will expose them all next.
1. Paço de Giela
Paço de Giela is not exactly in the center of Arcos de Valdevez, but rather on a hillside adjacent to the town, from where you have a beautiful view of it. It is one of the most important monuments in the municipality, its tower dating from the mid-14th century, replacing an older and abandoned one from the 11th century.
The building underwent several phases of construction, most notably on the 16th century, when the residential area with Manueline windows was added. In the tower there is a museum center installed, in which you can learn more about the history of the municipality (through archaeological remains), about the history of the monument itself, and about the important Battle of Recontro de Valdevez, of 1141, which opposed King D. Afonso Henriques to Afonso VII of León and Castile, his cousin, giving rise to the expression that in “Arcos de Valdevez was where Portugal was made”!
Recontro de Valdevez - The battle was eventually decided through a medieval knightly tournament, to avoid unnecessary bloodshed. That way, the armies would remain intact to fight the Moorish advance in the south of the territory. The Portuguese won, and Castile took the defeat, proceeding to sign the Treaty of Zamora in 1143, which proclaimed Afonso Henriques king of a new kingdom called the Condado Portucalense.
2. Casa da Coutada and Solar de Requeijo
Near the historic center, and next to river Vez, you will find Casa da Coutada and Solar de Requeijo. These are two emblazoned houses, the first dating from the 18th century and the second from the 17th century. The latter recently opened as part of the Luna Arcos Hotel, being a 5-star accommodation in Arcos de Valdevez.
3. Valeta River Beach
Valeta River Beach is undoubtedly the busiest place in Arcos de Valdevez in the summer. It is right in the center of the town, and has plenty of space for swimming in the river. When I last visited, it was May, and there were already young people enjoying it, throwing themselves off the bridge into the water, although I don’t know if that’s allowed! 😉 From June 15th to September 15th there is beach surveillance.
4. Recontro de Valdevez Avenue and Gardens of Campo do Trasladário
Follow the river to the Centenary Bridge of Arcos de Valdevez. On the way you will walk along the Recontro de Valdevez Avenue and through the Gardens of Campo do Trasladário, the latter located on an insula on River Vez, to which there are several accesses crossing the river. Be sure to admire the Commemorative Monument of the Tournament, and then the monument in its honor. The avenue is a wide and very pleasant space for walking.
5. Centenary Bridge of Arcos de Valdevez
The Centenary Bridge of Arcos de Valdevez is a relatively recent construction, from the 19th century: finished in 1880, to be exact. It replaced an earlier one of Romanesque origin, probably from the late 12th century, which also had 4 arches. This bridge was so important to the town that it even gave it its name. The name “Arcos” came from this bridge “of the arches”, did you know?
6. Cross of Senhor dos Milagres, Casa da Ponte and Church of São Paio
The Cross of Senhor dos Milagres is located near the bridge. It dates from 1831 and is of a religious nature.
Casa da Ponte is a 17th-century emblazoned building converted into tourist accommodation. Nearby you can also visit the Church of São Paio, accessed via a staircase and covered with 19th-century tiles.
7. Himalaya Creativity Workshops
After visiting the Centenary Bridge, you should follow the river for a few more meters to the area where Casa de Valverde is located. Only then do I recommend that you leave the riverside area to get to know the interior of the town, starting with the Himalaya Creativity Workshops, a space dedicated to science, with lots of information and curiosities about the life and work of Father Himalaya, one of the greatest Portuguese scientists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
I compare these workshops with the Science Centers that you find in some Portuguese cities, because here you will also have activity rooms, where you can learn by putting into practice or testing scientific concepts. It is clearly a space more dedicated to children and schools, but individual visitors (as was my case), can also visit freely and have fun. There are informative rooms about Father Himalaya and you have the chance to see up close a life-size replica of the Pyreliophorus, the solar machine presented by the scientist at the 1904 St. Louis Universal Exposition, and which became one of his most celebrated inventions.
I particularly enjoyed watching a short 360º video in the planetarium of the workshops. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it too. 😉
8. Church of São Bento
You can go up to the Church of São Bento, before continuing the tour, but I consider it only optional in this article. It’s a 17th-century church that belonged to the former monastery of the Franciscan Capuchins, with images of St. Benedict and St. Anthony on its façade.
