Spacious viewing spot with great views. Public restrooms available.

(Translated by Google) Perfect place to watch the sunset. With stunning views over Monsanto, it's worth getting lost in the details of the houses. Magnificent views of the horizon. With stone tables and public toilets. A must-see stop. (Original) Local perfeito para contemplar o por do sol. Com vistas deslumbrantes sobre Monsanto, vale a pena perder-se nos detalhes das casas. Vistas de horizonte magnificas. Com mesas de pedra e dispõe de WC público. Local de paragem obrigatória.

(Translated by Google) Great view of Monsanto and its surroundings, with public restrooms and picnic tables. (Original) Ótima vista de Monsanto e seus arredores, contando com banheiros públicos e mesas para picnics.

(Translated by Google) Magnificent panoramic view, impressive to see all its stacked rocks! (Original) Magnifique vue panoramique , impressionnant de voir tout ses Rochers empilés !

(Translated by Google) It is a simple viewpoint overlooking the Machal Carmona dam and the landscapes to the west of Monsanto. You can also see some rustic houses. A simple but very warm place. A good stopping point on the way up to the castle (Original) É um miradouro simples com vista para a barragem Machal Carmona e com vista pelas paisagens a oeste de Monsanto e também se pode ver algumas habitações com traços rústicos. Local simples mas muito quente. Bom ponto de paragem no percurso de subida para o castelo

(Translated by Google) A viewpoint that allows you to see the entire village, under construction on the date of the visit (Original) Um miradouro que permite ver toda aldeia, na data da visita em obras

(Translated by Google) A must-see place. The view over Monsanto is very beautiful. You can see a large part of the land and also the surrounding landscape. I recommend it. (Original) Local de visita obrigatória. A vista sobre Monsanto é muito bonita. É possível ver grande parte da terra e também da paisagem circundante. Recomendo.

Not much to say about the pillory itself. The whole village is nicely preserved and worth a visit for it's historical relevance in Portugal's history. FYI accessibility to the village is not amazing as it is in a hill and streets are pretty small

Nothing really new about this place. Could use a good cleaning and a bit of sprucing up.

(Translated by Google) Another of the historic villages that I like the most. The cod with creams below in the TOP green lizard. (Original) Otra de las Aldeas históricas que más me gusta. El bacalao con natas abajo en el lagarto verde TOP.

(Translated by Google) Of the 12 historical villages, I think it is the most impressive point of all the villages, it is a space with many details and it really seems that you are in another era, in few places today the same can be said. If you visit Castelo Novo or are nearby, stop by and see this place, it will not disappoint you. Plenty of parking in the area and a very good natural pool at the entrance to the town. (Original) De las 12 aldeas históricas, creo que es el punto más impresionante de todas las aldeas, es un espacio con muchos detalles y realmente parece que estás en otra época, en pocos sitios hoy día se puede decir lo mismo. Si visitas Castelo Novo o estás cerca pasa a ver estés sitio, no te va a defraudar. Bastante aparcamiento por la zona y muy buena piscina natural a la entrada del pueblo.

(Translated by Google) The Castelo Novo Pillory has been classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1933. It is possibly contemporary with the charter granted to the town in 1510 by King Manuel I, and the renovation carried out at that time, both in the castle and in the Town Hall. The pillory is built in the Manueline style. (Original) O Pelourinho de Castelo Novo está classificado como Imóvel de Interesse Público, desde 1933. Possivelmente coevo da carta de foral concedida à povoação, em 1510, por D. Manuel I, e da renovação então efectuada, quer no castelo, quer nos Paços do Concelho. O pelourinho está construído em estilo manuelino.

(Translated by Google) One of the Most Beautiful Historical Villages (Original) Uma das mais Belas Aldeias Históricas

(Translated by Google) Located in the central square. (Original) Situé sur la place centrale.

Please keep it clean, and support the local shops! Got a great attentand when buying cheese and some fridge magnets. Do recommend the visit, either on winter and summer times, as its totally different vibes!

A Torre. The highest point in mainland Portugal. Many have said its a boring place but i actually find the plateau a very calming and reflective place if you walk away from summer crowds. Stunning views. Visit or stay for the golden hour sunset and sunrise. Its worth it. The old observation towers add intrigue to a landscape that could be in a Star Wars movie.

Torre is the highest point in mainland Portugal and offers beautiful mountain views. The natural landscape is stunning, and it's definitely worth a visit for nature lovers. However, I was a bit disappointed with the organization around the area. There’s not much information available for visitors, and the infrastructure could be improved. With better facilities and clearer signage, the experience would be much more enjoyable.

I was lucky to have had good weather and the views and the hiking were amazing. I spent 8 hours exploring the surroundings and it was well worth it. Tip 1: the first shop on the left makes excellent sandwiches with local cheese and ham. Tip 2: It gets really cold up there; come prepared. When I first arrived, it was only 8 degrees and this on a lovely September day.

A great place to visit, definitely recommended!!

This was the starting point of our hike in the mountains. Views are great. There’s a shop with cheeses and cured meats

Gorgeous scenery, well worth the drive! Wonderful shopping and restaurant too. Can't wait to return.

I love this place!! Free wild camping for RVs 😊 When you get here before dark there is a restaurant and a gift shop! We loved the meat and cheese 🧀 offered here! But there is lots of fun stuff! The view is breathtaking and it feels like your above the clouds! If you are RVing on your way up make sure you have ample propane for heating as it can be cold, gas ⛽️ or diesel and water 💧 We filled up from the free natural mountain 🏔️ water 💧 on our way up with a watering can!

Magnificent region. The mountains are unique (granite). If you love nature/mountains, this region is incredible. The views are mesmerising.

Breathtaking view while driving to the top of the mountain, and when arrive there you find beautiful snow landscapes (depending of the season) and very sympathetic merchants selling famous cheeses.

