Pedro DominguesEveryone visits Valença to see, above all, one of the most impressive fortresses in Portugal, right on the border with Spain, where important battles for the country’s independence were fought in the past.
I have already visited Valença several times, and even crossed the border to Tui, with which Valença forms a very successful partnership and Eurocity. It was only recently that I decided to explore other corners of the municipality, and I was really surprised by what I found.
Did you know that Valença has a beautiful waterfall, named Grova waterfall? Have you heard about the Monastery of Sanfins, or the Viewpoint of Monte Faro? The Fortress of Valença is undoubtedly the main tourist spot to visit, but in this article I will present you with many other suggestions in this region of High Minho.
The itinerary I propose is for 2 days, but you are allowed to just select the most important spots and make your own itinerary with just the best things to do in Valença.
Where is Valença do Minho located?
As the name implies, Valença is located in Minho, more precisely in High Minho, on the border with Galicia. On the other side of the river you will find Tui, and heading north, Vigo, Pontevedra and then Santiago de Compostela. Valença is undoubtedly the easiest way out of Portugal to the Galician territory using the A3 highway, that also provides a quick connection to Ponte de Lima, Braga and Porto.
The municipality of Valença is bordered by Monção, Vila Nova de Cerveira, and Paredes de Coura. Check below other website articles from the north Portugal.
MORE ARTICLES FROM THE NORTH OF PORTUGAL: - Porto Itinerary - Things to do in Porto - Best Museums in Porto - Best Churches and Cathedrals in Porto - Best Parks and Gardens in Porto - Best Port Wine Cellars in Porto - Best Beaches in Porto - Best Day Trips from Porto - Best Matosinhos Beaches - Things to do in Matosinhos - Things to do in Vila do Conde - Things to do in Póvoa de Varzim - Things to do in Vila Nova de Gaia - Things to do in Espinho - Minho | Northern Portugal Itinerary - Things to do in Viana do Castelo - Things to do in Ponte de Lima - Things to do in Monção - Things to do in Caminha - Things to do in Braga - Things to do in Guimarães - Things to do in Barcelos - Things to do in Esposende - Things to do in Arcos de Valdevez - Peneda Gerês National Park Itinerary - Best Hikes and Trails in Peneda Gerês National Park - Best Peneda Gerês National Park Waterfalls and Lagoons - Douro Valley Itinerary - Douro Valley Wineries - Best Douro Viewpoints - Things to do in Peso da Régua - Things to do in Lamego - Things to do in Pinhão - Best beaches in Northern Portugal - Trás-os-Montes Itinerary - Things to do in Bragança - Montesinho Natural Park Itinerary - Douro International Natural Park Itinerary
When to visit Valença do Minho?
As with many municipalities in Minho, Valença can be visited at any time of the year. The fortress is always spectacular, and as long as it’s sunny, the viewpoints won’t disappoint, nor will the riverside area. The advantage of the warmer months lies in the fact that it is more pleasant and possible to do activities on the river. The main festivities are in August, in honor of Nossa Senhora do Faro.
Travel Insurance and Car Rental
If you intend to visit more than the fortress of Valença, you will need a car. Compare prices at Discover Cars if you don’t have your own car.
As far as travel insurance is concerned, I recommend World Nomads. Don’t trave without it, for your own sake.
Gastronomy and Restaurants in Valença
In Valença, you cannot fail to taste a good Bacalhau à São Teotónio. Other great dishes are made with goat or lamprey (I’m not a fan of lamprey, but many people are!). As far as dessert is concerned, and despite not having had the opportunity to taste it, I know that the convent sweets of choice are Borrachinhos de Valença.
For restaurants, how about Solar do Bacalhau or Restaurant Fortaleza?
Accommodation tips to visit Valença
| Accommodation | Score | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Quinta do Caminho | 8.9 | Surroundings of Valença (Cerdal) |
| Alojamento da Vila | 9.4 | Fortress of Valença |
| Hotel MABI | 9.2 | Surroundings of Valença (N101) |
| Quinta de Real | 9.3 | Surroundings of Valença (Fontoura) |
| Residencial Portas do Sol | 8.8 | Fortress of Valença |
| Casa da Quinta Nova | 8.8 | Surroundings of Valença (Friestas) |
| Alvorada Medieval | 9.3 | Surroundings of Valença (São Pedro da Torre) |
Things to do in Valença | Portugal
Finally, all things to do in Valença do Minho, not only in the fortress, but also in the surroundings, including Tui, which is part of the Eurocity. Below is a map with all the sights I’m going to mention.
Map | Things to do in Valença do Minho
Visit the Fortress of Valença
The Fortress of Valença is one of the most important in Portugal and Europe. There are about 5km of wall perimeter facing river Minho, of which 10 bulwarks, 2 half bulwarks, 5 ravelins, and 6 forts stand out. The bastioned Fortress was built in the 17th and 18th centuries, but there are traces of smaller fortified settlements there since Iron Age.
