Best things to do in Fafe | Portugal

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You’ve probably already heard of Fafe, one of the main stages of the Rally de Portugal in the Minho region. If you’ve never watched the races in person, I highly recommend doing so at one of the upcoming editions. In my opinion, this is the municipality’s main highlight, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy the experience—whether or not you’re a car enthusiast.

But Fafe has much more to offer beyond rally racing. For example, the stunning Queimadela Dam, now featuring wooden walkways and a circular hiking trail around the reservoir; the Water Park; the Santa Marinha Picnic Park; and the quirky Casa do Penedo (the “Stone House”).

In this article, I’ll guide you through all of them so you can plan a 2-day itinerary in the region, which may or may not coincide with the Rally de Portugal.

Where is Fafe located, in Portugal?

Fafe is located in the Braga district, bordering the Minho municipalities of Póvoa de Lanhoso, Vieira do Minho, Cabeceiras de Basto, Celorico de Basto, and Guimarães. To the south, it also borders Felgueiras, which belongs to the Porto district.

On this blog, you’ll also find plenty of articles about the Minho region—very useful if you’re planning a longer itinerary. Below, I’ve included a list with several helpful links.

MORE ARTICLES FROM THE MINHO REGION OF PORTUGAL:

- Minho | Northern Portugal Itinerary
- Peneda Gerês National Park Itinerary
- Best Hikes and Trails in Peneda Gerês National Park
- Best Peneda Gerês National Park Waterfalls and Lagoons
- Serra d'Arga Itinerary

DISTRICT OF VIANA DO CASTELO:
- 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 Sistelo
- Things to do in Soajo and Lindoso
- Things to do in Vila Nova de Cerveira
- Things to do in Ponte da Barca
- Things to do in Paredes de Coura
- Things to do in Arcos de Valdevez
- Things to do in Melgaço

DISTRICT OF BRAGA:
- Things to do in Guimarães
- Things to do in Barcelos
- Things to do in Esposende
- Things to do in Braga
- Things to do in Vizela
- Things to do in Vila Verde
- Things to do in Vila Nova de Famalicão
- Things to do in Vieira do Minho
- Things to do in Terras de Bouro
- Things to do in Póvoa de Lanhoso
- Things to do in Fafe
- Things to do in Amares

When to Visit Fafe

As I mentioned earlier, the best time to visit Fafe is during the Rally de Portugal, which usually takes place in May. You can check the official website for the full program. At that time of year, crowds head to the mountains to watch the most thrilling rally stages—especially those famous sections with jumps. 😉 The photos below were actually taken in Vieira do Minho, but the scenes in Fafe are very similar, if not even more exciting!

As for other local festivities, the highlights are:

• The Festivities in Honor of Nossa Senhora de Antime, celebrated on the second Sunday of July.
• The Feiras Francas, which include horse races, held in mid-May.

If you can’t make it to Fafe during one of these big events, don’t worry. In my opinion, the municipality is beautiful year-round, with each season offering its own charm. apenas algumas ideias e possível justificação para programação da tua viagem.

Rent a car to visit Fafe

If you need to rent a car—which is essential for exploring Fafe with greater flexibility—use Discover Cars to compare prices online across different rental companies.

Gastronomy and restaurants in Fafe

When it comes to gastronomy, the signature dish of the municipality is without a doubt Roast Veal à Moda de Fafe. You’ll also find excellent roast lamb (anho assado). Traditionally, roast veal is the highlight of the Feiras Francas, while roast lamb takes center stage during the Nossa Senhora de Antime festivities.

For a true taste of local flavors, try dining at:

• Restaurante Feira Velha
• Restaurante Porto Seguro

Where to stay in Fafe?

Things to do in Fafe | Portugal

In this article, I’ll show you everything to see in Fafe, along with what to do on a 2-day itinerary. To start, here’s a complete map with all the tourist attractions I’ll be mentioning below.

Map with the highlights to visit in Fafe

Visit Fafe Town Center

In the town center of Fafe, you’ll find several gardens to explore, as well as the Rally Museum—a must-visit for anyone who can’t experience the races in person.

1. Fafe City Park & Clock Park

I recommend parking near the Fafe Multi-Purpose Pavilion, which is just a short walk from these two parks—your perfect starting point for exploring the town.

Both are excellent green spaces, with wide lawns ideal for a stroll or a quick break. But what really makes them stand out is the urban art scattered throughout. Some murals might look like simple sketches, but others are truly impressive works created by both Portuguese and international artists. Ideally, set aside enough time to wander around and admire the different murals at your own pace.

2. Fafe Town Hall

Next, head to Praça Mártires do Fascismo, which today has been converted into a parking lot. At the top of the square, you’ll find the Fafe Town Hall building.