In winter, check if it’s snowing! If it is, you will have an amazing experience! Do not forget to go to “Covao dametade” as well!

Serra da Estrela was the first pace that i have been seen snow fall in Portugal. That was my Évoraerasmus trip. Like 40 people together we attend that trip. It was nice experience to travel with cable car

With 1993m serra da estrela is located middle north of portugal.this is a unique place in portugal to enjoy time in a freezing environment.recommended

Beautiful pity there was no snow

Little beautiful castle in fairly preservation state. The views from main tower are fabulous but if you are scared of heights care with climbing as stairs are very steep and getting down is not an easy task. You can take a walk all around the walls and see the little houses being rebuilt next to the caste.

It's mostly walls, you have some stairways ro get to the top and take in the view.

Sabugal Castle, located in the town of Sabugal in central Portugal, is a medieval fortress with significant historical and architectural value. Here are some key details about Sabugal Castle: ### Historical Background - **Construction and Origins**: The castle dates back to the 12th century, built during the reign of King Sancho I. It was part of the kingdom's defense system against both internal and external threats. - **Strategic Importance**: Positioned near the border with Spain, the castle played a crucial role in the defense and surveillance of the border region during the Middle Ages. It was also a site of numerous historical events, particularly during the Reconquista and subsequent conflicts with Spain. ### Architecture - **Design**: Sabugal Castle is notable for its unique pentagonal layout, which is relatively rare among Portuguese castles. This design includes five towers, with the keep (main tower) being the most prominent. - **Construction Materials**: The castle was primarily constructed using local granite, which has helped it withstand the test of time. - **Features**: The castle boasts a mix of Romanesque and Gothic architectural elements. Key features include a robust keep, defensive walls with battlements, and several towers designed for both defense and residence. ### Current Status - **Restoration and Preservation**: Over the years, the castle has undergone various restoration projects to preserve its structure and historical significance. It is a designated National Monument in Portugal. - **Tourism**: Today, Sabugal Castle is a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors interested in its history, architecture, and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The castle also hosts cultural events and activities that celebrate the region's heritage. ### Cultural Significance - **Legend and Lore**: Like many medieval castles, Sabugal Castle is surrounded by local legends and folklore, adding to its mystique and allure. - **Historical Events**: The castle has witnessed several key historical events, including battles and treaties, particularly during the conflicts between Portugal and Spain. Sabugal Castle remains an emblematic structure in Portugal's rich tapestry of historical sites, offering insights into the medieval period and the region's strategic importance through the ages.

2Euros to enter and you get into the museum as well. Parking around the castle lower levels is free but limited. A fantastic stop for anyone who enjoys castles. You can climb 3 stories up into the keep. There are explanations in English at the castle. The museum is nice, but no english descriptions.

Nice views and the castle is preserved. However there should be more information, more elements to provide a better understanding of its past life and context. It's the only one with the 5 towers... Nothing is mentioned there or provided by the attendant at the tickets office. If it wasn't for the museum the visit to the castle would be meaningless.

2€ to enter nice castle great views from the top of keep. Cute town

One of the five castles. Very pretty town, worth your visit

One of the most unique swimming spots I've ever been to - you have a view of the mountains and valley while swimming. The water is ice cold, but it feels incredibly refreshing on a hot day. You also have a few different pools of water to choose from. There is some free parking nearby and there is also a small bar with drinks, snacks, meals and ice cream! Everything is fairly clean and tidy. Bring a beach towel and lay it somewhere nicely in the shade and you're good to go!

Great river beach. Water is deep enough to dive in and cool enough for a hot summer day although not freezing cold as on some similar places. Scenery around is amazing. There is much parking place around but wasn’t to hard to find a spot

Such a lovely place to visit , we were here mid June and late in the day, the water was so clear and fresh but too cold a day to pop in but on a warm day I’m sure it would be so refreshing , the pools are amazing and the surrounding park area is stunning and extremely well maintained . There is a walk path all around the park with many picnic stenches and a bar/cafe as you enter the park. Free entry , not a lot of parking at it and the walk to it is along the main road but no footpath . This is a very worthwhile place to visit .

Such a beautiful place! Definitely recommend to see! And better to spend at least the half of the day there. Water is cold but clear and refreshing after sun. There is a small bar there where you can buy drinks, snacks, small dishes and ice cream. Parking is free there

Such a stunning place to visit . There is limited parking just off the road at a bad bend , it’s approx 1 km walk uphill from the town along a main road . The pools are so inviting and you are allowed to get in but I believe the water is very cold , the area around the pools is very well maintained and manicured with plenty of park picnic benches with a bar restaurant at the entrance . There is also a safe play area for children . This is a worthwhile visit while in the town .

Worth the visit, but can get overcrowded really fast!

We went there and it’s perfect for swimming (water cold) and for hiking with a lot of path and climbing. But it is better to go on a sunny day !

About how Portuguese discover Brasil. It is still a deliver weather it was a fate. It is fascinating how the story is set up and the facts last n tine. Ofcorse just the good facts remains. Few details about the natives found there. However, Brasil is bigger today than the mother country. Hope the Amazon forest will survive as Earth as well. Good bless.

Although the infrastructure and facility are very good, I was expecting to learn much more about the discovery of Brazil... I was under the impression that all the info in the museum could be found in google. Additionally, all the info is in Portuguese.

Great place to learn more details about discovery trips and their findings.

History here is brought to you in a very clever way. It's not yet another boring museum, it's a playground for kids of every age. Here you will get a lot of interactive exhibits, hear stories of sailors, play some traditional music and so much more! Definitely a good place to visit with children

Certainly have a greater understanding of the reasoning of where and why, by whom and the disasters which accompanied these voyages. Full of interactivity. The town of Videmonte has quite a few diferentes museums I would suggest buying a tour package tickets, see more for less. For people who enjoy human history this location offers much.

