Pedro DominguesHave you ever heard of the Vodafone Paredes de Coura Festival? Chances are you have—but if not, this article will tell you all about it, including where it takes place. The festival is one of the main reasons thousands of people visit this town every year.
But Paredes de Coura has much more to offer. Its natural heritage is truly remarkable, featuring one of the most stunning hidden waterfalls in Minho—the Cascata das Lages Altas—and the protected landscapes of Corno do Bico.
Don’t overlook Paredes de Coura in favor of better-known spots nearby. Sometimes the lesser-visited places are the ones that surprise us the most, don’t you think? In this article, you’ll find all the tips you need on what to see and do in Paredes de Coura, including a perfect 2-day itinerary.
Where is Paredes de Coura located, in Portugal?
Paredes de Coura is a central town in the district of Viana do Castelo, in the Alto Minho region. It is located between the municipalities of Valença, Monção, Arcos de Valdevez, Ponte de Lima, and Vila Nova de Cerveira.
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 Paredes de Coura
You can visit Paredes de Coura any time of year, but summer is when the famous Vodafone music festival takes place. First held in 1993, the festival is staged at Praia Fluvial do Taboão, right next to the town center.
If you’d rather go hiking in Corno do Bico or visit the Cascata das Lages Altas, I recommend coming in spring. The weather is milder, and the waterfall is at its most spectacular. In the hotter months, it may even dry up completely!
Rent a car to visit Paredes de Coura
To really explore the municipality, having a car is essential. I usually drive my own vehicle, so within mainland Portugal I don’t need to rent. But whenever I travel abroad, I always go with Discover Cars. 😉
Gastronomy and restaurants in Paredes de Coura
When it comes to food, Paredes de Coura won’t disappoint. Fresh trout from the Coura River is a local highlight, while from the mountains comes tender, flavorful goat meat. You’ll also find delicious arroz de cabidela (chicken blood rice), a traditional Portuguese dish. For dessert, don’t miss Formigos à moda do Minho—a rich treat made with dried fruits, breadcrumbs, honey, and Port wine.
Two great places to enjoy these local flavors are Restaurante Barbaças and Restaurante Miquelina.
Where to stay in Paredes de Coura?
| Accommodation | Score | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Casa do Padreiro | 9.6 | Center of Paredes de Coura |
| Quinta da Gandra | 9.3 | Agualonga |
| Casa das Lages | 9.2 | Rubiães |
| Quinta das Leiras | 9.2 | Rubiães |
| Casa da Capela | 9.5 | Cossourado |
Things to do in Paredes de Coura
Now let me show you everything you can see in Paredes de Coura in about two days. If you only have one day in the area, focus on the town center, Taboão River Beach, and then the must-sees: Corno do Bico and the Lages Altas Waterfall.
Map with the highlights to visit in Paredes de Coura
Visit Paredes de Coura Town Center
When I arrived in Paredes de Coura, I easily found parking near the spacious Largo 5 de Outubro. From there, I began exploring the town center on foot.
1. Largo 5 de Outubro and the Paredes de Coura Cultural Center
You can think of these two spots as one end of the town center. The highlight here is the Paredes de Coura Cultural Center, with its small lake and beautiful statue at the center. The building itself houses a small auditorium and a gallery for temporary exhibitions, and it mainly serves as a venue for performances.
2. Main Church of Paredes de Coura
The Main Church of Paredes de Coura stands facing the town’s central square. What immediately catches the eye are its grand staircase and the tall bell tower rising above it.
3. Largo Visconde de Mozelos, the Old Jail, and the Pillory of Paredes de Coura
Largo Visconde de Mozelos is home to the beautiful Paredes de Coura Town Hall. In front of it stands a bust honoring Miguel Dantas, a prominent local figure responsible for many of the town’s public works, including the Old Jail of Paredes de Coura. Today, that late 19th-century building has been transformed into the Casa do Conhecimento (“House of Knowledge”), located at the entrance to the square.
Also worth noting is the Pillory of Paredes de Coura, rebuilt here in the early 20th century, which still preserves some of its original elements.
4. Regional Museum of Paredes de Coura
I didn’t get the chance to visit the Regional Museum of Paredes de Coura, as it was closed during my trip. The museum is housed in Casa da Veiga, a historic building dating back to before the 18th century.
Inside, from what I researched, there are three exhibition galleries and a recreated rural house. The galleries focus on linen production, agriculture, and archaeology. The Rural House offers a glimpse into traditional country life, with authentic rooms such as the kitchen, bedrooms, and more.
And don’t forget to climb up to the rocky outcrop next to the museum. At the top, a metal platform serves as a scenic viewpoint with lovely views over the area.
