One of the most unique things to do in Valega Portugal is visit its medieval walled town. Take a stroll around the cute little streets and enjoy a local meal at one of its cosy restaurants.
The famous Santuario de Santa Luzia is another must-see. This is a coveted pilgrimage site that symbolizes the miracle of the Virgin Mary.
1. Visit the Church of Valega
The Church of Valega is one of the most beautiful churches in Portugal. It is completely covered with multicolored tiles on its facade and interior. This attracts the attention of everyone who passes by. The panels represent biblical scenes and are even visible from a distance.
The church has an altarpiece from the 17th century and a rococo wooden ceiling. It is also known for its limestone carving of the church’s patron saint.
There are many things to do in Valega Portugal. Take a day trip or weekend getaway to this charming village to discover the best things about it. You can even stay in a holiday rental that is perfect for your family. You can find them on sites like Rome2Rio. They have a wide selection of vacation rentals and hotels that fit any budget.
2. Visit the Museum of Santa Joana
Visit this contemporary building whose striking cube shape makes it stand out from its surroundings. The auditorium seats almost 400 spectators and books dance, pop music acts, theatre and classical soloists and ensembles.
Explore the museum’s permanent collection and temporary exhibitions on rock art from the Coa Valley in this modern facility. Then, take a guided tour to see the rock art sites in person.
Glazed tiles known as azulejos are associated with Portugal, and you’ll find them on many houses in Ovar. They serve both decorative and practical purposes, helping to insulate the buildings in winter and reflecting the sun in summer.
3. Take a walk in the village
During your stay in Valega Portugal, you will be surprised by its natural and man-made treasures. You can visit the beautiful beach Esmoriz, the cliffs of Samoqueira, and the Barrinha de Cortegaca lagoon.
In addition, you can also discover the millenary city of Lamego and its incredible monuments, such as the cathedral Se Catedral de Lamego or the sanctuary Santuario de Nossa Senhora dos Remedios with its monumental Baroque staircase.
For those who love to walk, there are many trails in the area that are ideal for hiking. One of them is the Rocha da Penha trail, a 6.5km circular walk where you can admire the exceptional rocky landscape. The highlight of this hike is the Anta da Masmorra dolmen, a megalithic burial site dating back to 3000 B.C.
4. Go for a hike
One of the best things to do in Valega Portugal is hiking. You can find a number of trails that offer stunning views of the island’s unique landscape, including sheltered beaches and orange cliffs. These trails are especially enjoyable during fall, when the foliage is changing color.
One option is the Falesia Beach Trail, which runs along the coast of Praia da Falesia and offers spectacular cliff views. Another option is the Paiva Walkways, which features long boardwalks that allow you to explore a series of grottoes and other interesting natural formations.
For a more relaxing hike, try the Castelo do Castelejo Environmental Trail, which is located near Vila do Bispo. This short hike in a loop is suitable for all ages and fitness levels and provides several interesting attractions.
5. Visit the Berlengas Islands
The Berlengas Islands are one of the region’s top attractions, featuring a variety of cliff formations and a vibrant marine life. Guests can choose between various day trip options to visit the archipelago, including boat tours of the cliffs, visiting the Sao Joao Baptista Fort, hiking around the island, bird watching, snorkeling and more.
A common route for visiting the islands involves a scenic boat ride from Peniche to Berlenga Grande. Visitors should bring anti-nausea tablets if they are prone to seasickness.
Combine the serenity of untouched nature with the thrill of exploration on this full-day Berlenga Grande Island Private Tour from Lisbon. Choose to chart your own course and explore the island’s UNESCO-listed pathways at your own pace, or opt to upgrade for a guided cave tour and snorkeling or scuba diving.