Great museum on Portugal's conquest of Brazil. While the signage is all in Portuguese, the interactive touchscreens have an English language option.

An excellent presentation of Portugal's journeys of discovery. Informative about the history of these journeys and what it felt like to be part of them

The ‘story’ and historic value of the people of the 200 people of Belmonte who in the 80’s returned to their Jewish roots is more impressive than what you’ll find in this museum. The inquisition is technically not over in Portugal including this town. Some know they are from Jewish decent and are still too afraid to return. That’s what 500 years of repression can do to a people.

Unique history of the Jewish people - the Crypto Jews. For those who do not understand Portuguese .. the subtitles are difficult to read.

We had Arie a guide in the museum and through Belmont. His knowledge of the history of the Jewish population made the trip enjoyable.

The Jewish Museum of Belmonte tells a beautiful story of the Jewish population in their mountain town. The museum is upstairs, but they do have a lift available for those in need. There are many artifacts and lots of stories to read. There is a small gift shop as well.

Well organised, shows interesting connections with other Jewish communities.

A village of martyred Jews during the Inquisition in Portugal. There is a museum and a synagogue

A beautiful museum that brings alive the stories of local Jews, Cryptojews and the survival from medieval Portugal and the Inquisition

Beautiful castle, but the place offers nothing special for 2 euros entrances fee, so I felt it should be free

Castelo de Belmonte Type: castle Time spent: 25-30 min Price: 2 EUR Parking: available WC: available Languages: English, Portuguese Last entrance: 30 min before it's closed The early occupation of the site has been linked to the presence of the Romans when they entered the Iberian Peninsula. Between 1992 and 1993, archaeological work in the keep proved a Roman presence in the region. The first historical information about the area dates back to the reign of the first King of Portugal Afonso I. In 1297 the Belmonte Castle lost strategic importance, while the town was developing extramural. The building was declared to be a National Monument by a decree published on 15 October 1927.

Small castle, but worth visiting just for the views, specially from the tower. Very nice staff too.

The castle is quite small but worthwhile to visit nonetheless. The tower is accessible, from where you have good views of the village and the surrounding landscape

2€ entry for not much to be honest, been to better castles in the country that had more to offer and free entry, you're better off driving another 20mins up the road to the castle town of Sortelha free entry absolutely stunning view.

Very scenic castle specially near sunset… A lovely clean and scenic town. A must visit in Portugal 🇵🇹 For Virtual Travel Video of this place search for my youtube channel “WORLD NATURE VIDEO” For BTS search for “ THE PINAY DIGITAL NOMAD”

Belmonte is the birthplace of Pedro Alves Cabral the founder of Brazil. Within the castle walls we can see his family coat of arms of 2 goats among other things

Great location looking over the water. There is no service on the decking outside. The toast I ordered was tasteless.

I spent some amazing days at this idyllic spot in Serra da Estrela 😍 from the fully functional yurts to the yummilicious vegan breakfast and meals I totally recommend a visit and stay 🤗 located at 1500m altitude and by the water reserve you’ll feel completely at peace ( the internet signal is not the best, so that also helps 🫣)

Spent a couple of days in our campervan here. Nice place to start some good trekking day trips or while walking the GR22. Good drinking water quality, which is actually free of chlorine. Lake close by and a restaurant as well (didn't eat there but had some good coffee after swimming and hiking). Bathrooms are old and need soon maintainance, not the cleanest as well. No chance to empty grey water out of your tanks or even the chemical toilet. We all know what it means for many people around. We had to empty our non chemical toilet into the regular toilet as advised by the staff. Maybe you install a place for grey water and toilets, this will meet todays standard and will be good for the National Park as well. Nice staff though but really to fast with their service cars (the sign must be for somebody else). I'll promise you today that you'll hit a little one or somebody else not paying attention in the future - stop racing or buy electrical bikes for the staff (no fuel - no smoke - no noise - no racing). We will get back to your place because the nice trees, mountains and atmosphere are just awesome.

Really amazing stay. Friendly reception. Very comfortable and spacefull bungalow with a stressless late checkout and everything we need including great WiFi (not supposed on a place where even no GSM is available). Lots of snow everywhere. A fantastic breakfast (available at about 250 meters from the Eco Resort) and two lovely dogs with which my kids like to play. Do not believe too much on the mountain street state reported on the outdoor. Check it on the"Estradas de Portugal". We will repeat the experience for sure!

Restaurant and picnic site beside a scenic dam set high in the Serra de Estrela. Ideal for tranquil country walks. We visited on a cold, misty October day when other attractions may have been closed for the season.

With warm weather the beach with transparent waters is something else. The hiking paths sound amazing. The fresh water fountain just 50m from the entrance is crazy good!

A wonderful place to spend either a few hours or a few days. Swim in the lake, eat in the restaurant or bring your own picnic it’s up to you. Surround yourself with the hills & nature-Enjoy.

2 day kayaking trip with a tent. A fantastic way to try out camping in the wild. Beautiful scenery, plenty of space on the kayaks for tens and food, which is much more convenient than carrying a bag on your shoulders. Perfect for those who want to go camping, but are put back by carrying gear. Very warm water in summer!!!

We did a two day canoe trip and it was amazing! Matt was super helpful and the equipment was perfect. We had an unforgettable two days. This should be a must do trip for anyone coming to Portugal!

I had a great day out in a kayak from Rock and River in July 2021. A group of us did the one day trip which is 13 miles of the Mondego river. Matt was really friendly and enthusiastic, and told us everything we needed to know about both the boats and our journey. He checked we were all comfortable in our kayaks before seeing us off on a self-guided tour, and was there to meet us at the other end. It was a wonderful experience in a beautiful setting and I can recommend Rock and River to anyone!