3. Fafe Main Church (Igreja Matriz)

I’ll admit that the area behind the Town Hall isn’t the most interesting part of Fafe, but it’s still worth visiting the Main Church. With its twin towers and simple 18th-century Baroque façade, it’s one of the city’s key landmarks. Right next to it, you’ll also find a small garden with a children’s playground.

4. Fafe Rally Museum

The Rally Museum is absolutely a must-visit, even if I found the ticket price a bit steep. If I remember correctly, I paid €5, which is actually double the price of the Automobile Museum in Vila Nova de Famalicão—a museum that has a much larger collection of cars. Still, given Fafe’s strong connection to rally racing, this museum is an essential stop for motorsport fans.

5. Calvário Garden of Fafe

After visiting the Rally Museum, head over to what I consider the most beautiful part of Fafe: the Calvário Garden. This charming spot, right next to the Hotel Fafense (which I recommend in this article), truly feels like a hidden gem.

The garden was inaugurated in 1892, and it takes its name from a former Calvary Chapel that once stood on the site. Today, it’s a peaceful green space perfect for a stroll or a short break in the heart of the city.

6. Monument to Justice of Fafe

Before heading to Praça 25 de Abril, stop by the Monument to Justice of Fafe, built in 1981 and located behind the Palace of Justice.

7. New Church of São José

Right next to the Palace of Justice, you’ll also find another church in town, the New Church of São José. Built with a single tower, it was completed in 1961.

8. Fafe Cinema Theater

The Fafe Cinema Theater, dating back to 1923, has a beautifully ornate façade and was recently fully restored. It remains one of the architectural highlights of the city.

9. Praça 25 de Abril Park

Finally, don’t miss the large Praça 25 de Abril, the beating heart of Fafe. Here you’ll find several landmarks, including the Monument to the Fallen of the Great War and the elegant Clube Fafense building.

10. Fafe House of Culture & Municipal Archive

In my opinion, the House of Culture is one of the most beautiful buildings in Fafe—perhaps even the most beautiful. At night, it’s equally stunning, thanks to the elegant lighting in the garden out front. Inside, it houses two of the city’s museums: the Press Museum and the Museum of Migrations and Communities (which, unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to visit).

Right next door, you’ll find the Fafe Municipal Archive. Like the House of Culture, it has the appearance of a palace, the result of restoring and expanding an early 20th-century manor house.

Note: Together with the Theater, Calvário Garden, and Clube Fafense, these buildings share elements of Brazilian-influenced architecture. They were small palaces built by Portuguese emigrants who made their fortune in Brazil and later returned to invest in their homeland.

11. Praça das Comunidades de Fafe

End your walking tour at the Praça das Comunidades, a large open square that hosts the town’s weekly market. It’s a spacious area and a lively spot when the fair is in full swing.

Visit Pontido Village & Queimadela Dam

The Queimadela Dam is, in my opinion, the most interesting tourist attraction in the municipality of Fafe. Surrounding the reservoir is a fantastic walking trail, complete with wooden boardwalks in strategic spots. The scenery is stunning, with lush vegetation all around, and there’s even a river beach where you can enjoy a refreshing swim.

I reached the dam from the Village of Pontido, but you can also start from the river beach area, right by the dam wall itself—where you’ll also find more parking spaces.

Along the trail, you’ll come across a beautiful waterfall, another great spot for a dip in the river, even though it’s not an official swimming area.

And don’t forget—it’s possible to stay overnight at the Pontido Tourist Village, as I suggested earlier in this article. 😉

1. Pontido Tourist Village

2. Queimadela Dam Waterfall

3. Walking trail of the Queimadela Reservoir

4. Queimadela River beach

Explore Fafe Mountains

The Fafe Mountains, famous as one of the stages of the Rally de Portugal, are home to two major highlights: the Casa do Penedo and the scenic region of Aboim. It’s well worth taking a drive through the Fafe Wind Farm, which gives you a real sense of the rally route, with its wide dirt tracks high up in the mountains.

The Casa do Penedo (“House of Stone”) was built in 1974 as a holiday retreat for its owners. Often compared to the Flintstones’ house from the classic cartoon series, it has even been dubbed the strangest house in the world. On the official website, you can find out about the activities it hosts and even book a guided tour.

In Aboim, the main attraction is the stunning mountain scenery—it’s a very pleasant drive to get there. Be sure to check out the windmill at the top of the village, visit the interpretation center, and stop by the parish church. The highest point in the municipality of Fafe is also nearby, at Alto de Morgaír (about 890 meters above sea level). This is also where the Vizela River has its source. Continue on to Lage Branca for a viewpoint overlooking the Ermal Reservoir in Vieira do Minho.

