On the southeastern edge of the municipality of Paredes de Coura lies the protected landscape of Paisagem Protegida do Corno de Bico. Its area includes the parishes of Bico, Castanheira, Cristelo, Parada, and Vascões. The landscape is predominantly mountainous, but its contours are rounded. Corno de Bico reaches 883 metres and is the highest point in the northern region. The protected area also encompasses the headwaters of the Coura, Labruja, and Vez rivers. The ridge and the river sources thus offer two different perspectives on the same protected landscape.

The Miradouro da Senhora da Pena offers a different view of the landscape: from there, the view stretches across the Coura Valley and its agricultural land. Alongside the rounded mountain contours, the valley and the way its land is used are among the defining features visitors can discover here.

The Camino de Santiago near Cabanas

The Caminho de Santiago reaches Paredes de Coura at Cabanas, after descending from Portela Grande da Labruja along the ridge. Near Cabanas, the route passes a group of traditional watermills that are in good condition and still in use. Here, the route’s distinctive path along the ridge connects with a specific feature of rural heritage. From Paredes de Coura, the Caminho de Santiago continues to Valença.

Buildings and traces from different periods

In Porreiras, the Eira Comunitária comprises eight traditional espigueiros. The Museu Regional de Paredes de Coura is housed in the Casa da Veiga, whose present-day structure dates from the 18th century. The museum has three exhibition galleries named “Impressão Digital,” “Mobilização da Terra,” and “Arqueologia.” The Igreja de S. Pedro de Rubiães was built in 1295. The name Ponte romana de Rubiães, however, does not indicate its historical period: the present structure is medieval and was later modified, probably in the modern era.

Antela da Cruz Vermelha can also be dated: it is estimated to date from around 2500 BC. Of a group of five dolmens, it is the only one currently preserved in this area. Capela da Pena is a granite chapel from the 18th century on Monte da Pena. Capela de S. Bento da Porta Aberta also dates from the 18th century and is a significant example of rural Baroque architecture in Alto Minho. Capela do Divino Espírito Santo is a building from this period and houses the Real Confraria do Divino Espírito Santo.

The history of Santuário de Nossa Senhora do Livramento begins with a chapel founded in 1733 by the clergy Domingos Fernandes “o Velho” and Gonçalo Fernandes “O Novo.” Quinta do Amparo in Paredes de Coura has a literary connection: Aquilino Ribeiro immortalised it in his novel “A Casa Grande de Romarigães.” Those interested in cultural heritage will encounter not only buildings and archaeological traces here, but also a connection between a place and literature.

Culture and cuisine

Centro Cultural de Paredes de Coura is dedicated to promoting, creating, and disseminating culture. Its programme spans classical music and jazz, as well as theatre, dance, and opera, through to literature and cinema. If you want to attend a particular event, check the current programme in advance.

The regional cuisine of Paredes de Coura includes trout from the Coura River, Rojões à forno do Minho, and local kid goat. If you want to try one of these dishes, check the individual restaurant menus separately.

The pontoon at Praia Fluvial do Taboão is accessible via the N303 national road. Check the current access route before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Paredes De Coura, Agualonga, Porreiras, Romarigães, Coura, Linhares de Cima, Cornes, Vila Nova de Cerveira.

For the main travel overview: Viana Do Castelo.