Lovely and peaceful in the heart of Portugal countryside ! We lived here for 2 months in the AirBnB Matt is renting, and it was a true dream ! The canoe on river Montego is amazing too, with beautiful landscapes and very good equipment. Matt is an incredible host !

Fantastic opportunity to explore kayaking on a self-guided tour. Very well organised and friendly. You get to explore such a beautiful river. Thanks for the lovely experience

Very nice guy , very well arranged ! We had a top day !

Beautiful cathedral in the center of the old town of Guarda. Construction began in the late 14th century but was only concluded in the mid 16th century. As with most cathedrals throughout Portugal of this period, this structure combines Gothic and Manueline styles. Cathedral tour costs €1.50 and an additional €1 to include the terrace.

The most beautiful cathedral I have ever set my foot in.

The lookout on the second floor of the rooftop was spectacular! I loved that basically no one was there (Friday morning). I highly recommend stopping by if you’re in the city!

I loved looking at this old church from the outside and was also surprised at the size from the inside. There are a few statues and crypts to look at but nothing else. The building is impressive but I enjoyed the view better from the tower that is nearby

Quite unique basilica - one of the most interesting Portuguese monuments. Cathedral in late gothic style connected with Manueline influences from the shipyard of Batalha Monastery. In the centre of the village was built from 1390 to 1517.

Not particularly interesting old cathedral. If you go upstairs be very careful as it's not that safe. Probably illegal.

Nice cathedral of a mixxture of architectural styles. Well located on the city historic area.

Beautiful castle ruins, not something to go out of your way for, but worth a visit if you’re nearby. It’s very quiet and free to enter, though unfortunately you can’t climb the towers.

Love this place and I visit it quite often as I live a 20 minute drive away. It's a gorgeous village with it's magical location and castle! There some wonderful walks on the surrounding mountains, special the one on the Roman road and the one to the view point; not to be missed.

Part of a group of historical villages in the center of Portugal, Linhares da Beira is a very well preserved Medieval village with a beautiful backdrop of the Serra da Estrela. It's very easy to image the history of the village, be lost in the memories of those narrows streets and be stunned by the castle views.

The Castelo is nice, you have great views on the surrounding landscape. The village of Linhares itself is even more interesting and cute: lots of small roads, old buildings and overall a nice and calm atmosphere.

Nice, free entrance, great view, can climb on the castle wall at some areas.

Lots of the castle was off-limits, and it was still a nice visit

Very nice castle with an amazing view over the area. You should go there and so not forget top have a walk through the nice and tiny Village around.

Simply stunning - we were the only people there to enjoy the surroundings and amazing views. Plenty of castle-y bits to climb over if you are 6 or 68

Recommended detour from wherever you are going. Very nice castle ruins and an excellent view when you get up there. The blackberries are yours for the pick, if you go now. Challenge: discover what the animals at the entrance mean.

Beautiful spot. The whole town is really sweet and set up so thoughtfully for visitors. There’s ample parking, picnic tables, clean bathrooms and a lot of signs in English and Portuguese.

Perfect peaceful place.

A small mediaeval town on a small back road leading south.. quite empty in early November..interesting old stone houses and one with a Madeline balcony...views from the top ruined wall of the old castle.There is an old ruined church at the top also..

Castelo Mendo is part of Portuguese historic villages. First of all, there is no castle, at least not anymore. There was a castle once, and this can be deduced as soon as you see the outer walls, which surround the village. At the top, where the castle used to be, there is a terrace where you can still see the magnificent ruin of a small and old christian church, the same one that would be inside the castle. Still on the terrace, some gigantic raw granite stones would be part of the floor inside the castle, and one must understand there was no concept of a flat floor inside many Portuguese castles, so people were tough in those times. Chatting with the owner of a nearby coffee shop, I understood the reason for so many closed habitacional houses in the village since there has been a steady population decline over decades, that is, less and less people live there, about 50, he said. Anyway, the surrounding are beautiful and worth to be admired and, depending on the daylight falling into the valleys, there are many nuances that fill our eyes. A very nice place to visit indeed, just don't go there with very high expectations.

Little gem tucked away in the Portuguese countryside. Picturesque village inside the castle walls - well worth a visit

Worth visiting. A reference point for Portuguese art, religion and culture. Built starting in the 12th century on the site of an old Visigothic temple. It houses the paintings of the most important Portuguese Renaissance painter, Grão Vasco.

Huge historical building in the centre of the historical area. You can see where it has been extended over the centuries which is interesting

Beautiful Cathedral! Great place to pray, reflect and find some calm.

Very good experience seeing and reading the history of the Cathedral and area as well as seeing the city from a different view. The majority of the information is in Portuguese, but just using Google translate live with a smartphone camera works perfectly to understand it.

Beautiful site well worth visiting in the heart of Viseu. The cathedral, the Church of Mercy, and the Grão Vasco Museum are all must-sees. The entrance fee is very reasonable.

Beautiful construction. Fabulous location!

Beautiful worth the visit!

Nice, but can we still call it a castle since only the outer walls remain? The visit is free, the view is beautiful, I recommend it

Well looked after ruins of a medieval castle within the old town of Trancoso. Great views all round, especially of the Serra da Estrela. The staircase down to the well is not recommended for those who have a fear of tight spaces. No entrance fee and no more than 30 minutes required for the visit.

I love this old town!!! It's so magic, old but kept it good condition. Awesome! You have to take a walk on the city walls. Wow! Great place with so big old historical center!

Very nice town to visit. The castle is still intact and the old town still lives inside castle walls.

I liked the place, but unfortunately the main tower was inaccessible. The entrance was prohibited.