5. Largo Hintze Ribeiro and Conselheiro Miguel Dantas Garden
In addition to the bust already mentioned in front of the Town Hall, Miguel Dantas is also honored with a garden that bears his name. Largo Hintze Ribeiro, meanwhile, is where Paredes de Coura’s main fairs take place. Like Largo 5 de Outubro, it’s a wide, open space perfectly suited for this kind of event.
6. Church of the Holy Spirit
On your way to the Church of the Holy Spirit, take a moment to admire the small chapel next to the Paredes de Coura Retirement Home, as well as the façade of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia building.
The church’s exact origins are unknown, but its main architectural features date back to the 18th century. Highlights include the niche with a statue of the Holy Spirit on the main façade, the churchyard, the grand staircase, and a 19th-century stone cross.
7. Penedo do Milho Viewpoint
To wrap up the town center of Paredes de Coura, I can’t leave out the Penedo do Milho Viewpoint. Set at just the right height and distance, it feels like a natural balcony overlooking the town. The viewpoint is truly beautiful and gives you a great sense of how all the houses and streets are laid out.
Visit Our Lady of Pena Viewpoint
The Our Lady of Pena Viewpoint is without a doubt another of Paredes de Coura’s great scenic spots. It sits on Pena Hill, right next to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Pena. From here, you can see the entire Coura Valley and the surrounding agricultural fields. Personally, I prefer the Penedo do Milho Viewpoint for its proximity to town, but this one is just as impressive.
Visit Taboão River beach
It’s at Taboão River Beach that the Vodafone Paredes de Coura Festival takes place, as I mentioned earlier. The river beach is a vast green space located along the banks of the Coura River, just a few kilometers from town. With or without the festival, it struck me as an amazing spot for summer, offering great facilities and plenty of space. In other seasons, it’s without a doubt a peaceful and quiet place—perfect for reading, meditating, or simply enjoying a riverside walk.
Visit Lages Altas Waterfall
For me, the Lages Altas Waterfall is another must-see when visiting Paredes de Coura—unless you’re here in summer, when it’s usually dry or with very little water. It’s not far from the town center, but you’ll need to hike to get there.
When I visited, I followed the PR14 trail of Paredes de Coura. However, I don’t recommend doing this, since the path takes you to the top of the waterfall, and getting down to the base from there can be tricky, especially if you don’t have hiking experience.
Although I did take that more challenging descent, my suggestion is to head straight to the base via a much easier route. I’m sharing the coordinates below—this is where the trail begins, and it’s accessible to everyone! 😉 Once you reach the falls, if you’d like to go up to the top, you can still do so, as long as you climb carefully.
The Lages Altas Waterfall is truly impressive. For me, it was a big surprise to find something of that scale while visiting Paredes de Coura. A hidden gem in northern Portugal that I’m letting you in on!
Trail starting point coordinates: 41.904975, -8.584984
Explore Corno do Bico Protected Landscape
The Corno do Bico Protected Landscape lies on the border with Ponte de Lima. In fact, some of the sights I’ll mention here I’ve already covered in my article about that municipality. You can even extend your itinerary to include Labrujó, considered the most beautiful village in Ponte de Lima, as part of your visit to Corno do Bico.
1. Environmental Education and Interpretation Center of Corno do Bico
As part of my trip to Paredes de Coura, I decided to stop at the Environmental Education and Interpretation Center of Corno do Bico. I expected an interpretive space with an exhibition hall—or at least an information point where I could pick up tips for exploring the area. At the time of my visit, however, it wasn’t functioning in that way, at least not yet.
What I was told is that they do organize activities for groups, mainly in summer, but these need to be booked in advance. You can find their contact details on the town hall’s website.
2. Chã de Lamas Megalithic Site
Next to the center is a megalithic site, the highlight of which is the Mamoa de Vascões. In total, there are six mamoas(ancient burial mounds) in the region.
3. Santo Amaro Viewpoint
The Santo Amaro Viewpoint is another must-see nearby. It sits beside a cluster of large boulders, on top of which stands a monument honoring emigrants. Beneath one of the rocks, I discovered a small cave that you can actually step into, along with a panel telling a local legend. The story is a long one, so I won’t reproduce it here, but it explains how these boulders came to be known as the Penedos da Moura (“Moura’s Rocks”).
4. Vascões Viewpoint and Parada Swing (Optional Stops)
Another viewpoint overlooking granite outcrops is the Vascões Viewpoint. The view isn’t quite as striking as the previous one, so I’d consider it optional. The same goes for the Parada Swing. Compared to other swings in Portugal, this one wasn’t, at least at the time of my visit, something I’d call a must-see.
