Free walking tours in Arcos de Valdevez and what to see

Must-sees

Arcos de Valdevez is an Alto Minho town that spreads along the banks of the Vez river, with river beaches and waterside walks. In the centre, the highlights are the old bridge, which gives the place its name, the main church, the small Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Conceição and the 18th-century Church of Nossa Senhora da Lapa. On the outskirts is the Paço de Giela, a medieval tower with an attached palace now run by the municipality.

The municipality climbs into the Peneda-Gerês National Park, and much of its appeal lies there. In Soajo you will see a group of granite granaries, the espigueiros, on a large rock next to the village pillory. Sistelo is a hamlet surrounded by green terraces on the slopes of the Vez, and at Porta do Mezio there are megalithic monuments and paths into the hills. Higher up, the sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Peneda sits at the foot of a rock wall. The Vez Ecovia follows the river from the town to the upper valley, towards Sistelo.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no free walking tours in Arcos de Valdevez. Civitatis offers nature activities: buggy routes on mountain tracks and bike hire to ride the Vez Ecovia at your own pace. Day trips from Braga or Viana do Castelo also often include Soajo and other Peneda-Gerês villages.

How long to spend

The town centre and the riverside walk can be seen in two or three hours. For Soajo, Sistelo and Mezio you need a full day, ideally by car because the distances between villages are long. If you want to walk in the hills or ride the Ecovia, allow two or three days.

Where to stay

In the centre of Arcos de Valdevez there are hotels and guesthouses by the river, handy for eating and getting around. For the mountains, Soajo and Sistelo have restored stone houses as rural stays. The valley is full of quintas and rural guesthouses with gardens. Ponte da Barca, across the Lima river, has more choice and is very close.