Pedro DominguesSeveral years ago, when I visited the north of Portugal for the first time, Barcelos was not one of my choices on the itinerary. The name of the city was familiar to me due to the famous Barcelos Rooster, a symbol of Portugal, but I thought that the city would not have much more tourist value, in addition to its handicrafts and ceramics.
That was a big mistake! 😉
When visiting Barcelos for the first time, I realized that some of the wonders of northern Portugal are located there. Barcelos may not be an obvious choice, but it deserves to be considered at least as a day trip from Porto or Braga.
I loved the city gardens and everything that surrounds Cávado River. Barcelos is much more than the rooster. In this article I will let you know what to visit and things to do in Barcelos for up to 3 days, not only in the city, but also in the region surrounding it. Ready to travel?
Where is Barcelos located, in Portugal?
Barcelos is located in the district of Braga, and borders the municipality of Braga itself. It also borders Viana do Castelo, Ponte de Lima, Vila Verde, Vila Nova de Famalicão, Póvoa de Varzim and Esposende. The city of Barcelos is located on the banks of Cávado River.
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When to visit Barcelos?
You can visit Barcelos at any time of the year. In the warmer months, however, the weather is likely to be more pleasant, of course. For example, Lagoa de Perelhal or the river beach of Barcelinhos allow for a good dip in the summer.
On the City Council website you will find a calendar of festivities and pilgrimages throughout the year. The ones that seem most interesting to me are listed below:
- Popular Carnival of Barcelos.
- Festa das Cruzes, lasting approximately 10 days around the 3rd of May.
- Barcelos – Medieval City in June.
- International Folklore Festival, in Barcelinhos, on the last weekend of July.
- Handicrafts and Ceramics exhibition, normally in the beginning of August.
- Pilgrimage and Festivities of Senhora da Franqueira, on the 2nd Sunday of August.
Don’t forget the weekly fair in Barcelos on Thursdays. And the one related with old stuff in the last weekend of every month.
Travel Insurance + Car Rental
If you don’t have a car for your travels in Portugal yet, start by comparing prices in Discover Cars, before renting one.
As far as travel insurance is concerned, it is always important to be more protected against any type of hazards. I recommend World Nomads for that. Don’t travel to Portugal without it. Be safe! 😉
Gastronomy in Barcelos
Barcelos has excellent cuisine. Don’t miss out on tasting the Roasted Rooster, Papas de Sarrabulho, or Rojões. And for dessert, options are: queijadinhas de Barcelos, Brisas do Cávado, or Bolo das Cruzes.
Restaurants in Barcelos
As far as restaurants are concerned, I propose the following:
- Casa dos Arcos
- Turismo Restaurant Lounge
- Babette Restaurant
Accommodation tips to visit Barcelos
| Accommodation | Score | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel Bagoeira | 8.4 | City Center |
| Residencial Kuarenta & Um | 8.3 | City Center |
| Top’Otel | 9.2 | Barcelinhos |
| Art’Otel Barcelos | 9.2 | City Center |
| Casas da Quinta da Cancela | 8.6 | North of Barcelos (Balugães) |
Things to do in Barcelos | Portugal
And now the tips on all things to visit and do in Barcelos for up to 3 days. Below I leave you a map with all the sights that I will mention, not only in the city, but also in the surroundings within the county.
Map | Things to do in Barcelos
Visit Barcelos – Historic Center
I’ll start by introducing you to the historic center of the city, and Barcelinhos. I recommend that you park your car in Campo da Feira, where it is always or almost always easy to do so. From there it will be a short walk to the main places.
1. Campo da Feira and Municipal Park of Barcelos
Campo da Feira is where the traditional market of Barcelos takes place every week, which dates back to the beginning of the 15th century, or the monthly flea market that I also mentioned. It is a large space with trees, and in the center you will find a fountain from the 17th century.
At the ends of Campo da Feira you can find other important sights in the city. For example, the Municipal Park of Barcelos, where the Handicraft and Ceramics Exhibition is held annually. Also, don’t forget the following sites, some of which I will detail later in this article:
- Santa Casa da Misericórdia
- The Church of Nossa Senhora do Terço
- The Old Garden of Barcelos
- The Garden of Liberty Avenue
- And the Temple of Senhor Bom Jesus da Cruz
2. Old Garden of Barcelos and Liberty Avenue
The Old Garden of Barcelos and the Liberty Avenue Garden are an extension of each other. Between both you will find a Monument to the Firefighter, and at the end of Liberty Avenue Garden you will be at the back of the Temple of Senhor Bom Jesus da Cruz.