The whole village is enclosed by walls and gates. Very well preserved. A good tourist info center located in the village square just outside a gate. Be sure to see the tombs carved in stone located outside the village walls.

A very beautiful and interesting place for visit.

Nice ancient village, church. Interesting history of the place. If you have a private tour, they generally do a private tasting at the top. The shops have some very unique cork souvenirs.

Just medieval castle ruins. Nice little village. Popular place to visit so was full of couple of coaches, we were one of them. Some places were a bit too crowded fr such a small place.

So historic and worth the bus or car ride. So much historical interest here it caused one to day dream of the crusade.

Todays trip was to Castelo Rodrigo. An 11th century town with only 469 residents. High in the mountains on the Portugal / Spain border, this is a residential town. In fact, you can buy a place here but should probably skip the winters. We have been to plenty of “old towns” that were filled with shops and restaurants, but this is simply home to less than 500 people. Old, historic, quaint with picturesque views. The church in the town is literally built into the mountains.

Small fortified village on top of a hill with a bit of steep walking in places. Castle and Palace ruins worth a quick look.

Fantastic place, loved every bit of it, and the local people were so friendly and helpful. The castle was very interesting. The views were amazing. So glad that we went there.

Great little historic town. It was worth an hour visit to walk around, enjoy the historic buildings, and sample some of the local products. We loved the almond liqueur mixed with sparkling wine. So many versions of almonds coated with flavors. Of course, there are taste tests. It's hard to pick just a couple of flavors to bring home :)

It is a walled village, houses in ruines. With a large impresive keep above it. It must have a spooky atmosphere when empty, but we were blessed with a medieval fair.

In the middle of nowhere,surrounded by a small village,set on a hill. Lovely place

Beautiful. Totally worth the visit. Very clear the old town ruins and streets within the castel walls.

One of the ex-libris is the Castle of Marialva. I am passionate about castles, and this castle is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. The ruins were exceptionally preserved. One of my favorite places, and visiting the castle at the end of the day, it's perfect.

Absolutely stunning and fascinating. The meal was fabulous and special and we learned so much.

Excelente views, a must see when visiting this part of the country. Historical of interest, highly recommended

beautiful place. easier to visit from the northeast road. lack of historical information on site

The museum has recreations and information about the open-air rock carvings in the local area (which are possible to visit at some times on day trips but not easy to get to) of international importance. Incredible human endeavours from tens of thousands of years ago. Well worth a visit if you are interested in early humans etc. Fascinating place!

We had the pleasure of joining the Penascosa site tour to explore the remarkable Côa Valley rock art on September 17, 2025. Witnessing artwork created by humans 25,000 to 30,000 years ago was truly awe-inspiring—a powerful connection to our shared human history and the creativity of early civilizations. Our exceptional guide, Graziella Casal, brought the engravings vividly to life through her engaging and insightful explanations. Her storytelling made the ancient art feel almost three-dimensional, as if it were in motion. Her passion and deep knowledge were evident throughout the tour. We were especially grateful for her attentiveness and kindness. When my wife began to feel unwell, Graziella immediately arranged for a colleague to assist her, allowing us to continue the tour with peace of mind and appreciation. The combination of expert guidance, genuine hospitality, and thoughtful care made our long journey to the Côa Valley entirely worthwhile. It was a truly memorable and enriching experience in Portugal. Muito obrigado, Graziella Casal!

We had an amazing tour with Bárbara! The drawings/carvings are in remarkably great condition considering they have been exposed to the elements for more than 20,000 years! It would be difficult to see the shapes of the animals without the help of an experienced guide - but with that help it was truly remarkable!! The best part was Bárbara's ability to set the stage by explaining the environment the artists lived in, their nomadic lifestyle, and all the other information and hypotheses that are drawn from the data. Without this context you couldn't truly appreciate what a special place this is.

Thought this interactive museum was brilliant! Does not take too long to walk round it's well laid out exhibition of the rock art you can then see on a guided tour. We went that night and drove in Jeep 7k out to see the engravings with our brilliant guide Luis. Worth every penny of €20 each to see 20,000 year-old engravings. DO IT!

An amazing visit to this beautiful UNESCO site and a walk back into prehistoric time. A must see and also be sure to arrange a private tour of the rock art, best done at night. The 900 plus wooden staircase down the hillside is incredible but the climb back up, equivalent to 48 storeys, is not for the weak of heart!

This UNESCO site in Portugal protects thousands of Paleolithic rock engravings. While older, the region was later inhabited by Celtic peoples, and the museum masterfully contextualizes the long human habitation of this landscape, of which the Celts were a significant part.

Outstanding. It is important to see the actual carvings, the museum gives you context, although it is a wonderful building on an amazing situation with a great restaurant. The tour is fascinating, the guides excellent and for me it was unforgettable. Carvings and 'animation' from up to 20,000 years ago.

The museum has recreations and information about the open-air rock carvings in the local area (which are possible to visit at some times on day trips but not easy to get to) of international importance. Incredible human endeavours from tens of thousands of years ago. Well worth a visit if you are interested in early humans etc. Fascinating place!

We had the pleasure of joining the Penascosa site tour to explore the remarkable Côa Valley rock art on September 17, 2025. Witnessing artwork created by humans 25,000 to 30,000 years ago was truly awe-inspiring—a powerful connection to our shared human history and the creativity of early civilizations. Our exceptional guide, Graziella Casal, brought the engravings vividly to life through her engaging and insightful explanations. Her storytelling made the ancient art feel almost three-dimensional, as if it were in motion. Her passion and deep knowledge were evident throughout the tour. We were especially grateful for her attentiveness and kindness. When my wife began to feel unwell, Graziella immediately arranged for a colleague to assist her, allowing us to continue the tour with peace of mind and appreciation. The combination of expert guidance, genuine hospitality, and thoughtful care made our long journey to the Côa Valley entirely worthwhile. It was a truly memorable and enriching experience in Portugal. Muito obrigado, Graziella Casal!