1. Walls, Bulwarks and Gates of the Fortress of Valença
As the first tourist attraction of the Fortress of Valença, I highlight the walls. As I already mentioned, they are 5km in perimeter, and I recommend that you walk along the top of them, at least along the stretch facing river Minho, between the Bulwark of Santa Ana and the Bulwark of Socorro. Of particular note is the viewpoint for Tui next to the latter, and also the viewpoint for the walls of the fortress, from the former.
Entrance to the walls is easily done through the Coroada Gates, located at the south end of the fortress. If you enter the fortress by car, right inside you will find a large paying car park.
Gaviarra Gates are another that you cannot miss in the Fortress of Valença, staying close to the Bulwark of Socorro, facing the path towards the Metallic Bridge over the river Minho. It is mandatory to cross them to admire the incredible tunnel where the old cistern of Valença was located.
On the way between the Bulwarks of Santa Ana and Socorro, you will have to pass through the gates which connect the two sets of walls that constitute the complete fortress.
The Bulwark of Carmo is also another highlight of this route facing river Minho, but it is not as interesting as the ones already mentioned.
Finally, I highlight the Sun Gates, another of the main entrances to the fortress. Next to them is the tourist office of Valença, and the Firefighter’s Museum.
2. Paiol do Campo de Marte
I will assume that you started your itinerary of the fortress exactly through the southernmost entrance: through the Coroada Gates, already mentioned. The car parking lot is located in Campo de Marte, a large square where one of the former storage rooms of the fortress (Paiol de Campo de Marte) is located. It was built in 1715, and today it houses a new museum space in Valença, dedicated to the fortresses and castles of High Minho, not only in this municipality. It’s called 4D Time Travel, and in each municipality of High Minho you’ll find one, with a different theme.
3. Chapel of Nosso Senhor do Encontro
The Chapel of Nosso Senhor do Encontro is also right at the entrance to the Fortress, close to the Coroada Gates. It is also known as Chapel of São Sebastião, and was built to preserve the last of the 4 steps of the Via Sacra in Valença.
4. Chapel of Good Jesus, São Teotónio e Chapel of Souls
You will also find two other chapels in the first half of the fortress of Valença: the Chapel of Good Jesus and the small Chapel of Souls. The first is a Baroque military chapel from the 17th and 18th centuries, and the image of Nossa Senhora do Carmo stands out inside. In front of it you will find a statue of São Teotónio, in honor of the 1st Portuguese Saint, and patron saint of enslaved Christians. São Teotónio was born in a neighboring parish, Ganfei, despite having died in Coimbra in the 12th century.
5. Firefighter’s Museum in Valença
Upon reaching the second half of the fortress of Valença, and turning right towards the Sun Gates, you can visit the county’s first museum. The Firefighter’s Museum is located in the old Valença Fire Station. It has exhibitions on firefighters from around the world, with emphasis on groups from Portugal. For example, I really liked the huge collection of helmets.
6. Republic Square in Valença
Republic Square is undoubtedly the main square in Valença. It is there that you can find the most beautiful buildings inside the fortress, lined with tiles, and also the Town Hall. It is full of small shops and cafes.
7. São Teotónio Square and Casa do Eirado
São Teotónio Square is simpler than the previous one. The Casa do Eirado stands out, with Manueline touches, and Jewish marks on its doors and windows. Don’t forget to carefully admire the sculpted figure under one of the windows, which the people of Valença say is a man from Galicia with his throat cut.
8. Fountain of Valença
Another mandatory stop is the village fountain. It is of medieval origin, and I highlight the area that surrounds it. You have to leave the walled enclosure first to find it.
9. Municipal Museum of Valença
The place where the main museum of the municipality is located today, was once the seat of the City Council. Inside, you will find, for example, extraordinary models of the fortress, from different periods in the history of Valença. It was very interesting to see how the fortress and the village within it evolved over time.
10. Valença temporary exhibition hall
There is also a temporary exhibition room inside the fortress of Valença. During my most recent visit I found it full of old radios, of different brands and styles. I recommend that you inquire at the tourist office about these types of temporary attractions when visiting Valença do Minho.
11. Roman Milestone Obelisk of Valença
On the way to the main churches in Valença, you will also find the Roman Milestone Obelisk. It dates back to the 1st century AD and marks the distance of 42 miles from Braga. In the past, this obelisk served as the town’s pillory.
12. Churches of Santo Estevão and Santa Maria dos Anjos
The two main churches in Valença are undoubtedly the Churches of Santo Estevão and Santa Maria dos Anjos. Both have Romanesque origins, in the 13th century, but the first stands out because it preserves, as a curiosity, the only painting that escaped the Inquisition in Portugal, referring to the Virgin Mary breastfeeding Jesus.
13. Municipal Garden of Valença
Although it is not located inside the fortress, it is worth mentioning the municipal garden, right next to it. It’s a beautiful garden to rest a while reading a book, for example. It is not a space for sports or leisure activities, as it is quite compact.
