In Cotas, the terraced vineyards of Quinta da Romaneira, the parish church and the PR17 trail, with views over the Douro, offer different ways to explore the area. Depending on whether you are interested in wine and olive production, architectural history or hiking, a different aspect of the surroundings comes to the fore.

Vineyards and olive groves

Quinta da Romaneira covers 412 hectares. Its vineyards are laid out on terraces on the estate’s steep slopes. This figure refers to the estate’s total area; the terraces describe the location of its vineyards. The Quinta uses only grapes from its own vineyards to make its wines. If you consider wine not just as a product but also in terms of how it is grown, this offers a tangible connection between the terrain and the origin of the grapes.

The Quinta’s olive groves are also defined by four traditional varieties: Cordovil, Galega, Verdeal and Madural. The olives are hand-harvested in winter, crushed in a granite mill and the resulting paste is cold-pressed. Unlike the vineyards, the focus here is not on terraces and grape origins, but on the choice of varieties and processing. For travelers interested in local production, this offers a second perspective on the estate’s work alongside winegrowing.

Tours and tastings at the Quinta in Cotas are available by prior appointment. The wine shop is open Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 17:00. These are different options for planning your day: a visit to the estate that needs to be arranged in advance, or a visit to the shop during either of its two weekday opening periods. Check appointments and opening hours before your trip.

Cotas Parish Church

The Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Natividade stands in a rural, isolated location on the road to the village. Its terraced churchyard is set below the level of the municipal road opposite. The church therefore occupies a precisely describable location, distinct from its architectural form.

The church has a longitudinal plan with a single nave and a chancel. The longitudinal plan describes the layout’s orientation; the nave and chancel name its main elements. The floor plan dates from the 17th century, while the church was remodeled in the first decade of the 19th century. The two dates therefore refer to different aspects: the design of the floor plan and the later remodeling.

Hiking the PR17

The PR17 circular trail, Trilho de Castedo-Cotas, starts and ends in Castedo and connects with the PR16, Trilho de Alijó-Castedo. Despite its name, the PR17 circular trail starts and finishes in Castedo. On its way toward Cotas, the route follows the boundary of the Alto Douro Vinhateiro.

Along the way, the PR17 passes the Santa Marinha viewpoint. From there, the view extends over the Douro and the landscape of the Douro Demarcated Region. The hike thus combines a named viewpoint with a route along the boundary of the Alto Douro Vinhateiro; both give you concrete points of reference for understanding the landscape. If you are planning the PR17, keep Castedo in mind as the starting and finishing point.

Discover more destinations: Favaios, Vilar de Maçada, Alijó, Santa Eugénia, Pópulo, Pinhao, Castedo, Vale De Mendiz.

Back to the main travel overview: Alijó.