9. Church of Mercy
In the heart of the historic center, I begin by highlighting the Church of Mercy. Next to it you will find the beautiful building of Jornal de Notícias dos Arcos de Valdevez (“News Journal”). The church itself dates from the late 16th century but was completely rebuilt in 1710. There is also an 18th-century cross there, with spectacular details, such as the representations of the life of Christ.
10. Church of Lapa and Water Clock
More interesting than the Church of Mercy is the Church of Lapa, although I was most struck by the water clock in its square. You will see a new jet of water every 15 minutes, reaching its maximum at noon or midnight. 😉 Can you tell what time I visited this square from the photos below? Lapa Church dates back to the second half of the 18th century.
11. Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Conceição
In a street adjacent to Lapa Square you will find the oldest church in Arcos de Valdevez, and therefore the one with the most rustic appearance: the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Conceição. It is a Romanesque and Gothic church from the late 14th century.
12. Pillory of Arcos de Valdevez and Town Hall
You should also pass by the Municipal Square, where you will find the Pillory of Arcos de Valdevez, which dates back to the early 16th century. In the Municipal Square you will also find the elegant Town Hall building, and in the background, the access to the Mother Church.
13. Mother Church of Arcos de Valdevez
The Mother Church of Arcos de Valdevez was built at the end of the 17th century on top of an earlier one. It is a very beautiful church, especially inside, with rich decorations both on the altars and on the ceiling. Not to be missed!
14. Baroque Interpretive Center
The Baroque Interpretive Center is another spectacular place nearby, and is located in the Holy Spirit Church, from the same century as the previous one. It will allow you to learn more about the heritage of the Baroque period in the High Minho region through informative panels and some technology. It also has unique pieces of sacred art. It is possible to go up to the viewpoint of the church tower to admire a view to the riverside area.
If you like this museum, know that it is part of a set of 10, with one for each municipality in the High Minho region. Think about visiting the others, each associated with a different theme. They are part of a recent initiative called Time Travel 4D!
15. Piolho Fountain
Return to the riverside area to finish your itinerary of Arcos de Valdevez Town Center. Visit, for example, Piolho Fountain, on the opposite bank to the one where you started your walk through the town. Then, head to surrounding destinations in the municipality.
Visit Soajo and surroundings
If you are planning to visit Soajo, I recommend that you go also check my full itinerary to visit Peneda Gerês National Park. There are so many places to visit in Gerês, the region has the most incredible nature of Continental Portugal.
- Visit the Historic Center of Soajo, with emphasis on Eiró Square, where the pillory and the Mother Church are located. Go for a walk through the various alleys of the village.
- Visit the Granaries of Soajo, dating from the 18th and 19th centuries.
- Discover the lagoons of Soajo, namely Poço Negro, Poço das Mantas, Poço das Canejas, and Ladeira bridge lagoon.
- Pay a visit to the best viewpoints in Soajo: Coto Velho Viewpoint and Meandros do Lima Viewpoint.
- Visit Alto Lindoso Dam and Lindoso viewpoint.
1. Historic Center of Soajo
2. Granaries of Soajo
3. Soajo Lagoons: Poço Negro, Poço das Mantas, Poço das Canejas and Ladeira Bridge lagoon
4. Soajo Viewpoints: Coto Velho and Meandros do Lima
5. Alto Lindoso Dam
Visit Mezio and surroundings
Mezio is the gateway to the Peneda-Gerês National Park, in the municipality of Arcos de Valdevez. Do pass by the information center to get more details about activities and tourist attractions of the region.
- Visit the Travanca Lagoons, Mezio swing, Porta do Sol viewpoint and the megalithic monuments. Take the Mezio interpretive trail.
- Visit Gião Lookout Post, for one of the best viewpoints in the region. By car you can get there, but on dirt roads, so it will be ideal to have an all-terrain vehicle. You can also do this route on foot, from the PNPG Gate in Mezio.
- Take a dip in one of Grade Lagoons, located on the river Ázere. You can find them a short walk from Grade bridge.
1. Travanca Lagoons
2. Mezio Swing
3. Porta do Sol Viewpoint
4. Meghalitic Monuments in Mezio
5. Viewpoint from the Lookout Post of Gião
6. Grade Lagoons
Visit Nossa Senhora da Peneda, Tibo and Gavieira
The Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Peneda is undoubtedly one of the most incredible places in Arcos de Valdevez, and also in Peneda Gerês National Park. Be sure to check closely its staircase of Virtues, with statues representing Faith, Hope, Charity and Glory. Be sure to admire Peneda Waterfall, which runs down the rocky slope to the left of the sanctuary.