5. Senharei Viewpoint and Swing
I much preferred the Senharei Swing, which you’ll find in a pleasant recreational area on the outskirts of the village of the same name. The spot also features a lovely lagoon with wooden walkways.
As for the viewpoint, it’s located right next to the village in a prime position. Also known as the São Mamede Viewpoint, it offers truly beautiful views.
6. Village of Giesteira
One village I really enjoyed visiting at the foot of the Corno do Bico mountains was Giesteira. It’s a remote, truly rural place, and I loved the green fields surrounding it.
7. Corno do Bico Viewpoint
If you want to reach the top of the Corno do Bico mountains—specifically the Corno do Bico Viewpoint—be very careful which roads you take. It is possible to get there by car, but you’ll need to know which dirt tracks to follow, as some are in really rough condition.
I recommend approaching from the N306, at the spot I’ve linked on Google Maps. The viewpoints I’ll mention next are also easy to reach from this road. The Corno do Bico Viewpoint is truly a gem, offering some of the best views over the entire region south of Paredes de Coura.
8. Corno do Bico Mountain Lagoon
At the top of the Corno do Bico mountains, you’ll also find a beautiful lagoon. Swimming isn’t allowed here, but it’s a stunning natural spot worth mentioning for its landscape value alone.
9. Anta da Cruz Vermelha
Another interesting site is the Anta da Cruz Vermelha. As the name suggests, it’s a megalithic monument with a red cross added on top. The anta (dolmen) dates back to around 2500 BC.
10. Alto do Cabeço Viewpoint
The Alto do Cabeço Viewpoint offers an incredible view over the terraced fields of Labrujó, in Ponte de Lima. It’s absolutely worth the visit—not only for the scenery, but also because it sits in an area filled with massive granite boulders.
11. Chã do Vento Viewpoint
The Chã do Vento Viewpoint offers more views to the north, though it’s not as impressive as the Corno do Bico Viewpoint.
12. Penedo do Rebolinho Viewpoint
Finally, there’s the Penedo do Rebolinho Viewpoint. Facing south, like the Alto do Cabeço Viewpoint, it also offers sweeping views of the terraced villages of Ponte de Lima—most notably Rendufe.
Visit the Fortified Settlement of Cossourado
The Fortified Settlement of Cossourado is a must-visit for anyone who enjoys archaeological sites. What makes these ruins especially interesting is that two dwellings have been reconstructed to show what they likely looked like in ancient times. This castro (hillfort) is classified as a national monument and dates back to the Iron Age.
Visit the Romanesque Church of Rubiães
The Romanesque Church of Rubiães, also known as the Church of Saint Peter, dates back to the late 13th century. Its highlights include the striking portal and the surrounding garden, which features medieval tombs and a Roman milestone.
Other Tourist Attractions in Paredes de Coura
The main highlights are already covered, but there are still a few more interesting places worth mentioning—especially if you have extra time and want to explore the municipality in greater detail. Consider the following spots as optional add-ons to your itinerary.
1. Roman-Medieval Bridge of Rubiães
Rubiães is home not only to a Romanesque church but also to a very old bridge spanning the Coura River. 😉
2. Solar das Antas
The Solar das Antas dates back to the 18th century but today lies in ruins and in very poor condition. It’s a pity, as the building seems to have once been quite elegant and could have had real tourist potential.
3. Church of Senhor Ecce Homo
The Church of Senhor Ecce Homo, located in Padornelo, dates back to the 18th century.
4. Communal Threshing Floor of Porreiras
Porreiras is a rural village with some truly picturesque corners that make it worth a visit. Its standout feature is the communal threshing floor, lined with traditional granaries (espigueiros).
5. Porreiras Mamoa in Agueiros Leisure Park
If you’re interested in megalithic monuments, you’ll also find one in Porreiras, located in Agueiros Leisure Park, just north of the village.
6. São Silvestre Viewpoint
Finally, there’s the São Silvestre Viewpoint, sitting at 735 meters of altitude. It offers a good vantage point over Paredes de Coura, though in my opinion it doesn’t have quite the same charm as the others I’ve mentioned.
What to Visit Near Paredes de Coura?
Near Paredes de Coura, I recommend visiting Ponte de Lima, especially the area known as the Mesa dos 4 Abades. Or, head north to explore Valença. On this blog, you’ll also find other articles about the Minho region if you decide to continue on to another municipality.
Paredes de Coura is centrally located in the district of Viana do Castelo, so there’s no shortage of great places to explore nearby.
Wishing you a wonderful trip to Paredes de Coura!
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
