Authentic Portuguese experience
The best things to do in Valadares are a mix of cultural, historic and natural attractions. It is also a great place to enjoy the delicious Portuguese cuisine.
Visit a local port winery and sample some of their best ports, or see where barrels used to be rolled off the famous rabelo boats at jetties all along the riverside.
1. Visit the Castle of Valadares
The Castle of Valadares is a must-visit attraction for anyone visiting the town. The castle is a historic landmark that offers stunning views of the town and surrounding countryside. The castle also has a museum and several other attractions.
The best time to visit Valadares is in the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November). During these months, the weather is mild and the landscape is full of color. The town is also less crowded than it is in the summer.
The Castle of Valadares is located in the city of Governador Valadares, in the northeast of Portugal. It is easy to reach by train or bus. Comboios De Portugal operates trains from Porto – Campanha to Valadares in about 30 minutes. There is also a bus service from Porto to Valadares operated by Feira. Rome2Rio’s Travel Guide series provides vital information for the global traveler, including tips on how to get around a destination, including advice on transport options and cost.
2. Explore the Roman Bridge
During the Roman period, this bridge was lined with piers that allowed access to a river tower controlling one of the main entrances into the city. Hence, this structure is considered one of the finest Roman bridges in Portugal.
The Ponte Trajano (Roman Bridge) was built by order of the Emperor Trajan around the 1st century AD and spans the River Tamega in Chaves, Portugal. The 140 m-long bridge is one of the best examples of Roman architecture in Portugal. It features 12 arches and two of the original columns still stand today. Some of the piers have inscriptions from the past and a few contain milestones with distances to important cities in Roman times like Braga and Leon, Spain.
To make the most of your visit to Valadares, be sure to try some of the local cuisine. The town is known for its delicious Portuguese dishes, including Bacalhau (salted cod) and Francesinha sandwiches. You can also enjoy the area’s traditional sweets, such as Pasteis de nata.
3. Relax on the Beach
During your vacation in Valadares, take the time to relax on the beach. You’ll enjoy the gentle sand and the opportunity to swim in the crystal clear waters. You can also watch the local surfers and enjoy a drink at one of the many upscale beach bars.
There’s also plenty of opportunities to indulge in local cuisine, including bacalhau (salt cod), cozido (a hearty stew) and pastel de nata (a delicious custard tart). You can also try one of the many wines produced in the region.
Whether you’re looking for culture, history or natural beauty, Valadares has something to offer everyone. And with Rome2Rio’s travel guides, it’s easy to plan your trip and get the most out of your stay in Portugal.
4. Hike in the Serra de Valadares
The Serra de Valadares is a mountain range that offers a variety of hiking trails. One of the best hikes is the Faja da Nogueira loop trail, which offers views of the canyon and mountains from different vantage points. This hike is moderately difficult, and it’s not recommended for kids or those who aren’t experienced in staying safe close to edges with huge drop-offs.
Another popular hike is the Levada das 25 Fontes, which is a scenic and easy walk along a levada. The trail is famous for its unique feature: a waterfall where two streams diverge and meet to form a waterfall pool.
The best time to visit Valadares is in spring and fall, when the weather is mild and there are less crowds. It’s also possible to visit during the summer, but you should book accommodations well in advance. The town is served by buses and trains, and car rental is available if you want to explore the surrounding countryside.