3. Temple of Senhor Bom Jesus da Cruz
The Temple of Senhor Bom Jesus da Cruz is one of the main monuments in the city. It is extraordinary from the outside, and a visit from the inside is also a must. Festa das Cruzes (the most important festival in Barcelos) has this place as its main highlight.
The origin of the temple dates back to the beginning of the 16th century, when a black earth cross appeared in Campo da Feira, but the structure that you see today is from the beginning of the 18th century. I highlight the paintings that can be seen inside, all around, and the gilded carving.
4. Porta Nova Square: Fountain, Passeio dos Assentos, Medieval Tower and Barcelos Rooster Interpretation Center
The entrance to the Temple of Bom Jesus da Cruz faces Porta Nova Square. This is for me the most important and beautiful square in the historic center of Barcelos, and in the center stands out a Fountain dating from the 18th century.
The Medieval Tower, which today houses the Barcelos Rooster Interpretation Centre, is another of the attractions there, and it is possible to climb to the top for a panoramic view over the city. The Porta Nova Tower, as it is also known, dates back to the 15th century and was built by the 8th Count of Barcelos, who later became 1st Duke of Bragança. It was one of the 3 gates of the walled city of Barcelos, and the only one that still survives today.
I loved visiting the interpretive center, with several statuettes of the Barcelos Rooster to admire. My favorite was one of the Rooster crucified on the cross, completely out of the box. 😀
Also noteworthy are the the gardens next to the square. Passeio dos Assentos and Barrocas Garden are beautiful, full of flowers and with several garden benches to relax a bit.
5. Municipal Art Gallery and Pottery Museum
After visiting Porta Nova Square, I recommend heading to two of the main museums in Barcelos: the Municipal Art Gallery and the Pottery Museum. Be sure to visit at least the second one.
The Pottery Museum has the most beautiful statue of the Barcelos Rooster that you will find in the whole city, and there are many of them! Inside you will find several exhibitions with handicrafts from the region.
6. Wall of Barcelos
There are just a few sections still visible of the wall of Barcelos. Not far away from the museums mentioned, you will find part of it. The wall dates back to the same time as the Medieval Tower.
7. D. António Barroso Square and Barcelos Town Hall
On the way to Barcelos Bridge and Cávado River, you will certainly end up at Square D. António Barroso, where his bronze statue, dating from 1931, stands out in front of the Barcelos Town Hall building.
8. Mother Church of Barcelos (Santa Maria Maior)
On one side of the square is the Mother Church of Barcelos (Santa Maria Maior), Romanesque, from the 14th century, another of the city’s main monuments. Outside, its tower and rose window stand out; inside it has beautiful tiles.
9. Ruins of Barcelos Palace, Pillory and Solar dos Pinheiros
Opposite the Mother Church of Barcelos you will find the city’s pillory, from the late 15th or early 16th century. It is in the center of a small garden in the same style of Barrocas Garden.
Also in the surroundings you will find Solar dos Pinheiros, from the 15th century, a legacy of the Portuguese discoveries.
But what stands out the most are the Ruins of Barcelos Palace, from where you can admire one of the most beautiful views to Cávado River and Medieval Bridge. The Palace itself also dates back to the 15th century, being built at the same time as the city walls. It is completely free to visit.
10. Watermill House at Barcelos bridge and Cávado Gardens
When going down to the bridge over River Cávado, be sure to pay a visit to the museum center at the Watermill House, which clearly stands out next to the bridge. It was built at the end of the 19th century, with 3 floors: one for housing, another for the miller’s work, and the last one for the mill that allowed work on the second floor.
On the side of the Watermill House there are more gardens, and the same happens on the other side of the bridge. Those gardens provide very nice panoramas of the city, with the bridge in full focus.
11. Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Ponte de Barcelos and Mother Church of Barcelinhos
The Medieval Bridge of Barcelos is Gothic in style, from the 14th century, and connects Barcelos to Barcelinhos. It is made up of five arches, and when you cross it you will find the small Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Ponte. Optionally, head to the Mother Church of Santo André de Barcelinhos, and then to the river beach.
