Avô between the Rio Alva and historical heritage

Avô combines a distinctive riverside landscape with historical traces that can be explored through different daily itineraries. The Rio Alva shapes the village just as much as the paths along the water and buildings with medieval, early modern and later chapters. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Avô, you can therefore first consider whether your trip should focus more strongly on nature experiences by the river, on discoveries of cultural history or on a mixture of both.

Waterscape and paths along the Rio Alva

The Praia Fluvial de Avô is located where the Rio Alva meets the Ribeira de Pomares and forms the Ilha do Picoto. This precise geographical setting makes the site a special point of reference for anyone who wants to get to know Avô through its waterways. The Praia Fluvial de Avô also received the Portuguese “Praia + Acessível 2016” award. An amphibious chair and an amphibious walker are available there for visitors with reduced mobility.

Two different descriptions can be useful when planning your routes: the Caminho de Xisto de Avô starts at Largo da Ilha do Picoto and runs along the banks of the Rio Alva. The Percurso Pedestre de Avô follows the river along narrow paths. Those travelling with several people can therefore decide in advance whether a day by the water or a route with narrow sections is better suited to their travel plans.

Discover historic sites in Avô

Cultural history is also present in the village’s streetscape. The Pelourinho de Avô stands in the square where the former medieval Casa da Câmara was located. The Casa de Brás Garcia Mascarenhas was built in the 16th century near the Rio Alva. Thus, the river brings together not only landscape and paths, but also specific historical references that you can include in your exploration of Avô.

Inside the Castelo de Avô is the Ermida de São Miguel, whose origins date back to the Middle Ages. The site also shows that its history was not limited to a single construction phase: part of the walls was reconstructed in 1942; further work on the enclosure and the chapel took place between 1963 and 1966. The Igreja Matriz in Avô dates from the 12th century and was remodelled in the 18th century. Those interested in religious architecture, castles or the development of historic buildings will therefore find several different points of interest for a stay.

The right accommodation for your travel plans

When looking for accommodation in Avô, you can base your choice on the focuses you want. If you are planning days by the Rio Alva and at the Praia Fluvial, the waterscape and paths take centre stage. If you would like to shape your stay more around cultural history, the Castelo de Avô, the Ermida de São Miguel, the Pelourinho, the Casa de Brás Garcia Mascarenhas and the Igreja Matriz form the key themes. A holiday apartment provides a self-directed framework for planning your days, without requiring you to limit yourself to just one way of discovering the village.

For further orientation, you can also visit Lagares, Lagos da Beira, Oliveira Do Hospital and Meruge.

To the overarching travel overview: Oliveira Do Hospital.