Things to do in Arcos de Valdevez?

Before beginning this journey through one of the entry points of Through this link , you can read and learn a little more about the Peneda-Gerês National Park and the municipality of Arcos de Valdevez .

Things to do in Arcos de Valdevez?

1. Giela's Palace

2. Vez River Museum

3. Valdevez Space Museum

4. Father Himalaya's Workshops

5. Baroque Interpretive Center

6. Water Clock

7. Central Pastry Shop

8. Arches Bridge

9. Monument to the Battle of Valdevez

10. St. Cross Castle

11. Cabrão River Waterfall

12. Penouços Swing

13. Miranda's Enchanted Forest

14. Miranda Castle

15. Extreme Forts

16. Soajo Village

17. Sistelo Village

18. Peneda Village

19. Ermelo Ecovia

20. Vez Ecovia

21. Map "What to visit in Arcos de Valdevez?"

Giela's Palace

The first place to visit in Arcos de Valdevez, and undoubtedly a must-see, is the Paço de Giela, an old castle and also a manor house.

In this monument and museum you will learn more about Arcos de Valdevez and its history, including the reason for the slogan "Arcos de Valdevez, where Portugal was Made!".

Before visiting the Paço de Giela, via this link , you should read and learn a little more about it.

Vez River Museum

On the left bank of the Vez River, there is an interpretive center that serves as the starting point for a visit to the Vez River Open-Air Water Museum. The museum itself encompasses the entire bank of the Vez River, featuring information panels and observation points where visitors can admire nature in its purest state.

Before visiting the Vez River Museum via this link , you should read and learn a little more about it.

Valdevez Space Museum

The Valdevez Space Museum is an essential stop when visiting Arcos de Valdevez, as it chronologically recounts important events that occurred in Arcos de Valdevez, such as the Reencounter of Valdevez, the Restoration War, Prehistory, Romanization, among others, as well as providing interpretations of historical landmarks in Arcos de Valdevez, such as the Forts of Extremo, the Santa Cruz Castle, the Roman Camp of Pedrada, among others...

Before visiting the Espaço Valdevez Museum via this link , you should read and learn a little more about it.

Himalaya Creativity Workshops

The Himalaya Creativity Workshops are a science center dedicated to the Arcuense scientist Father Himalaya.

At this visitor center you can participate in scientific experiments and activities, view exhibitions, and learn about Father Himalaya and his works.

Before visiting the Himalaya Creativity Workshops via this link , you should read and learn a little more about them.

Baroque Interpretive Center

The Baroque Interpretation Centre is undoubtedly one of the most interesting places to visit in Arcos de Valdevez.

At this point of interest, you will lose yourself in the various details related to Baroque art.

Before visiting the Baroque Interpretive Center via this link , you should read and learn a little more about it.

Water Clock

The Water Clock is located in the historic center of Arcos de Valdevez, and as the name suggests, it is a "large" clock that marks the hours through water fountains.

This photo spot has a kind of "pulpit" in its center that allows visitors to stand up and take photos to remember the occasion.

Central Pastry Shop

Doçaria Central, located in the historic center of Arcos de Valdevez, is the most sought-after spot for those who love sweets, as it was in this confectionery that the Charutos and Rebuçados dos Arcos (Arcos Cigars and Candies) originated.

Before visiting Doçaria Central via this link , you should read and learn a little more about it.

Arches Bridge

Located in the historic center and spanning the Vez River, the Arches Bridge is an icon deeply rooted in the heritage of this town and its people, and is also the origin of its name, "Arcos de Valdevez".

Due to its importance, passage is currently prohibited to vehicles.

Monument to the Battle of Valdevez

The Monument to the Encounter of Valdevez, located in the historic center and known to the people of Arcos de Valdevez as "Horses without Legs," is an artistic reconstruction of the medieval event that took place in Arcos de Valdevez and is of great historical importance.

According to the locals, the horses are missing legs because of the water from the Vez River or the dust that covered them.

St. Cross Castle

If you want a panoramic view over the Vez Valley, you can climb to the Castle of St. Cruz, a granite outcrop that was used in 1141 by Afonso Henriques to defend himself against Afonso VII, and in the 17th century, notably during the Restoration War, as a rear guard castle.

Before visiting the Castle of St. Cruz via this link , you should read and learn a little more about it.

Cabrão River Waterfall

Southwest of Arcos de Valdevez, the Cabrão River waterfall is a fantastic spot to visit for those who enjoy seeing a powerful waterfall.

Penouços Swing

When visiting the Rio Cabrão waterfall, you can also visit the Penouços Swing, which is located nearby.

At this photo point you will have a panoramic view over the Lima River valley.

Miranda's Enchanted Forest

The Enchanted Forest of Miranda is undoubtedly one of the most enchanting natural spots in Arcos de Valdevez.

In this forest you will find various species of native trees from this region, mostly deciduous.

Miranda Castle

Miranda Castle is a granite outcrop from which a large part of Arcos de Valdevez can be seen through its viewpoint.

Extreme Forts

The Forts of Extremo are two forts alluding to the Restoration War (Bragandelo and Pereira), which were likely defensive structures at one of the crossing points to the Vez River valley (Portela do Extremo), located north of Arcos de Valdevez.

Before visiting the Forts of the Extreme, via this link , you should read and learn a little more about them.

Soajo Village

Due to its importance and the diversity of places to visit, we have dedicated an entire article just to the village of Soajo .

What to visit in Soajo?

Sistelo Village

Known as the "Portuguese Tibet" due to its importance and the diversity of places to visit, we have dedicated an entire article to the village of Sistelo .

What to visit in Sistelo?

Peneda Village

Located in the heart of the Peneda-Gerês National Park , the village of Penda is already an ancestral tourist destination, driven by the many pilgrims who used to travel on foot to worship at the Peneda Sanctuary.

Nearby, you can also visit the Tibo Viewpoint and the Branda de São Bento do Cando.

What to visit in Peneda?

Ermelo Ecovia

The Ermelo Ecovia is a level ecotrail, approximately 5km long, along the right bank of the Lima River.

Without a doubt, a peaceful walk.

Before visiting the Ermelo Ecovia, via this link , you should read and learn a little more about it.

Vez Ecovia

Extending for approximately 32km, the Vez Ecovia runs along the Vez River valley from north to south of the municipality.

This ecotrail is divided into 3 stages, and is mostly made up of wooden walkways, dirt paths and paved paths.

Learn more about the Vez Ecovia at this link .

Arcos de Valdevez is much more...

However, the main points of interest in Arcos de Valdevez are listed here.

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