Best things to do in Mogadouro | Portugal

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Mogadouro has so much more to discover beyond the extraordinary viewpoints of the Douro International Natural Park.

• You’ll find not one, but two castles — one in the historic center and another in Penas Róias.
• From the Fraga do Poio viewpoint, you can admire the stunning Lagos do Sabor, and nearby you’ll also come across the mouth of the Azibo.
• For a unique experience, don’t miss the giant swings overlooking the town from Monte de São Cristóvão.
• And hidden in the landscape lies a true natural wonder: the highest waterfall in the Douro International Natural Park.

👉 Want to know what to visit in Mogadouro, what to see and do on a quick 2-day itinerary? In this article, I share the best travel tips for your getaway.

Where is Mogadouro located, in Portugal?

Mogadouro lies in the northeast of Trás-os-Montes, bordering Spain on the other side of the Douro River, namely the provinces of Zamora and Salamanca, as well as the Arribes del Duero Natural Park.

In Portugal, it is part of the district of Bragança, sharing borders with the municipalities of Macedo de Cavaleiros, Vimioso, Miranda do Douro, Freixo de Espada à Cinta, Alfândega da Fé, and Torre de Moncorvo.

MORE ARTICLES ABOUT BRAGANÇA DISTRICT:
- Things to do in Vinhais
- Things to do in Bragança
- Things to do in Mirandela
- Things to do in Vimioso
- Things to do in Miranda do Douro
- Things to do in Mogadouro
- Things to do in Torre de Moncorvo
- Things to do in Freixo de Espada à Cinta
- Things to do in Carrazeda de Ansiães
- Things to do in Macedo de Cavaleiros
- Things to do in Vila Flor
- Montesinho Natural Park Itinerary
- Lagos do Sabor Itinerary
- Douro International Natural Park Itinerary
- Tua Valley Itinerary
- Trás-os-Montes Itinerary

The Roads of Mogadouro

My main tip for visiting Mogadouro is: have a car. A car will give you the flexibility to explore the surroundings of the village at your own pace. If you don’t have one, you can rent a car through Discover Cars.

Keep in mind that to reach many of the viewpoints in the Douro International Natural Park, you’ll often need to drive along narrow roads or dirt tracks. I’ll admit — I sacrificed my car a little during my trip, just to minimize the amount of walking. I know I’ll pay for it in future maintenance, but since I was short on time, I ended up driving on paths that are really meant for hiking or off-road vehicles.

I won’t tell you which viewpoints have good access and which don’t — there are simply too many variables, like whether it has rained recently. My advice is: if you really want to visit a spot, check the road yourself. If it looks too rough for your car, just park it and walk. 😉 That’s exactly what I did!

When to Visit Mogadouro?

The best time to visit Mogadouro really depends on what you’re looking for — and what you’re willing to leave for another trip. I personally recommend spring or late winter, because during the hotter months the Faia da Água Alta Waterfall, the tallest in the natural park, usually runs dry. Plus, the almond trees in blossom appear between late February and early March. 😉

If the waterfall isn’t a priority for you — it does require a fairly demanding hike — then you can consider summer or really any other time of year.

• June brings the São Mamede Festival.
• July is the Santa Ana Festival.
• August celebrates Nossa Senhora do Caminho.
• By mid-October, you can enjoy the Gorazes Fair, with its strong gastronomic traditions.

In Mogadouro, you’ll also find several winter festivities during the Christmas and New Year season. If you visit at that time, you’ll come across traditions such as the Chocalheiros of Bemposta, the Velhos of Bruçó, or the Mascarão and Mascarinha of Vilarinho dos Galegos, among others.

Gastronomy and restaurants in Mogadouro

The Posta Mirandesa (grilled veal steak) is always a winning choice. 😉 Or you might go for the local lamb instead.

When it comes to sweets, try the Bolos Económicos, a Mogadouro specialty, as well as the traditional Rosquilhas de Forno.

For restaurants, consider O Lagar do Nicolau, A Tasquinha, A Lareira, or even Restaurante Primavera.

Where to stay in Mogadouro?

Best things to do in Mogadouro

In this article, I’ll guide you through Mogadouro, starting with its historic center. Then, I’ll take you around the surroundings of the village, and finally to the Douro International Park — with its viewpoints, waterfalls, and other points of interest.

Map with the highlights to visit in Mogadouro

Historic Center of Mogadouro

In the Historic Center of Mogadouro, the highlights are the Castle, the Main Church, and the town’s museums. I recommend starting your itinerary around the Parque da Vila, the Municipal Library, or the Avenida de Nossa Senhora do Caminho.

1. Avenida de Nossa Senhora do Caminho and Parque da Vila

The Avenida de Nossa Senhora do Caminho features a wide cobblestone promenade, lined with trees on both sides and plenty of garden benches.

