In Mêda, discoveries from very different periods and fields lie side by side: sulphurous thermal waters, archaeological traces, medieval architecture and regional craft traditions. Routes through mountains, valleys and villages are also part of the picture. You can shape your trip around your own interests and explore the area’s history, landscape and local culture.

Thermal Waters in Longroiva

The Termas de Longroiva are located in the parish of Longroiva, in a transition zone between the Beira Highlands and the Alto Douro. The natural mineral water is sulphurous, emerges at 47 °C and has a pH of 8.9. Its temperature, mineral character and location give this part of the area a distinctive profile. If you are interested in thermal waters, these are the specific features that define this attraction.

Archaeological and Medieval Traces

At Vale do Mouro, the archaeological finds include Roman bathing facilities and a tiled courtyard with figurative elements. Excavations there also uncovered a 7,000-year-old Neolithic settlement. The timeline therefore stretches from an early settlement to Roman structures. These different remains make Vale do Mouro a special destination for anyone interested in archaeology and the region’s long history.

Castelo de Longroiva offers a glimpse into another chapter: its surviving medieval remains are among the most significant examples of Templar military architecture in Beira Interior. In Mêda, the Museu Municipal has been presenting the history of the region’s inhabitants since 2001. The Torre do Relógio, meanwhile, was built in the 19th century on the site of a medieval watchtower. Together, these places offer different ways to explore regional history: archaeological finds, a medieval castle, a museum and a later tower.

Crafts and Sweet-Making Traditions

Mêda’s cultural heritage includes traditional crafts using willow, wool, linen, clay and metal. The different materials show the variety of inherited craft traditions, without being limited to a single technique. The regional sweet-making tradition is also marked by specific names: Milhos, Cavacas de Tijela, Farta Brutos, Papas Doces and Filhós de Joelho. If you are interested in local culture, these crafts and sweets offer a distinct perspective alongside the archaeological and historical themes.

Routes, Water and Landscape

The PR2 route passes through a landscape of mountains, valleys and villages with cultivated land and vineyards. For a shorter option, you can choose between a northern loop through Mêda and Longroiva and a southern loop through Marialva. The two options differ in the places they include; the GR22 is another route that can be explored on foot or by bike. This gives you a choice of different route types for exploring the landscape.

There are also specific places to enjoy the water. At the Barragem de Ranhados reservoir, you can fish for chub, barbel, bogue and trout. Near Ribeira Teja, numerous watermills can be found between Ponte dos Caniços and Moinho do Tinto. The two activities are distinct: fishing is the focus at the reservoir, while the stretch of Ribeira Teja mentioned here is known for its watermills.

Getting Your Bearings in Mêda

The Mêda Urbana route recommends starting your walk with a visit to the Posto de Turismo de Mêda. The Biblioteca Municipal de Mêda includes a complex with a multipurpose hall, a cinema studio and an exhibition gallery. For 2026, the municipal calendar lists the Mercado da Terra on the last Sunday of every month. If you plan to visit the market, check the dates again before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Mêda, Longroiva, Outeiro de Gatos, Figueira De Castelo Rodrigo, Gouveia, Sabugal, Quinta De São Gervásio, Pinhel.

For the wider travel overview: Guarda.