Arcos De Valdevez is a charming town set on the Vez River and framed by rugged mountains. Winding cobblestone streets and centuries-old buildings showcase the town’s medieval past. Peneda Gerês National Park is at your doorstep, making Arcos De Valdevez a dream destination for nature lovers.
Things to do in Arcos de Valdevez
Explore a maze of medieval streets in the Arcos De Valdevez town centre. Getting lost in the winding streets and alleys is all part of the fun. Sip “galao” Portuguese coffee on a sunny terrace and stretch your legs on riverside trails. Pedestrian bridges span across the Vez River and treat you to beautiful views over the waterway.
Paço de Giela towers over the town and commands spectacular views over the River Vez and surrounding mountains. Sawtooth parapets crown the ancient castle, which dates to the 14th century and was awarded National Monument status in 1910. Within the castle is an engaging museum with exhibits on the unique history of the castle. Climb up to the top of the keep for dizzying views over the red-roofed town centre.
Use Arcos De Valdevez as a base to explore Peneda Gerês National Park. The park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and protects more than 70,000 hectares of mountains, forests and waterways. Challenge yourself on a steep summit trail or take it easy on a scenic waterfall hike. Traditional villages like Gerês dot the park and make great lunch stops.
From sidewalk cafes to traditional “tasca” taverns and “casa de pasto” restaurants, there are plenty of places to satisfy your appetite in Arcos De Valdevez. Try classic Portuguese dishes like “caldo verde” cabbage soup, “bolinhos de bacalhau” fried codfish cakes and spicy “piri piri” chicken. Bakeries will tempt you with creamy Portuguese custard tarts enveloped in flaky pastry.
Getting around Arcos de Valdevez
Arcos De Valdevez is compact and easy to get around on foot. The town is in the Norte Region, a 40-minute drive from Braga and one hour from Porto. Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport is a one-hour drive away.