We had an amazing tour with Bárbara! The drawings/carvings are in remarkably great condition considering they have been exposed to the elements for more than 20,000 years! It would be difficult to see the shapes of the animals without the help of an experienced guide - but with that help it was truly remarkable!! The best part was Bárbara's ability to set the stage by explaining the environment the artists lived in, their nomadic lifestyle, and all the other information and hypotheses that are drawn from the data. Without this context you couldn't truly appreciate what a special place this is.

Thought this interactive museum was brilliant! Does not take too long to walk round it's well laid out exhibition of the rock art you can then see on a guided tour. We went that night and drove in Jeep 7k out to see the engravings with our brilliant guide Luis. Worth every penny of €20 each to see 20,000 year-old engravings. DO IT!

An amazing visit to this beautiful UNESCO site and a walk back into prehistoric time. A must see and also be sure to arrange a private tour of the rock art, best done at night. The 900 plus wooden staircase down the hillside is incredible but the climb back up, equivalent to 48 storeys, is not for the weak of heart!

This UNESCO site in Portugal protects thousands of Paleolithic rock engravings. While older, the region was later inhabited by Celtic peoples, and the museum masterfully contextualizes the long human habitation of this landscape, of which the Celts were a significant part.

Outstanding. It is important to see the actual carvings, the museum gives you context, although it is a wonderful building on an amazing situation with a great restaurant. The tour is fascinating, the guides excellent and for me it was unforgettable. Carvings and 'animation' from up to 20,000 years ago.

Beautiful cathedral,well worth a visit...there is a courtyard on the left which is also worth a visit.

Is beautiful place. The stairs to haven I would say. The architecture is spectacular. And yes there are two cafes on the top ans toilets. So just keep walking,you'll get there.

Very beautiful cathedral and grounds. Worth visiting!

865 steps! A true pilgrimage! Very beautiful and such great views.

Spectacular place. Would be great if someone would invest a bit of money into restoration work. It's a shame some of the tiles get deteriorated and fall.

Beautiful 16th Century Cathedral, a must see.

We went to this cathedral on a rainy Sunday morning. The cathedral is beautiful and includes a statue of the blessed Mother nursing baby Jesus. The Statue is beautiful and reverential.

We were recommended this place for a meal so we came for a drink the day before with plans to book for lunch the next day. There are so many vineyards around here offering top class tranquil restaurants. We sat and had a drink whilst right outside a big van parks and starts offloading bikes for an hour, a man is loading plastic crates and a fork lift is zooming around with the associated beeping every time it reverses. This has to be the worst place to place a nice restaurant. What's more it's right by the river but instead of a lovely view of the river we get big van and bike trailer, fork lift and lorry loading crates. Decided not to book for lunch next day.

Came here for a wedding. Lovely venue. Staff were very friendly and chill. Loved the 2 resident dogs and cats. Rooms: We stayed in the regular rooms(ie not barrels). Nice decor and good size but no kettle to boil water. We had several meals here and food was pretty good overall. The only downside is the main restaurant isn’t open all day. And only opens late at 7.30pm for dinner. As it is quite small, if you don’t make a reservation, you may not get a table. Breakfast also starts late at 8am and only lasts till 10am. You can get food from the bar otherwise but menu is very limited especially for gluten free diners. We booked a car to bring us from QDP to Porto airport and was quoted £150-200 at reception. On the day itself though, it cost us £220. No explanation for the increase in fee. And it was only transport for 2pax.

🍷🧀🦚🌄🤵 The barman at Quinta de Pacheca was incredibly accommodating. Even though we arrived fairly late and skipped the winery tour, he still welcomed us in for bar snacks and a bottle of wine that ended up being more than enough for dinner. We ordered the €33 charcuterie board and a €12 bottle of wine — both were delicious, and we could barely finish everything by the end. Definitely recommend this combo if you’re looking to enjoy a relaxed evening at a beautiful winery, especially out on the patio with peacocks roaming nearby and genuinely friendly service. Did you find this review helpful? ❤️

We had our wedding at Quinta da Pacheca and it was pure perfection. The location, views, architecture, and aesthetic are beautiful. Staff and service were exceptional. The wine, port, and food were delicious and so many of our guests said the same! Thank you Quinta da Pacheca for making our wedding so beautiful. We will be back very soon!

