Cinfães do Douro

“the pleasant region where the Gods do their best in favor”, J. Saraiva

From the highest point, in the Montemuro mountain range, to the imposing Douro river, passing through the extraordinary beauty of the Bestança valley or the multifaceted river Paiva, there are plenty of reasons to visit this magical territory! Also discover its rich historical and cultural heritage!

Cinfães, made up of 14 parishes, is located in the north of Portugal, on the left bank of the Douro River, just over an hour away from the cities of Porto, Vila Real and Viseu. With a riverfront facing the Douro River and covering two areas classified as part of the Natura 2000 Network – the Paiva River and the Montemuro Mountains, the municipality has natural values, with special emphasis on the richness of biodiversity and the unique beauty of the landscapes.

The pre-Celtic megalithic remains prove an occupation that reaches 5 millennia. And the orders emanating from the Church in the Middle Ages have lasted until our days, sober, robust and valuable Romanesque temples. The multi-secular foundation and the historical relevance of Cinfães involve personalities such as D. Egas Moniz, who left here as lord of Ribadouro; D. Afonso Henriques, first king of Portugal, who shared his childhood here; and General Alexandre Serpa Pinto, son of noble families, who left here to discover Africa and returned here to make it known to the world. Starting with the discovery of the Magic Mountains®, explore all the natural, historical and cultural attractions that the municipality of Cinfães has to offer, including its gastronomy and handicrafts, and enjoy the comforting hospitality and the art of welcoming its people. !

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Mountain Villages

Set out to discover, by car, mountain bike, or on foot, through the Montemuro mountain range and reach the remote villages of Gralheira, Vale de Papas, Bustelo da Laje and Aveloso. The municipality has a set of walking trails and mountain biking trails, which pass through some of the most beautiful villages in the Montemuro mountain range.
Somewhere on the top of the mountain, at about 1,100m altitude, near the place of Casais, in Tendais, you will come across the sanctuary of S. Pedro do Campo, forming a bucolic setting of great beauty, in the landscape of the mountains. from Montemuro.

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Romanesque Heritage

Take a trip to the Middle Ages. Follow the indications of the Route of the Romanesque and visit temples of rare architectural beauty and historical significance: the Romanesque Church of Escamarão, the Church of Santa Maria Maior de Tarouquela and the Church of S. Cristovão de Nogueira.

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Museums

Take the opportunity to visit the Serpa Pinto Museum, a museum dedicated to General Serpa Pinto, an illustrious Portuguese military, explorer and colonial administrator, born in Cinfães. Find out what the atmosphere was like in schools in the past, on a visit to the Escola Museu de Vilar do Peso. Discover the ethnography, traditions, uses and customs of the municipality at the Quinta da Granja Ethnographic Museum, in Nespereira. And at the Vale do Bestança Interpretation Center, set off on an adventure in one of the purest and most preserved rivers and valleys in Europe. Opt for walking trails, mountain biking trails or the Biodiversity Station route.

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Porto Antigo Pier and Boassas Village

Porto Antigo is not just a pier where tourist boats and cruise ships dock that cross the waters of the Douro daily. It is also where the waters of Bestança join the Douro, making the landscape of this place stunning; this is where the Douro displays a grandiose reservoir formed by the anchoring of its waters, at the Carrapatelo Dam, a little downstream.
On the right bank of the Bestança river, visit Boassas' Village, where the traditional narrow streets and the houses of Arribada stand out, the typical patios decorated with flowered vases, as well as other architectural and historical attractions.

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Espadanedo River Beach

Espadanedo River Beach is located in the leisure area of Granja, next to the Douro River. It was recently refurbished thinking about the well-being of all visitors who like to enjoy this river beach in the summer. It has a bar, toilets, a picnic area with benches, tables and grills, and a ramp has been built so that the space can be accessible to people with reduced mobility.

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Ribeiro Sampaio Leisure Park

The Ribeiro Sampaio Leisure Park is located in the North, in Cinfães, close to the Carrapatelo Dam in São Cristóvão de Nogueira.
Next to the car park is the Picnic Park of São Cristóvão, with WC and a small fountain. Take the opportunity to explore the land route, which is part of the “Water and Stone Route”, where you can find the Ribeiro de Sampaio Waterfall.