Valpaços
Tradition, Culture and Nature on the EN103

Valpaços Tradition, Culture and Nature on the EN103

Valpaços, located in the Alto Tâmega sub-region, stands out for its strong links with agriculture and rural tourism. With diversified agricultural production, the municipality is renowned for the high quality of its products, such as olive oil, chestnuts, wine, potatoes and rye. Each region of the municipality has its own specialties, such as wine in Fornos do Pinhal and olive oil in the south. Chestnuts, particularly in Carrazedo de Montenegro, generate an impressive annual turnover, estimated at 40 million euros.

Valpaços’ viticulture is highly prized, with robust and elegant wines, thanks to an ideal microclimate. The reds are full-bodied and smooth, while the whites are fresh and light. The agricultural legacy is also present in the wine presses dug into the rock, an archaeological landmark with more than a hundred remains.

Tourism is gaining strength with the Rabaçal Ecovia, which combines sport and nature. The “Vias Augustas XVII” walking route celebrates Roman heritage, connecting 18 historic cities in Portugal and Spain.

Valpaços preserves its authenticity in cultural attractions such as the Casa do Vinho and gastronomic traditions such as certified homemade folar. The Roman bridge of Arquinho and the primitive wine presses illustrate the rich past. This county is a jewel of Trás-os-Montes, where history and nature meet harmoniously, creating unique experiences for those who visit.

Valpaços

History and Culture

Valpaços is a destination steeped in history and culture, with monuments and heritage sites that reflect the legacy left by various civilizations over the centuries. The city preserves its cultural landmarks and offers visitors an authentic experience that stands out in the region.

House of Wine

An interactive museum that celebrates Valpaços’ rich wine heritage. The Casa do Vinho displays, with modern technology, the process of wine production and its historical importance. Visitors can explore the world of Trás-os-Montes wine and learn more about the role of wine in local culture.

Arch Bridge

This Roman bridge, dating from the 1st century AD, is one of the relics of the Roman presence in Valpaços. It was part of the Roman Empire’s Via XVII, linking Braga to Astorga. Its preserved arch and the markings on the deck bear witness to the historic routes that crossed the region.

Rock Dug Ponds

Spread across several parishes, the wine presses dug into the rock are impressive vestiges of the Celtic and Roman periods, used to produce wine and olive oil. They represent the cultural and agricultural value of the municipality and are considered one of the greatest legacies of antiquity in Valpaços.

Memories Museum

Located in Fornos do Pinhal, this museum exhibits objects and utensils from rural life in Trás-os-Montes, such as the olive oil press and the cart. It preserves the memories and traditions of the region, providing a unique experience of life in the countryside in the past.

Castro de Ribas

An ancient fortified settlement from the Iron Age, with a defensive system made up of walls and moats. The site still preserves Roman and medieval remains, such as pieces of pottery and tools, making it an important archaeological site in Valpaços.

Serra de Santa Comba and Padrela

These two high points in the municipality offer a special connection with nature and history. The Serra de Santa Comba offers breathtaking panoramic views, while the Serra da Padrela is famous for the production of chestnuts, one of the region’s most prized typical products.

Mother Church of Valpaços

An ancient church that stands out for its architecture and the central role it plays in the city’s religious celebrations. With features that reflect local devotion, it is a spiritual symbol of Valpaços.

Shrine of Our Lady of Health

This sanctuary is a popular place of pilgrimage, where one of the largest pilgrimages in the region takes place. With views of the city and an atmosphere of serenity, the sanctuary is one of the most important points of faith in the municipality.

Valpaços

Nature and Landscape

The landscape of Valpaços is an invitation to discover nature. With mountains, rivers and trails, the municipality offers an experience of deep contact with the natural environment.

Rabaçal Ecovia

A circuit of walking trails that crosses green areas and provides an immersion in the biodiversity of Valpaços. It is ideal for walks and quiet strolls in the middle of nature.

Serra de Santa Comba

At over 1000 meters high, this mountain range offers panoramic views over the region and is a popular spot for paragliding and hiking, providing a special connection with the natural environment.

Serra da Padrela

Known for the production of chestnuts, the Serra da Padrela offers landscapes that enchant visitors, as well as being a suitable place for outdoor activities such as hiking and picnics.

Rabaçal River Beach

A complete leisure area for enjoying water activities or relaxing by the river. It has sports facilities and is very popular on hot summer days.

Rio Calvo and Torto

These rivers provide a perfect environment for observing aquatic fauna and flora, as well as being peaceful spots for moments of leisure and contemplation.

Trails of Castro de Ribas

These trails run through the outskirts of the fort and offer a walk between ancient ruins and breathtaking natural landscapes.

Padrela Mountain Viewpoint

A high point from where you can see seven counties, ideal for photography lovers and those who enjoy breathtaking views.

Sonim and Tinhela Leisure Areas

Places with infrastructure for picnics and family time, with unique landscapes and rich biodiversity, ideal for peaceful walks.

Event highlights

Valpaços’ annual events celebrate the region’s cultural and agricultural heritage, attracting visitors from all over the area to experience local traditions.

São Brás Fair

January

Known as the oldest smokers’ fair in the country, where the region’s traditional products are presented and sold. The fair includes cultural presentations and gastronomic events that preserve the know-how of Trás-os-Montes.

Folar Fair

March

An event that preserves the tradition of the Valpaços Folar, with local products and the celebration of the typical Easter bread. It is one of the most important fairs for promoting our gastronomic heritage.

Harvest and Wine Festival

September

A celebration of the grape harvest and wine production, with activities such as grape stomping and tastings involving the whole community.

Our Lady of Health Pilgrimage

September

One of the biggest pilgrimages in the region, it includes processions and religious celebrations, attracting pilgrims and visitors from all over the country.

