A tower with a medieval predecessor, distinctive village ensembles and a protected area with its own mountain landscapes: Arcos De Valdevez reveals itself through both history and nature. Its sites offer different highlights – from architecture and archaeology to trails, observation points and regional tastings.

Traces of Architecture and Village History

The tower of Paço de Giela that can be seen today was built in the mid-14th century, replacing an earlier tower that had already existed in the 11th century. The Paço is regarded as a notable example of medieval and early modern secular architecture and as one of the most significant National Monuments. Another architectural landmark is the Centro Interpretativo do Barroco in the Igreja do Espírito Santo. The church is classified as an Imóvel de Interesse Público.

Sistelo was the national winner of “7 Maravilhas de Portugal” in the “Aldeia Rural” category. The village centre features a group of Espigueiros, a traditional fountain, typical houses and the Casa do Castelo de Sistelo, built in the mid-19th century. Soajo has a unique 16th-century pillory and a notable group of 24 Espigueiros made entirely of granite, standing on a large rocky outcrop. The two villages offer different examples of their inherited village heritage.

The Brandas and Inverneiras also tell the story of an earlier way of life. Subsistence agro-pastoral farming relied on seasonal transhumance: in summer, shepherds moved with their livestock to the higher-altitude Brandas, and in winter to the lower-lying Inverneiras. These places are no longer used in this way today; they remain in the landscape as reminders of times gone by.

Discover Archaeology and Landscape

The Gião rock art complex includes more than a hundred engraved rocks dating from the Bronze Age. Its archaeological site is located on Monte do Gião at an altitude of almost 800 metres, overlooking a vast natural amphitheatre. For another way to place the area’s history in a longer time frame, visit Espaço Valdevez – História e Arqueologia, which presents the history of Arcos de Valdevez through a chronology spanning almost 8,000 years.

Arcos De Valdevez is one of five municipalities whose territory is included in the Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês. Founded in 1971, the park is classified by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve and covers more than 70,000 hectares of protected land. It also includes the Serra do Soajo and Serra Amarela. In the wider region, archaeological and historical themes therefore meet a landscape that is also part of the national park.

Trails, Nature Watching and Experiences

Porta do Mezio is one of the five gateways to the Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês. The Parque Aventura at the Porta offers opportunities for tree climbing, ziplining and rock climbing. The Porta is also home to a Biological Park, an Avifauna Observatory and an interpretation centre for the Mezio/Gião archaeological area. Each facility may have its own operating arrangements; it is best to check the details before your visit.

The Museu da Água ao Ar Livre do Rio Vez is an information and reception centre for a 20-kilometre trail between the river mouth and Ponte de Vilela. Six observation points along the trail focus on the fauna and flora. The trail’s length and two endpoints give the outing a clearly defined scope, while the observation points add a closer look at nature.

Another annual opportunity to experience traditional crafts and culture together is the Feira de Artes e Ofícios Tradicionais de Soajo. It includes craft workshops and cultural performances. Dates and programmes may change, so it is worth checking the details of the relevant edition before planning your trip.

Local Tastings

The Roteiro do Vez includes visits to two Quintas on the slopes of the Vez Valley. Confirm which wineries are participating before your trip. Espaço Vinhos e Sabores offers a local tasting experience featuring wine, honey, preserves, confectionery, biscuits, cured meats and liqueurs. As opening hours vary by season, it is best to check them before your visit. The wine route and tasting thus complement historical and landscape discoveries with regional flavours.

Discover more destinations: Arcos De Valdevez, Gavieira, Paçô, Rio Frio, Couto, Carralcova, Pedreiro (Salvador), Álvora, Cabreiro.

For the wider travel overview: Viana Do Castelo.