Visit Tui and the Metallic Bridge of Valença
As Tui is part of the already mentioned Eurocity, you will certainly want to visit it. There is usually a tourist train that connects with Valença, which you might want to use to get to the other side of river Minho. It obviously crosses the Metallic Bridge, which dates back to 1886. The essential thing to do in Tui will be the visit to the Cathedral of Santa Maria in Gothic style, but don’t forget to also check the following places:
- San Fernando, Concello, and Spanish Armada squares
- The Chapel of San Telmo
- The Arch Tower
- The Alameda Park and Convent of Santo Domingo
Walk the Ecotrail of River Minho in Valença
Also on the banks of river Minho, is the Ecotrail of Valença, a wonder for those who want to enjoy the riverside landscape on foot or taking a bike ride. I didn’t walk the entire ecotrail, but I visited some of its main highlights:
- The Fishing Pier of São Pedro da Torre.
- The Medieval Bridge of Veiga de Mira.
- The Pier of Fonte de Cristelo.
- The anchorage of Valença, and the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Cabeça.
- The picnic area next to Frades Fishing Pier, my favorite place of this list.
- And the river beach of Friestas, next to the mouth of the Manco River. It is possible to go for a pleasant interpretive trail through the mouth of the river: there were signs and information panels in the area.
Below I leave you photos of all these places, so you can get an idea of what awaits you. I am not saying that they are all mandatory.
1. Fishing Pier of São Pedro da Torre
2. Medieval Bridge of Veiga de Mira
3. Pier of Fonte de Cristelo
4. Anchorage of Valença
5. Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Cabeça
6. Frades Fishing Pier and picnic area
7. River Beach of Friestas
Visit Grova Waterfall and the Church of Nossa Senhora de Mosteiró
If the banks of the River Minho impressed you with their beauty, you will also be very pleased with this waterfall when you visit Valença. It has the name of Grova Waterfall, and there is an official trail that passes through it, although it is easy to get close, without long walks.
The Pedestrian Route in question is the PR6 of Mosteiró, but it is possible to do only part of it, the stage from the Convent of Mosteiró to the picnic park and then to the waterfall.
The waterfall has some dimension, but I didn’t consider it safe to go down to its base. It also has a pond that I believe is used for bathing in the summer, but I also don’t recommend it, exactly for the same reason: not safe! It is for me just a place of excellent nature.
The Convent of Mosteiró was founded at the end of the 14th century, being the first in Portugal of the Order of Santo António dos Capuchos da Observancia.
Visit the Best Viewpoints of Valença
In this article with things to do in Valença do Minho, I also highlight 4 awesome viewpoints for you to visit:
- Taião Viewpoint, with a privileged view of Cerdal and Minho River in the distance.
- The Viewpoint from the Chapel of São Lourenço, for me the best place for a sunset in Valença.
- The Viewpoint of Monte Faro, which is close to the Church of Nossa Senhora de Faro (early 18th century), responsible for the main festivities in Valença. At the entrance to the enclosure you will find an automatic gate that opens when you approach with the car. It was possible to drive to the small chapel of Santa Ana, where the viewpoint is located.
- The Viewpoint of Castelo de Fraião. The agglomeration of granite boulders with very curious shapes stands out. I didn’t go there, but I know that the best and easiest access is through the village of Boivão.
The latter is on my list for future visits. I leave you for now photos of the first 3 below.
1. Taião Viewpoint
2. Viewpoint of the Chapel of São Lourenço
3. Viewpoint of Monte Faro
Other places to visit in Valença do Minho
To finish, I mention 4 more locations in the municipality of Valença, two of which are extremely important: the second and the third.
1. Tuido Fort
Tuido Fort would have gone unnoticed if I hadn’t found information about it in the museum center of Paiol do Campo de Marte, inside the fortress of Valença. This was one of the fortifications that defended Portugal independence in the past, but it is not mandatory at all, because little remains.
2. Convent of Ganfei
Ganfei Convent was founded in the 7th century. Its bell tower stands out, and the tomb of Blessed Saint Ganfei inside.
3. Monastery of Sanfins in Valença
The Monastery of Sanfins is clearly the best place out of the 4 that I am mentioning in this section. It has a large park around it, with walkways in some areas. Despite not having visited it in the spring, I had the feeling that it would be beautiful to walk there at that time of the year.
The Romanesque Church and the ruins that surround it stand out. It is believed that the first buildings in this space date back to the beginning of the 7th century. It is mandatory to go up to the viewpoint of the park.
4. Quinta de Castro Portal
The Portal of Quinta de Castro stands out for its monumentality on the side of the N101 road for those heading from Valença to Monção. It is what remains of an old manor farm belonging to the Pimenta de Castro family. Its coat of arms is clearly the main detail to admire.
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 Valença do Minho was useful for you! Please send me your feedback in the comment section below.