In the Parque da Vila, one side is home to the Municipal Library, dedicated to Trindade Coelho, while on the other you’ll find the Casa das Artes e Ofícios de Mogadouro, where the local Tourist Office is located.

2. Praça Engenheiro Duarte Pacheco

The Praça Engenheiro Duarte Pacheco appears just ahead for those walking towards the castle. In this square, you’ll find a few points of interest, starting with the statue of Trindade Coelho, right in the center.

3. Casa das Associações

The Casa das Associações is located in the Praça Engenheiro Duarte Pacheco, and it’s a museum space well worth visiting in Mogadouro. In short, it’s a museum dedicated to the bagpipe and the traditional pipers of the region. Inside, you’ll find a large collection of bagpipes on display, with detailed descriptions about each instrument and the musicians who once played them.

4. Mogadouro Archaeology Museum

The Mogadouro Archaeology Museum is located on a side street off the Praça Engenheiro Duarte Pacheco, behind the Town Hall. It’s a relatively small space, with just a single exhibition room, but it showcases archaeological artifacts uncovered in excavations across the municipality — some of them dating back as far as five millennia.

5. Church and Convent of São Francisco

When you arrive at the Convent of São Francisco, dating back to the 15th century, you’ll notice it has been converted into the Mogadouro Town Hall. The square where it stands is quite charming, with the convent’s arcades surrounding it, and at one end you’ll find panels illustrating the history of the municipality.

As for the Church of the Convent of São Francisco, I find it the most beautiful in the village — simple, yet full of character.

6. Mogadouro Castle and Clock Tower

The Castle of Mogadouro dates back to the 12th century, when it became necessary to build defenses in the region against the Moors and the armies of León. The keep (Torre de Menagem) was erected in that century by the Templars, and in the following years the castle’s structure was gradually reinforced.

From the 15th century onwards, it became the noble residence of the Távora family, and later, from the mid-18th century for nearly a century, it served as the residence of the Juízes de Fora (royal magistrates). It was only in the 19th century that the castle was abandoned, eventually falling into ruin.

7. Main Church of Mogadouro

The Main Church of Mogadouro is also located within the castle grounds. It dates back to the 16th century, although it is believed to have replaced an earlier church, likely of Romanesque origin.

8. Pillory of Mogadouro and Church of Mercy

The last landmarks I recommend in this itinerary are the Pillory of Mogadouro and the Church of Mercy. Both are located next to the castle and date back to the 16th century.

The Surroundings of Mogadouro

The Historic Center of Mogadouro is quite simple and quick to visit. However, the surroundings more than make up for it, offering plenty to see and do before you set off to explore the Douro International Park in this municipality.

1. São Cristóvão Sanctuary Viewpoint

The first spot I recommend near the village of Mogadouro is the São Cristóvão Sanctuary Viewpoint. It’s the best place to enjoy sweeping views of the town, and it even has tourist swings where you can have some fun while admiring the stunning landscape!

2. Fraga do Poio Viewpoint (Brunhoso)

The second spot is the Fraga do Poio Viewpoint, which overlooks the new Sabor Lakes, in a section known as the Fragas do Sabor. The scenery here is truly beautiful — the only confusing part is the name, since it’s similar to one of the viewpoints near Miranda do Douro, by Picote. 😄 But rest assured, they have nothing to do with each other!

3. Foz do Azibo Viewpoint

The mouth of the Azibo River, where it flows into the Sabor, is also located within the municipality of Mogadouro. This is yet another stage of the Sabor Lakes that you definitely shouldn’t miss.

4. Romanesque Church of Azinhoso

The Romanesque Church of Azinhoso was without a doubt my favorite church in the entire municipality of Mogadouro. I can’t say what it looks like inside, since I wasn’t able to visit, but from the outside I found it absolutely delightful. Did you know it was built in the 13th century by the Templars?

5. Penas Róias Dam and Castle

From the Castle of Penas Róias, you can spot the dam — but not only that. This is a fantastic spot to watch the sunset, although it’s not the very best view in the area, since the Serra da Castanheira Viewpoint is right next door at a higher altitude.

The Castle of Penas Róias once belonged to the Templars and was, in its time, an imposing fortress. Today, only a small tower remains. As a curiosity, from here you can also see the extraordinary Castle of Algoso, in the municipality of Vimioso.

6. Serra da Castanheira Viewpoint

The Serra da Castanheira Viewpoint sits at nearly 1,000 meters of altitude, making it the highest point in the municipality. It’s also an excellent spot to watch the sunset, with a church at the top of the hill dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption.

7. Monóptero of São Gonçalo

When it comes to unusual monuments in Mogadouro, the Monóptero of São Gonçalo is definitely at the top of the list. Mainly because it stands in the middle of nowhere, its original purpose remains unknown, and it has a truly distinctive look.

