Paradela between the Cávado and the reservoir

Paradela lies on the slope of the Cávado’s left bank and overlooks the Albufeira de Paradela reservoir. The riverbank and the water surface give the area two distinct landscape features: the village is beside the river, while also looking out over the reservoir. There is also a circular route, tourist attractions and historic sites. When planning your trip, consider what you would most like to focus on: the waterside landscape, a walk or the local cultural heritage?

River, reservoir and access

A notice dated 14 February 2023 identifies a 3.753 km stretch of the Cávado for recreational fishing. It extends from the dam of Barragem de Paradela to the confluence with the Ribeira de Cavadas. The length and endpoints define a specific area: this is a limited stretch of the river, not the entire Cávado. From Venda Nova, Paradela can be reached via the EN308-4. You can therefore consider the river setting and the route there as two separate aspects of your planning.

Route and landmarks

The Percurso de Paradela starts and ends at Porta do Parque. The start and finish are therefore in the same place—a useful reference point when fitting the walk into your day. Roca da Ponteira is a rocky landscape feature and one of Paradela’s tourist attractions. Bolideira is also among the tourist attractions. The Capela de Nossa Senhora de Fátima is a tourist attraction in Paradela do Rio.

Buildings and history

Barragem de Paradela is also a tourist attraction. Its dam was built from loose rock fill and has a concrete facing on the water side. This connects the landscape with a specifically described construction method: rock fill and a concrete water-side facing.

The Igreja de Paradela do Rio dates from the 18th century and was previously a chaplaincy of São João da Ponteira. In the 17th century, the parish developed into Paradela do Rio as a result of population growth. The parish’s development and the church thus represent different points in time. The Casa do Loureiro also contains the coats of arms of the Carvalhos—another specific detail of the local cultural heritage.

Paradela as a destination when looking for a holiday rental

When looking for a holiday rental in Paradela, it helps to first decide what you would like to focus on during your stay. The river and reservoir, the Percurso de Paradela or the historic sites offer different ways to explore the area. Consider whether you would prefer to plan your trip around the waterside landscape, a route or local history.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Negrões, Mourilhe, Pitões Das Junias, Antigo de Arcos, São Miguel De Vilar De Perdizes, Outeiro, Pincães, Sidros.

For the main travel overview: Montalegre.