It is simply impossible to stay in this hotel. At first, everything seems perfectly respectable when you arrive at reception. The staff there are polite and sensible - you can tell they’ve been trained in guest greeting standards. They even give you a tour of the hotel, show you the main areas and escort you to your room. That’s where your pleasant experience comes to an end. If you’re unlucky, as we were, and end up in a room in the residential wing, the only tolerable place to be will be the bathroom. At least it has relatively new tiles on the floor and walls. Mind you, don’t expect any amenities befitting a supposed five-star hotel. In our bathroom there was only: hand soap, all-purpose shampoo, a disposable shower cap, a nail file. Apparently the hotel considers a basic hygiene kit (cotton buds, cotton pads, etc.) an unnecessary luxury. The toilet, when flushed, simply splashes water all over the floor - perhaps that’s their idea of hygiene. But that’s actually the best part of the room. The worst is the bedroom itself. The carpet is filthy, covered in stains and ingrained with the stench of vomit throughout. Every piece of furniture - including a completely empty and pointless chest of drawers - is chipped and battered from decades of use. There is absolutely nothing, and I mean nothing, in the room that even remotely suggests five stars. Not even a simple shoehorn. In fact, there’s nothing at all. No iron or ironing board, no umbrella, no hairdryer. Nothing you’d expect from a five-star hotel. Breakfast is a special kind of masochism. There’s a menu with various egg dishes, but the breakfast chef appears to have entered a kitchen for the very first time and has no concept of cooking for human beings. The vegetable omelette had no salt whatsoever. I’ll just show you a photo of the Eggs Benedict instead of trying to explain - it was literally half a bun, about 7-9 cm across, with an egg dumped on top and two halves of a slice of bacon. No sauce, no seasoning, no salt. Thankfully the natural saltiness of the bacon saved it slightly. They serve cheese sliced straight through the coloured protective rind. Avoid the coffee machine in the dining room - it dispenses brownish water with no flavour at all. If you ask for coffee in a pot, they bring you the cheapest, foulest instant coffee imaginable. The food at the pool bar is a true culinary masterpiece - if you measure excellence by the standards of a low-grade home kitchen using the poorest ingredients. The €18 toast looks like a slice of stale supermarket bread (and I’m probably insulting supermarkets here), topped with finely chopped tasteless tomato and a sprinkle of cheese. They heat the whole thing in an oven or microwave and serve it with crisps. The crisps are the best part of the dish. The quinoa salad contained ingredients not listed on the menu (mushrooms). Unfortunately the person who ordered it is allergic to mushrooms. Apparently the hotel is unaware of legal requirements to declare ingredients/allergens. If you fancy a cocktail masterclass, be prepared to assist the instructor with their English - you’ll have to supply the words they’re searching for to explain the process. It seems the hotel knows very little about the hospitality and restaurant business in general. What they do know is how to bus in thousands of tourists for wine tastings. So if you’re dreaming of a peaceful holiday rather than the ambience of a coach park, look elsewhere. All this for over €500 a night. More expensive than almost any hotel in the region - and utterly unworthy of the price.

We had our wedding here and if I could give it 1,000 stars I would! Everything was truly exceptional. The staff are kind and accommodating. It’s clear they take pride in their job and want all of their guests to have a good time. The property is stunning. I have been in September for harvest and stomped grapes with a Portuguese band and in May for our wedding. Both times of year are beautiful. I love to travel and never have I found a place that I want to keep coming back to as much as Quinta da Pacheca! Very deserving of the Michelin guide recognition! I heard from many of our guests it was the best wedding they have ever been to. I feel lucky to have found such an amazing place and will be back for anniversaries to come 😊

I rarely post but really did love this hotel experience. The wine barrels are super unique rooms and, the ones with pool, are special - especially when it is scorching outside. The main pool facility also was fantastic and a great relaxed vibe. The wine tour was popular but wasn’t anything special versus other beautiful spots in the region. The only negative was service levels —- really slow. And I live in Spain so accustomed to slow. But in two meal services, from sit down to first course served- an hour. This needs to be addressed, especially when in comparison to your 5-star neighbor, Six Senses (albeit double the price there).

Essential knowledge about the Douro region and vinyards. The working exhibits were well done and the last part of the museum before the shop where they show how exhibits are prepared for the museum is a great idea. It's probably a better museum when the exhibits are all working. I get that things have to updated from time to time, but then don't take the full admission price if visitors can only see half. From an accessibility point of view: it is quite dark inside and a lot of writing is light grey on wood grain (see pictures).

Highly recommend stopping at the Douro Museum if you’re in the area. It’s very informative and there’s a lot to learn about the region and its wine. The displays and exhibits are well done and clearly put together with care. The cherry on top is ending the visit with a glass of Port while overlooking the Douro River.

This is a really nice museum about the history of the region and the wine making tradition. The entry also included a glass of wine, which was a really nice detail. The only thing we would have liked that was not available was a guide or at least an audio guide.

If you love Porto and Douro wines, this museum is a must-see. After your tour, you can enjoy a delicious glass of Porto in the charming café overlooking the Douro.

Quite nice museum about history of wine in this region. It could more interactive, but a big plus is that they also show art of local artists.

Excellent museum, well worth a visit. Bring your headphones, download the app and tour at your leisure. Rooftop bar has great views.

To be seen. Necessary to understand geology and hard work to obtain the terrain for the wineyards...

Want to see where all the grapes for the best ports come from? Then visit here and get an excellent guided tour plus some brilliant ports to taste. I never knew the distinction between ports of the best times to drink them. It was a brilliant education.

Bomfin Winery was our destination for a day's drive from Porto to the Douro Valley wine region. The winery has a good sized visitor parking area and sits along the Douro beside the quaint town of Pinhao ( 5-10 mins walk from Bomfim). There's a large patio with good views of the river & slopeside vineyards. Several reds and some white wines are available for tasting. There's a good selection of Ports for sale, as Bomfim is part of the large Symington Estates co. The drive from Regua to Pinhao is very scenic.

It was amazing to taste wines in their beautiful terrace. The view was just spectacular. We took the set with 3 wines and also got cheese plate. The wines were refreshing, but I think for the price the provided amount could be more. The cheese plate was tasty but we couldn't finish as some was sheep cheese which we can't eat. I would definitely recommend a visit here.

Did the tour and tasting. Antonio was an excellent guide. We ejoyoyed all their wine but would have likes the ability to get some food with it. There is a restaurant onsite but only open certain hours. The gift shop is incredible. You can get port from several places here at great prices.

We initially weren't planning to stop here but did last minute and I am happy we did. The service here was great, staff were friendly and helpful, genours pours and decent port and wine. If you have time enjoy their beautiful patio and have a glass or two.

We had a great time on our honeymoon, our tour guide was hilarious followed by a delicious port tasting on the terrace with amazing views! We also had incredible food at the restaurant afterwards overlooking the river!

Had a tasting a small tour here and enjoyed some great port. Fine but relaxed atmosphere and great view at the Douro. Bought some port for home, of course.

