Amares between monasteries, thermal springs and valleys

Amares lies between the Cávado Valley and the Serra do Gerês and is considered a very fertile region. The different themes to explore on your trip include monasteries, a pilgrimage site with a Baroque church, thermal springs, rural trails and viewpoints. If you are planning a family trip, you can decide together whether architectural and religious history, thermal history or time outdoors should take priority. This priority can also influence your choice of holiday rental and its location.

Monasteries and architectural history

The Benedictine Order founded Mosteiro de Rendufe in the 11th century. An inscription on the floor indicates that the church of Mosteiro de Santo André de Rendufe was already completed in 1151; in 1877, a fire almost completely destroyed the monastery. The foundation, completion of the church and destruction therefore belong to different periods in the site's history.

Mosteiro de Santa Maria do Bouro tells a different story of religious orders: the Cistercian Order founded it in the 12th century. In a project by architect Souto Moura, the monastery was converted into a Pousada. The Pousada Mosteiro de Amares also has a distinctive restoration history: Souto Moura restored the building while preserving its appearance as a ruin. Ponte de Rodas is classified as a National Monument. Together, these buildings offer different ways to explore Amares' architectural and heritage history.

Pilgrimage site and thermal springs

The climb to Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Abadia passes eight chapels along a Stations of the Cross route. The sanctuary includes a Baroque church with three naves and an organ dating from the late 18th century. The former pilgrims' quarters house the Museu de Arte Sacra e Etnográfico da Confraria de Nossa Senhora da Abadia. The sanctuary thus brings together sacred architecture, music history and a museum in the former pilgrims' quarters.

Termas de Caldelas also combine history with specific characteristics of the springs. Archaeological remains show that the Romans used them. The water contains bicarbonate, calcium and fluoride. Those interested in the history of the thermal springs can consider it alongside these stated water characteristics, without reducing the place to just one aspect.

Rural trails, viewpoints and local life

Baloiço de Urjal is located at Miradouro do Monte das Cadeiras and offers views over the Cávado and Homem valleys. Percurso Pedestre das Termas de Caldelas offers a different perspective on the landscape: this walking trail passes through a rural setting with former water-powered mills. At Área de Lazer de Felinhos on the Homem, the facilities include wooded areas, tables, small islands, watermills and bathing areas. There are therefore different reasons to choose a walk through the countryside or a stay in a recreational area.

Urjal's historic centre includes typical rural houses of Minho, espigueiros and watermills. The Urjalândia project began in 2017; during the Christmas season, Urjal is transformed into a sustainable Christmas village, involving the rural community. If you would like to combine your trip with Urjalândia, check the dates for the Christmas season you are planning to visit.

To choose the location of your holiday rental, it helps to make a direct comparison: monasteries, the church and museum offer a cultural focus, while the walking trail, viewpoint and Área de Lazer provide other reasons to spend time outdoors. This way, your choice reflects the experiences that really matter for your trip.

Discover more destinations

Amares, Bouro-Santa Marta, Rendufe, Caldelas, Torre, Bico, Carrazedo

For the overview of the wider destination: Braga.