On the way to Nossa Senhora da Peneda, stop at the village of Gavieira and its viewpoint. Gavieira is an area full of terraces, so I’m sure you will marvel at the landscape.
From Tibo you can take a trail to Druids Lagoons, one of the most beautiful in the entire park. Finally, stop at the viewpoint of Tibo and at the viewpoint of Branda de São Bento do Cando, which allow a more overwhelming view of the entire region.
1. Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Peneda
2. Peneda Waterfall
3. Village and Viewpoint of Gavieira
4. Druids Lagoon
5. Tibo Viewpoint
6. Viewpoint of São Bento do Cando
Visit the Monastery of Ermelo and Ecovia
Ecovia de Ermelo is a 10km route if you want to do it in its entirety. There is, however, the possibility to start the route at the Monastery of Ermelo and then continue to the medieval bridge, covering only 2km.
The monastery of Ermelo originated at the end of the 13th century, and its rose window stands out. The pedestrian route always follows Lima River, and it is really beautiful, with small ponds near the medieval bridge mentioned.
1. Monastery of Ermelo
2. Ecovia de Ermelo
3. Ermelo Lagoons and Medieval Bridge
Visit Sistelo and walk on the Ecovia do Vez
I could not fail to mention Sistelo, a classified wonder village of Portugal. I really recommend 2 different trails starting there: Ecovia do Vez and Brandas do Sistelo trail. Through them you will get to know places like Branda do Alhal, the wooden walkways of Sistelo, Poço das Caldeiras (natural lagoon), Sistelo River Beach, or even the Medieval Bridge of Vilela.
In Sistelo itself, be sure to visit the Mother Church, the granaries and the Landscape Interpretive Center at Casa do Visconde.
Don’t forget to visit the best viewpoints of Sistelo: Miradouro da Estrica and Miradouro dos Socalcos.
1. Socalcos do Sistelo (Sistelo Terraces)
2. Sistelo Village
3. Wooden Walkways of Sistelo
4. Poço das Caldeiras (along Ecovia do Vez)
5. Medieval Bridge of Vilela (along Ecovia do Vez)
Other things to do in Arcos de Valdevez
To finish, I leave you with a list of other places to visit in Arcos de Valdevez, outside the national park, and scattered mostly in the region west of the town itself, on the borders with Ponte da Lima and Paredes de Coura municipalities. Must-see sights are:
- The Viewpoint of Castelo de Santa Cruz, the best there is to the town of Arcos de Valdevez and beyond.
- Penouços Padreiro Swing, with a magnificent view of the northern region of Lima River.
- And Rio Cabrão Waterfall, descending through a gigantic granite block. Access is via a short trail, which contains wooden walkways next to the waterfall.
1. Visit Castelo de Santa Cruz Viewpoint
2. Visit Penouços Padreiro Swing
3. Visit Rio Cabrão Waterfall
Other Itineraries and Travel Guides in Portugal
- N2 Portugal Road Trip Itinerary
- Madeira Itinerary and Travel Guide
- São Miguel Itinerary and Travel Guide (Azores)
- Terceira Itinerary and Travel Guide (Azores)
- Pico Itinerary in Azores
- Faial Itinerary in Azores
- Minho | Northern Portugal Itinerary
- Porto Itinerary and Travel Guide
- Things to do In Braga (Minho)
- Things to do in Guimarães (Minho)
- Things to do in Viana do Castelo (Minho)
- Peneda Gerês National Park Itinerary
- Douro Valley Itinerary
- Trás-os-Montes Itinerary
- Things to do in Bragança
- Montesinho Natural Park Itinerary
- Douro International Natural Park Itinerary
- Things to do in Aveiro
- Things to do in Coimbra
- Things to do in Leiria
- Things to do in Fatima
- Things to do in Nazaré
- Things to do in Peniche
- Things to do in Évora (Alentejo)
- Things to do in Beja (Alentejo)
- Algarve Road Trip Itinerary
- Things to do in Lagos (Algarve)
- Things to do in Portimão (Algarve)
- Things to do in Faro (Algarve)
- Things to do in Tavira (Algarve)
I hope this list of things to do in Arcos de Valdevez was useful for you! Please send me your feedback in the comment section below.
