Discover Ribeira De Pena: River Landscapes, Trails and Culture

Ribeira de Pena lies in a transition zone between Minho and Trás-os-Montes and combines river landscapes, historical traces and regional culture. Its location in the Região Demarcada dos Vinhos Verdes also gives the area its own culinary and landscape character.

Hiking Trails and Water Landscapes

The Caminho do Abade begins in the centre of Ribeira De Pena and ends at the Igreja Matriz de Santo Aleixo de Além Tâmega. One section follows old paved paths to Friúme; the trail also passes the Ponte de Arame, which crosses the Rio Tâmega. This makes it possible to combine the focus on hiking directly with the historical and scenic aspects of the area.

Other trails offer different highlights. The Levada de Santo Aleixo is located in the parish of Santo Aleixo de Além Tâmega and leads down through the leisure and camping parks of Bragadas to the Rio Beça. The Vale do Póio trail follows the Rio Póio through a natural amphitheatre with meadows. The 60-metre-high Cai d'Alto waterfall is also located on this river, between Alvadia and Cabriz; it is one of the highest waterfalls in Portugal. The Rio Póio is also used for activities such as canyoning, while several rivers in Ribeira de Pena offer good conditions for fishing.

The Pena Aventura Park is also an option for a varied excursion into nature. It offers leisure activities and adventure sports in contact with nature. The main activity is the Fantasticable, where people glide from one mountain to another on a cable. The Ribeira de Pena Environmental Park is a protected area at Bucheiro, at the entrance to the Vila de Ribeira de Pena.

Archaeology, Crafts and Local History

The cultural side begins with very different kinds of evidence. The Castro da Cerva, also known as Monte do Castelo, is classified as an Imóvel de Interesse Público. The archaeological site of Lamelas contains rock carvings with lines, dotted grid patterns and concentric circles. In Friúme, the Casa de Camilo recalls a period of Camilo Castelo Branco's youth. A permanent exhibition there reconstructs the rooms of Camilo and Joaquina.

Linen weaving is particularly characteristic. It is closely associated with Cerva and Limões. The Museu do Linho is located in the historic centre of Limões, in the headquarters building of the local weaving group. Using looms, fibres and stories, it invites visitors to learn more about linen. The Casa do Minério – Museu do Volfrâmio is located in the building of the Casa do Povo de Cerva and is intended to convey the history and memory of local mining.

Festivals and buildings also form part of the regional identity. The Romaria de Nossa Senhora da Guia takes place on 15 August at the Fonte do Mouro hilltop. At the Feira do Linho, the four-day programme included demonstrations of the traditional linen cycle, exhibitions, craft presentations, the promotion of local products and cultural events. The medieval bridges of Alvite are classified as national monuments. In Favais, opposite the Santa Luzia chapel, stands the Pedra de Favais, a sculpture with three angels.

Choosing the Right Starting Point

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home, you can take the focus of your trip into account. The centre is a useful conceptual starting point for the Caminho do Abade and for finding your bearings at the Ribeira de Pena Tourist Office, which is located in the Museu Escola and provides information about local heritage, sights and available activities. Those who want to focus more on Cerva and the linen tradition can include accommodation in this part of town in their search.

For travel to the area, daily local bus services run from the bus stations in Vila Real or Guimarães directly to the centre of Ribeira de Pena and to the Vila de Cerva. From Porto, the route follows the A4 and then the A7 to the Ribeira de Pena exit. Once there, regional cuisine adds to the travel experience: typical dishes include roast kid, Maronesa veal, cabbage with beans, hearty and simple Milhos dishes, as well as trout from the Rio Beça. Casa da Terra promotes local products, gastronomy, crafts and the cultural identity of Ribeira de Pena.

More Destinations

More places in the same destination:

Valpaços, Sabrosa, Vales, Oura, Boticas.

To the overview of the higher-level destination: Vila Real.