12. River Beach of Barcelinhos
The banks of Cávado River are to be explored on foot by the most curious and hiking lovers. I will suggest some trails later in this article.
For those who want to know the essentials, at least go to the River Beach of Barcelinhos, if you visit Barcelos in summer. It is a very long beach, and an excellent starting point for some activities on the river.
13. Apoio Square and House of D. Nunes Álvares Pereira
Almost at the end of the historic center, decide to visit Apoio Square, very busy in the city with nice terraces to stop for a drink or just a coffee. In the center is a Renaissance fountain from the 17th century, and on the sides are several important buildings in the city:
- The House of Carmonas
- The House of the Alferes of Barcelos
- And the House of D. Nunes Álvares Pereira
14. San Francisco Church, Gil Vicente Theater and Pontevedra Square
Finish with Gil Vicente Theater and the the Church of São Francisco. Further ahead, Pontevedra Square and Garden. You’ll be back at Campo da Feira in no time to finish this itinerary through the historic center of Barcelos.
Note: Speaking of Pontevedra, did you know that I have several articles on this blog about Galicia and its provinces of La Coruna and Pontevedra / Vigo / Santiago de Compostela?
Visit the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Franqueira (Pereira)
The first place I will mention on the outskirts of the city of Barcelos is the mountain where the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Franqueira is located, in the parish of Pereira. It is absolutely mandatory to go there, even if only to reach the best viewpoint in Barcelos. From there, you can see the vast territory of Barcelos, as well as the Atlantic coast in Esposende and Póvoa de Varzim, and the North Coast Natural Park with the mouth of River Cávado.
Don’t forget to check on the mountain:
- The Convent of Nossa Senhora da Franqueira.
- The ruins of the Old Mill of Monte da Franqueira.
- And the remains of the 11th century Faria Castle.
Visit Perelhal Waterfalls and Lagoon
In Perelhal, another parish in the municipality of Barcelos, you will find what for me is one of the best natural pools in the region. Hurry up and visit Perelhal lagoon, as it is becoming more and more popular, and may soon cease to be the pure and green place that I discovered.
In the surroundings there are several small waterfalls, an old aqueduct, and the Freixieiro Mills. It’s easy to get there, being just a short, easy walk away.
Visit the Church of Santa Maria de Abade de Neiva
Next comes the Church of Santa Maria de Abade de Neiva, whose foundation dates back to the 12th century, although today’s construction dates from the 16th century. It is a late-Romanesque monument that, in addition to the church, has a fortified-looking tower.
Hike to the Enxate Waterfalls (Vila Cova)
The Enxate Waterfalls are nice but not as cool as Perelhal Lagoon. Both trail and level of natural beauty are inferior. Don’t expect a giant waterfall, or a large space for a bath. It’s just another beautiful walk in the region.
Explore River Neiva in Barcelos
As far as Neiva River is concerned, Barcelos has some nice places to visit, although I prefer Neiva River in Esposende, with its various watermills, dams and bridges.
1. Tábuas Bridge (Aguiar / Balugães)
Tábuas Bridge has been documented since the 12th century and is located in the north of the municipality. It is a pedestrian bridge with beautiful surroundings for a picnic.
2. Neiva River Park in Panque
Neiva River Park near Panque was still under construction when I visited it last time. I couldn’t see it finished, but I believe it will become an awesome place in Barcelos, and an incredible spot for the summer months of the coming years. I could see that it will have a very deep “swimming pool” for a dip in the river, and another prepared for children.
In the surroundings I found several old mills, so it could be a great place to start good walking routes. I particularly liked Neiva river next to the nearby Casa da Ausenda. See the photos below.
Visit the Viewpoint of Monte do Facho
The Monte do Facho Viewpoint is another of the best viewpoints in Barcelos. From there you can see Braga, Barcelos and Vila Verde, at more than 300 meters of altitude. It is located next to the Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Facho.
Visit the Balneário Castrejo of Santa Maria dos Galegos
Balneário Castrejo is what remains of a construction for bathing purposes that dates back to the end of the Iron Age. You can still see the stone benches where people used to sit inside, and some decorative elements engraved in the rocks.