1. Casa do Penedo in Fafe

2. Village of Aboim

3. Alto de Morgaír – Highest point of Fafe

Other Places to Visit in Fafe

Around the town of Fafe, there are still many other places worth discovering. Of these, I would highlight two must-sees: the Santa Marinha Viewpoint and the Romanesque Church of Arões. The rest can be considered optional stops depending on the time you have available.

1. Santa Marinha Viewpoint & “The Love That Unites Us” Swing

Located in the northern part of the municipality, next to the small Chapel of Santa Marinha and a picnic park, this viewpoint is a popular spot among locals and visitors alike. It also features a tourist swing called “O Amor que nos une”(“The Love That Unites Us”). From here, you get wide, unobstructed views over much of Fafe and the surrounding municipalities.

2. Casa, Solar, or Quinta da Luz

I stumbled upon this “palace” by chance while driving through the outskirts of Fafe—and I immediately had to stop to admire it. The building has a very striking façade, with a vast square in front that must once have been a beautiful garden. The estate dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries and is one of those unexpected gems you can come across while exploring the region.

3. Santa Rita Hydroelectric Museum & Straw Museum

Fafe is also home to two smaller museums that require advance booking to visit.

The Santa Rita Hydroelectric Museum, on the other hand, is housed in the former Santa Rita Hydroelectric Power Station, dating back to 1914, and focuses on the history of electricity production.

The Straw Museum is located in the former Golães School and features exhibitions of traditional straw crafts, showcasing how this material was once used to create a wide range of everyday products.

4. Golães River Beach

The Golães River Beach is a pleasant leisure area along the banks of the Vizela River. In summer, there are some facilities available, making it a nice spot to relax. That said, I personally prefer the Queimadela Dam, which I find even more impressive. 😉

5. Castro and Chapel of Santo Ovídio

The Castro of Santo Ovídio is the most important archaeological site to visit in Fafe. It was discovered by archaeologist Martins Sarmento during the preparations for the construction of the nearby Chapel of Santo Ovídio, located on the summit of the adjacent hill. The settlement dates back to around the 1st century BC and 1st century AD.

In addition to exploring the castro, you should also climb up to the chapel itself. From its churchyard, you’ll enjoy a lovely view over the cluster of houses at the base of the hill.

6. Romanesque Church of Arões

An even more remarkable site is the Romanesque Church of Arões, which dates back to the 13th century. As a point of interest, it is the only heritage landmark in the municipality of Fafe classified as a National Monument.

7. Porto Seguro City Park

The Porto Seguro City Park is essentially Fafe’s forest park. Its main highlight is the beautiful woodland that makes it perfect for pleasant walks, light hikes, or outdoor exercise. It’s a refreshing green space to unwind and enjoy nature right on the edge of town.

8. Fafe Water Park

As the name suggests, the Fafe Water Park is a fun aquatic leisure center featuring slides, pools, a gym, and other facilities. It’s an excellent place to spend an afternoon with the family—especially if you’re traveling with kids or teens.

9. Rilhadas Tourist Complex

Since Fafe is so well-known for rally racing, it’s impossible not to mention the Fafe Karting Track, located in the Rilhadas Tourist Complex. It’s a great spot for those who enjoy motorsports on a smaller scale.

10. Church, Tower, and Necropolis of São Gens

Finally, there’s the Church and Tower of São Gens. It’s believed that a Romanesque Benedictine Monastery once stood here, of which some remains can still be seen today. The most striking feature is the tower, built directly on top of a massive granite boulder. Nearby, you’ll also find ancient necropolises, adding to the site’s historical interest.

What to Visit Near Fafe?

There are plenty of great places to explore near Fafe. I recommend visiting other Minho municipalities such as Vieira do Minho, Póvoa de Lanhoso, Guimarães, or even Vizela.

Enjoy your trip! 😉

MORE ARTICLES FROM THE MINHO REGION OF PORTUGAL:

- Minho | Northern Portugal Itinerary
- Peneda Gerês National Park Itinerary
- Best Hikes and Trails in Peneda Gerês National Park
- Best Peneda Gerês National Park Waterfalls and Lagoons
- Serra d'Arga Itinerary

DISTRICT OF VIANA DO CASTELO:
- 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 Sistelo
- Things to do in Soajo and Lindoso
- Things to do in Vila Nova de Cerveira
- Things to do in Ponte da Barca
- Things to do in Paredes de Coura
- Things to do in Arcos de Valdevez
- Things to do in Melgaço

DISTRICT OF BRAGA:
- Things to do in Guimarães
- Things to do in Barcelos
- Things to do in Esposende
- Things to do in Braga
- Things to do in Vizela
- Things to do in Vila Verde
- Things to do in Vila Nova de Famalicão
- Things to do in Vieira do Minho
- Things to do in Terras de Bouro
- Things to do in Póvoa de Lanhoso
- Things to do in Fafe
- Things to do in Amares

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