There’s a hiking trail that passes by it, called PR2 | Trilho do Monóptero. By following this route, you’ll also get to visit Azinhoso and Penas Róias, places already mentioned above. I only walked a short section of the trail to reach the Monóptero, since there was no good car access to it.

Douro International in Mogadouro

Finally, the best stage, inevitably: the stretch of the Douro International Natural Park that belongs to Mogadouro.

1. Cerca Viewpoint (Urrós)

The first viewpoint I suggest is one of my favorites on this list: the Cerca Viewpoint, just a few kilometers from Urrós. From here, you can admire a beautiful bend of the Douro River.

2. Santa Bárbara Chapel Viewpoint (Bemposta)

The second is the Santa Bárbara Chapel Viewpoint. It’s very, very simple when compared to other viewpoints in the Douro International Park. While you’re there, take the chance to explore Bemposta, one of the most visited villages in Mogadouro.

3. Faia da Água Alta Waterfall (Bemposta)

As for the tallest waterfall in the Douro International Park, it’s also near Bemposta. To reach it, you can follow the PR4 | Trilho da Faia da Água Alta, a circular hiking trail of almost 9 km, connecting Bemposta to Lamoso and then to the waterfall itself.

I didn’t do the full trail — only about 3 km of the section that isn’t accessible by car. I drove to Lamoso, continued along the dirt road until I couldn’t go any further, parked, and walked the rest of the way.

When I visited, at the beginning of summer, the waterfall was almost completely dry, so I mainly went to enjoy the beautiful surrounding landscape. But if you want to see it flowing, spring is the ideal season!

4. Romanesque Church of Algosinho

The Late-Romanesque Church of Algosinho is notable for the niche above its main portal, decorated with a six-pointed star and an inverted triangle.

5. Picões Viewpoint (Peredo da Bemposta)

The Picões Viewpoint is another one of my favorites. With the addition of railings, it now looks just like a balcony over the Douro River.

6. Contrabando Viewpoint, Castelinho Viewpoint, and Fraga do Calço Viewpoint (Vilarinho dos Galegos)

These are three viewpoints located very close to one another. My suggestion is to start at the Fraga do Calço Viewpoint, next to the Castro of Vilarinho dos Galegos, which for me had the easiest access. From there, you can walk to the other viewpoints by following a short section of the PR6 | Castro and Contraband Trail.

7. Caminho do Rio and Abicheiros Viewpoint (Bruçó)

Almost at the end of the list, there’s the Caminho do Rio Viewpoint, in Bruçó. As the name suggests, it lies on the way down to the river, where you’ll find a small river pier at the end of the road. At the very least, you can dip your feet in the Douro River. 😄

8. Aldeadávila Dam Viewpoint (Bruçó)

And finally, the most stunning viewpoint on this entire list of Douro International viewpoints in Mogadouro. To get here, you’ll need to use the coordinates below and follow dirt roads all the way. Switch Google Maps to satellite view and plan your route — that’s exactly what I did when I decided to go. The reward? An absolutely breathtaking view of the Aldeadávila Dam!

• Approximate coordinates: 41.21037, -6.69623

Best Hiking Trails in Mogadouro

I’ve already mentioned a few throughout the text, such as:

• PR2 | Monóptero Trail
• PR4 | Faia da Água Alta Trail
• PR6 | Castro and Contraband Trail

Each of these trails will take you to some of the highlights I’ve covered in this article. In my opinion, it’s not necessary to walk them in their entirety — just select the sections that interest you most.

There’s also the PR5 | Legends Trail, which I haven’t mentioned yet. It passes by the Picões Viewpoint and is another great option to consider.

What to Visit Near Mogadouro?

Close to Mogadouro, you’ll find all the neighboring municipalities I mentioned at the beginning of this article. You can continue exploring more of the Douro International Natural Park, for example. Or, if you wish, cross the border into Spain and discover the Arribes del Duero Natural Park.

Since Mogadouro has already given you a glimpse of the Sabor Lakes, why not follow a complete itinerary? 😉 Below, you’ll find several links with great suggestions to add to your trip. Have a wonderful journey!

MORE ARTICLES ABOUT BRAGANÇA DISTRICT:
- Things to do in Vinhais
- Things to do in Bragança
- Things to do in Mirandela
- Things to do in Vimioso
- Things to do in Miranda do Douro
- Things to do in Mogadouro
- Things to do in Torre de Moncorvo
- Things to do in Freixo de Espada à Cinta
- Things to do in Carrazeda de Ansiães
- Things to do in Macedo de Cavaleiros
- Things to do in Vila Flor
- Montesinho Natural Park Itinerary
- Lagos do Sabor Itinerary
- Douro International Natural Park Itinerary
- Tua Valley Itinerary
- Trás-os-Montes Itinerary

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