Visit the Church and Tower of São Martinho de Manhente
The Church of São Martinho de Manhente is of pre-Romanesque origin, and the Tower is Gothic. Both were part of a monastery that originated in the 10th century.
Visit the Convent of S. Salvador de Vilar de Frades
Finally, the most mandatory of all the places I have already mentioned in the surroundings of the city of Barcelos. It is believed that the Convent of São Salvador in Vilar de Frades dates back to the 6th century, although there are no traces from that time.
In the 11th century, the Benedictine monastery was built, which in the 15th century was handed over to the congregation of Lóios, hence it is also known as Convent or Monastery of Lóios.
The visit is always accompanied and extremely interesting, as you will have access to the knowledge that the guide has about the place. It will start at the Cloister, heading to the Sacristy, and then to the extraordinary Church of the Convent. Be sure to carefully admire the details on the ceiling and the images on the tiles in the chapels.
On the top floor you will have access to the High Choir, with a panoramic view of the church. If you’ve already visited the Monastery of Tibães, you’ll realize that they are very similar in this regard, although the Monastery of Tibães has a better preserved High Choir, and in my opinion a more fascinating one.
Afterwards, you will pass by the Convent Library and end your visit in a room with tile panels, unfortunately incomplete, but of immense value, which belonged to the former chancel of this monastery. They date from the beginning of the 18th century.
Other optional places to visit in Barcelos
The places I mentioned before are the ones you shouldn’t miss. But what if you have time for more?
If you’re like me, and like to know the places in detail, then continue reading this article, as I’ll give you several other optional suggestions to add to your itinerary to visit Barcelos. Otherwise, jump to the official Barcelos trails section.
1. Romanesque Ruins of the Convent of São Salvador do Banho
These ruins are from a convent / monastery from the 10th century. Unfortunately, little remains, and what remains is already beginning to be invaded by nature.
2. Monastery of Palme
Something similar happens with the Benedictine Monastery of Palme. The degradation is evident, despite the fact that the monastery is still standing. It would be interesting to see it recovered for tourism, I would love to visit it from the inside.
3. Roman Bridge of Fragoso
Next is Fragoso Bridge, over Neiva River. It is a prominent place on the Camino de Santiago traveled by Queen Santa Isabel.
4. Durrães Viaduct in Barcelos
Durrães viaduct, also known as Dry Bridge of Barcelos, deserves to be mentioned for its size, measuring 22 meters high, 255 meters long, and 16 arches. It’s from the 19th century.
5. Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora Aparecida and Church of São Martinho de Balugães
The Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora Aparecida was built on a place where the Virgin Mary appeared to a shepherd in the 18th century. The Church of São Martinho de Balugães is of Romanesque origin, dating from the 12th century.
6. Church and necropolis of São Martinho de Mondim (Panque)
More than the church, I highlight the stone tombs in the surroundings.
7. Bridge of Anhel
The Anhel Bridge is also over Neiva River, like others already mentioned. It dates from the 13th century.
8. Penide Dam and Caíde Lagoons
Penide Dam is responsible for a peaceful Cávado river close to the city of Barcelos and Barcelinhos. The Caíde Lagoons are right next to it, and are fascinating when seen from the sky.
The only reasoon I don’t consider Caíde lagoons to be a must when visiting Barcelos is because I found fences all around, so it seemed to me to be private property. Inside the “park” I was not alone, however. It is a place used for walks and sports, and the fences are mainly used to keep the cows that roam free inside.
It is a place with extreme potential, if it were adapted to tourism as a leisure park, which seems unlikely to me. But you never know!
9. Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora do Socorro
The Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora do Socorro is next to the Convent of Vilar de Frades. According to the sign I found there, it is not permitted to listen to profane music or dating there. 😀 😀 😀
10. Sanctuary of Bom Jesus de Cambeses
The Sanctuary of Cambeses has a beautiful staircase with several chapels from the 19th century, and a Chapel of Bom Jesus at the top. From there you can enjoy a beautiful viewpoint.
11. Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Saúde and Assaia Swing
If you’re looking for tourist swings, you can go up to the Assaia Swing, which is a quick walk from the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Saúde.
12. Laje dos Sinais
Laje dos Sinais is a strange monument. 😐 It’s basically a giant boulder on the ground, with huge figures engraved on it, which look like spirals. To be able to see these engravings well, don’t forget to take some liters of water to pour over the rock. They are believed to date from the period between 4000 and 2500 BC and may be related to the cult of the sun.