Did this as part of a Douro wine tasting visit. It offered a delightful contrast from being in the car for several hours on a hot day! The trip was good, giving a different perspective. Although the audio guide on a downloadable app was a great idea, and interesting when it worked, ours was inconsistent and we gave up in the end. It was not a hardship, having to relax in the sun with water softly flowing past and great views of the valley surrounding us. It's quite a well-timed trip, perhaps about an hour, so you don't get bored.

When in Douro, you should take a boat trip. I am not sure that it was the agency that we used in fact, but there are two or three options in Pinhao - all with pretty much the same conditions. The previous time we took a 1 hour trip, this time it was a 2 hour trip. I think the longer one is better as you reach Tua train station and the dam. Views are magnificent both with the foggy and sunny weather - actually when starting around 10:30 you can catch both. The two hour boat includes a WC and small bar with port wine and cold drinks.

Amazing experience kayaking on the Douro River. Beautiful views, calm water, and a great way to enjoy the scenery. Would definitely do it again!

Wouldn’t do it again, felt like a tourist trap. Sure, the views are nice, but you can see them walking, from the car, and from all the miraduros. There was nothing interesting on the 1h trip particularly. They had an app with an audio guide but we didn’t know it beforehand and didn’t bring headphones. The captain was in his phone the whole tour. Nobody offered us anything to drink and we felt like we would disturb the staff asking.

1 hour boat ride in Douro river. We had a nice time enjoying the river, its history and all the wineries on the route. The boat was nice and clean, clear view for every side, we even had a wedding photoshoot on board... Things to note: 1 hour boat ride means 30 min there, and 30 min back. The tour guide is done via app, there's no human to explain the tour & sights, so make sure you download the app!! There is a toilet room on board!! Good value for money, It gives you a nice little taste of the area without going on for too long.

We paid €85 for the 1 hour boat tour and kayak back. The service was great, but the company didn't really warn you of how strenuous the kayaking would be. They provide you with buoyancy aids and a dry bag for your belongings which is great, but no water or snacks for the journey (something we brought ourselves). The total distance kayaking is around 7.5 miles (12km), which can be quite tough depending on wind/current. There is also nowhere to stop for drinks/food along the river if you wanted to take a break. This made the last hour or so of paddling quite challenging. Aside from the kayak, the boat includes an audio tour via mobile app which offers interesting information and history of the area. A worthwhile trip, but come prepared for the kayaking!

Nice ride in a super scenic area, yet very crowded. There is an App to get audio on your phone, which worked to varying degrees for people. There are boats of many sizes and I felt fortunate to be on a smaller one, but the number of people on it made it impossible to get photos without them in the frame. Many on the perimeter were so involved in their fashion selfies, that they didn't even glance at the amazing hills with wine estates.

Charming old station with attractive tiling on the station buildings and amazing scenery around it.

The town's railway station is lovely to see. The walls are decorated with lovely azulejo tiles, with well-preserved panels portraying historic scenes of the surrounding area. The visitor gets a good idea of how the Douro looked before the dams were built and the river was made navigable. There is trains through the station daily but peak activity is during harvest season in autumn when wine is transported by rail and boats. The station is in the heart of the town and is easy to access. Inside the station, there is a motorcycle maintenance vehicle that was used to patrol the train lines.

We visited Pinhao as a day trip from Porto, Portugal. This is the heart of Duoro Valley and wineries. It is a 2-hour train ride, which is a very beautiful and scenic ride. For an hour or so, the train moves right next to the beautiful curvy Duoro river with hill side plantations on the other side. Stunning views... We took a 2 hour boat ride at Pinhao, another stunning visual ride in Duoro Valley on the river. You can also do hiking and visit the wineries. Make sure to book the train tickets, boat ride, and the winery tickets in advance.

Beautiful little place by the river, with its own quaint railway station. Very popular with day toppers who seem to love the tours of the near by Quintas and Vineyards and Vine tasting excursions. You can take a train ride out and come back in the evening on a ferry.

A beautiful railway station complete with station cat and a beehive! Lovely tiles on the station building.

About the train station: No wc, no ticket sale, nothing more than just an abandoned train stop in a beautiful building and tourist area. Unbelievable

Vineyard terraces roll in every direction. Pull-off viewpoints are frequent; choose one and sit for a while rather than rushing between them. Morning haze can soften contrasts, while late afternoon brings warm contours. Roads are narrow—drive unhurried. If you’re not driving, the regional train adds a scenic, low-stress option.

Definitely worth a trip! Amazing scenery, wineries and locks

Most visit Douro valley very very beautiful and greenery.

Was on a cruise and the ship docked at Leixoes terminal. A free shuttle bus ran from here to Porto city and dropped us right by the Douro River. Very fun place to hang out with all sorts of nice restaurants and wineries. Had a refreshing home-made chilled Sangria with freshly made Churros👌🏾. Bought some souvenirs and photos. A great day off the ship in this city and the weather was amazing too.

Famous route for port wine travelling to Porto. Many boats loaded with barrels of wine. Many tourist talking boat sightseeing trip to see Porto from below. Definitely unforgettable part of city

The most amazing place to be in porto. AMAZING people, amazing wine. Amazing tours as well. It’s a piece of heaven. Beware, the valley is always hotter than the city itself so pick your clothes accordingly.

It is beautiful river staring in Spain and going upto Porto in Portugal before flowing into Atlantic Ocean. Along the whole course it is surrounded by beautiful hills, vineyards and scenery. The Douro valley is a UNESCO world heritage site. Some wines are world popular and many tours come for wine tasting.

The Douro is a beautiful river running from the Atlantic Ocean to the border of Spain. After you leave Porto behind, it's hills and mountains all the way with Vineyards, orchards and the odd small village or even a single building perched on a hill top. Very relaxing and peaceful