Chestnut Fair

October

Held in Serra da Padrela, the fair celebrates chestnuts, especially the Jewish variety, and is an important event for trade and the promotion of local production.

National Olive Fair

October

With exhibitors and producers from all over the country, this fair is dedicated to olive oil and includes tastings, presentations and competitions that promote Valpaços olive oil.

The gastronomy of Valpaços is a celebration of the authentic flavors of Trás-os-Montes, with dishes that value local ingredients and the region’s culinary traditions.

Azeite Q.B

Rua Professor Amândio Tavares

Um restaurante que valoriza os produtos locais, com pratos tradicionais e saborosos.

Casa Branca, Pizzaria Restaurante

Rua da Casa Branca

Popular pela sua variedade de pizzas e ambiente acolhedor.

Churrasqueira Cidade Nova, Restaurante

Av. Eng. Adelino Amaro da Costa, 4

Famoso pelos grelhados, especialmente o frango de churrasco.

Churrasqueira D. Amélia

Av. 25 de Abril, 44

Uma opção casual e prática para quem aprecia grelhados.

Churrasqueira da Horta

Rua Horta da Fonte, 4

Oferece pratos de churrasco com um ambiente informal e descontraído.

Horta da Fonte, Restaurante

Rua Júlio do Carvalhal, 19

Oferece pratos típicos da região, conhecidos pelo sabor autêntico e ambiente acolhedor.

O Grill

Rua Horta da Fonte, EDF Nobilis, 19

Conhecido pelos grelhados e ambiente descontraído, ideal para uma refeição casual.

O Jardim, Restaurante

Avenida Dona Maria do Carmo Carmona, 40

Um restaurante que destaca a cozinha transmontana.

O Nicho, Restaurante

Av. Eng. Luís Castro Saraiva, 1

Com pratos variados e ambiente confortável.

O Russo, Café-Snack Bar

Rua Mário Gavaia da Cruz Coutinho, 19

Serve petiscos tradicionais portugueses.

Pizzaria Vila Jardim

Praceta Vila Jardim, Edifício Vila Jardim, 9

Especializada em pizzas artesanais com ingredientes frescos.

Quinta Dona Adelaide

Rua do Pomar, Lugar de Ribeira

Um espaço elegante com pratos regionais e uma excelente seleção de vinhos.

Quinta Solar do Barreiro

Avenida Dona Maria do Carmo Carmona, 77

Oferece um ambiente tradicional para eventos, com destaque para a gastronomia transmontana.

Refúgio, Restaurante

Rua Dr. Castro Lopo, 1

Serve pratos tradicionais num ambiente acolhedor.

Restaurante Toronto

Rua Jorge Malheiro Laje, 6

Especializado em pratos tradicionais portugueses, com uma boa variedade de opções no cardápio.

Restaurante / Bar Cardápio

Av. Eng. Luis de Castro Saraiva, Edifício Rossio, 23

Um espaço descontraído com um menu variado.

Salão de Festas O Joca

Av. Dª Maria do Carmo Carmona, 147

Local ideal para eventos e celebrações, com um ambiente espaçoso.

Valpaços offers a wide range of accommodation options, from hotels and rural farms to cozy residences. Each of these options offers a unique experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the hospitality and tranquillity of Trás-os-Montes.

A Tasca, Café Snack Residencial

Av. dos Bombeiros Voluntários

Oferece quartos simples e uma localização prática, ideal para explorar Carrazedo de Montenegro e arredores.

Avenida Café e Residencial

Rua Don Pedro V, 40

Localizado no centro, este alojamento oferece quartos confortáveis e uma área de café e esplanada, sendo ideal para uma estadia casual e econômica.

Café e Residencial Horizonte

Rua de Santa Bárbara, 35

Um alojamento caseiro com um bom custo-benefício, ideal para quem procura simplicidade e comodidade.

Cantinho da Cotovia

Rua do Pomar

Alojamento acolhedor e tranquilo em Valpaços, ideal para estadias familiares ou de grupos pequenos que procuram uma experiência serena e confortável.

Casa da Aldeia da Avó

Avenida Ponte Nova, 19

Com um ambiente rústico e acolhedor, esta casa rural possui piscina e jardim, proporcionando uma estadia autêntica e tranquila, ideal para grupos e famílias que desejam desfrutar da paisagem rural.

Casa de Velpassos

Rua Gago Coutinho, 2

Uma opção prática e confortável, localizada no centro, com fácil acesso às atrações locais e arredores de Valpaços.

Escondidinho, Residencial

Rua Passos Manuel

Um alojamento central com quartos confortáveis, proporcionando uma estadia simples e prática para quem deseja explorar a cidade.

Olive Nature - Hotel & Spa da Quinta Dona Adelaide

Rua do Pomar, Lugar de Ribeira

Um hotel de 4 estrelas conhecido pelo ambiente luxuoso, oferece spa, piscina e restaurante. Este local é ideal para quem procura uma experiência de conforto e relaxamento no meio da natureza.

Parque de Campismo do Rabaçal

Ponte de Vale Telhas, Lugar do Taxo, Possacos

Um parque de campismo bem equipado junto ao Rio Rabaçal, com bungalows e áreas de lazer, excelente para famílias e grupos que procuram uma experiência próxima da natureza.

Residencial Gregório

Rua 6 de Novembro, 6

Um alojamento acolhedor e prático localizado no centro de Valpaços, ideal para explorar a cidade e os arredores. Oferece quartos duplos e familiares, bar e Wi-Fi gratuito, sendo uma escolha prática e econômica.

Residencial São Jorge

Av. dos Bombeiros Voluntários

Um espaço familiar e econômico que destaca a hospitalidade local, oferecendo uma estadia simples e conveniente.