I accessed the place walking, as it is impossible otherwise. But the walk is short, if you are smart about where to leave your car. The nature around is not very beautiful (personal opinion), so I don’t recommend extended trails in the region that pass through here.
13. Ethnographic Museum of Chavão
I confess that I did not visit the inside, as it was closed the two times I went there in the weekend. Through the entrance doors I could see agricultural equipment.
14. Pedra Furada
This is another one of the strange but curious monuments in Barcelos. There is a legend related to Pedra Furada (holed stone, in english). According to it, this stone was the lid of the tomb of Santa Leocádia, who would have been buried alive. They say she pierced the lid with her head in resistance to death, is that true? 😐
15. Moinhos Picnic Park
This is space with a support bar and huge tables for snacks. In the surroundings you will find windmills that are inhabited and others that are not. It was the best picnic area I found when visiting Barcelos, outside the city.
16. Lagoon of Lagoa Negra
To finish, the lagoon of Lagoa Negra! It’s just a beautiful lake in this region of Barcelos, where some benches were placed for you to admire the silence and tranquility of the surroundings.
Trails to do when visiting Barcelos
I already mentioned in this article that you should try to get to know the banks of Cávado River, especially around Barcelos and Barcelinhos. You can also take a walk to the Perelhal Waterfalls and the Enxate Waterfalls, for example.
Want more? Below I leave you some notes on the ones that seem most interesting to me.
1. PR1 BCL – Along the Paths of Chã de Arefe
This is a 7km circular trail that starts in Durrães. Its main highlights are the viaduct already mentioned in this article, a few megalithic monuments, the old castro of Picoto dos Mouros.
2. PR3 BCL – On the trails of Monte do Facho
This is an 11km circular route that connects Monte do Facho viewpoint to the Balneário Castrejo, both mentioned in this article. Note that it is classified as difficult.
3. PR4 BCL – Puddles Trail
Perhaps the most interesting on this list, the Puddles Trail is about 10km long and is classified as easy to do. It has windmills and levadas.
4. PR5 BCL – On the trail of Sra. da Consolação to the banks of Cávado
There are almost 13km of trail, but you can just do the stage along the banks of river Cávado, with emphasis on the beach of Fornelos and Açude do Contador.
5. Barcelos Mill Trail
This is not an official Barcelos trail, but I found it on wikiloc and it’s exactly what I recommend doing around the city and Barcelinhos. The best way to get to know Cávado River over there. It’s easy and it’s not too long!
6. Barcelos Traditional Statues Route
In Barcelos you will find countless statues or figures that will take you to discover Barcelos’ figurative art. Below in the photograph you have an example, but there are many others. Roosters from Barcelos are in the majority! 😉
I leave you a link to the Barcelos City Council website where you will find more information about the route, with a map to guide you. You will also have all the information you need about each of the figures.
Other Itineraries and Travel Guides in Portugal
- N2 Portugal Road Trip Itinerary
- Madeira Itinerary and Travel Guide
- São Miguel Itinerary and Travel Guide (Azores)
- Terceira Itinerary and Travel Guide (Azores)
- Pico Itinerary in Azores
- Faial Itinerary in Azores
- Minho | Northern Portugal Itinerary
- Porto Itinerary and Travel Guide
- Things to do In Braga (Minho)
- Things to do in Guimarães (Minho)
- Things to do in Viana do Castelo (Minho)
- Peneda Gerês National Park Itinerary
- Douro Valley Itinerary
- Trás-os-Montes Itinerary
- Things to do in Bragança
- Montesinho Natural Park Itinerary
- Douro International Natural Park Itinerary
- Things to do in Aveiro
- Things to do in Coimbra
- Things to do in Leiria
- Things to do in Fatima
- Things to do in Nazaré
- Things to do in Peniche
- Things to do in Évora (Alentejo)
- Things to do in Beja (Alentejo)
- Algarve Road Trip Itinerary
- Things to do in Lagos (Algarve)
- Things to do in Portimão (Algarve)
- Things to do in Faro (Algarve)
- Things to do in Tavira (Algarve)
I hope this list of things to do in Barcelos was useful for you! Please send me your feedback in the comment section below.
