Valpaços: Wine, Hiking Trails and Regional Culture

Valpaços combines selected hiking experiences with wine and local culture, as well as regionally influenced cuisine. Those looking for a holiday apartment in Valpaços can plan their trip according to their own interests: the 19-kilometre Vias Augustas XVII hiking trail, Casa do Vinho, the Lagares Cavados na Rocha rock wine presses and the trails along the Rabaçal offer different focal points for planning each day.

Hiking on Vias Augustas XVII

The Vias Augustas XVII hiking trail runs along a 19-kilometre section through the municipality of Valpaços. It passes through the parishes of Friões with Mosteiró de Cima and Barracão, Ervões with Sá, Vilarandelo with Vilarandelo, Valpaços with Lagoas, and Possacos with Possacos. The route is officially approved according to the standards of the Federação de Campismo e Montanhismo de Portugal and is signposted along the entire section. Take the 19-kilometre route length into account when planning your day.

Wine, History and Special Places

Casa do Vinho de Valpaços is an interactive museum equipped with modern multi-touch devices. It presents the history, characteristics and distinctive features of the region’s grape varieties and wines. The archaeological and landscape heritage is also addressed. From 1 January to 22 April 2024, the combined facility comprising Casa do Vinho and Loja Interativa de Turismo recorded a total of 1,200 visitors. The Valpaços Tourism Shop is located in Casa do Vinho and sells regional products.

Casa do Arco provides a cultural and historical addition: its oldest structural elements date from the 15th century. There is also a suggested route in Valpaços for visiting selected Lagares Cavados na Rocha, that is, wine presses carved into the rock. Igreja Matriz de Valpaços, also known as Igreja de Santa Maria Maior, is a neoclassical church from the 19th century. The interior includes, among other features, a high choir, a pulpit on the Gospel side, two side altarpieces, two side chapels with altarpieces and a main altarpiece. The altarpieces are neoclassical and made of polychrome carved wood.

Regional Cuisine and Tradition

Valpaços’s gastronomic offering includes Folar de Valpaços PGI, which is highlighted as a special emblem of the region. A characteristic feature is the preparation of the bread dough using two fermentation stages specific to the municipality of Valpaços. Traditionally, Folar was made at Easter; on Easter Sunday, the clergy collected it from families as part of the Compasso, the Easter visitation. In this way, the regional cuisine can also be connected with a look at traditional customs.

Rabaçal, River Access and Further Trails

Within the municipality, Praia Fluvial do Rabaçal provides highly accessible access to the river via wooden walkways. Centro Interpretativo da Ecovia do Rabaçal is the meeting point for three hiking trails that form part of the major Rio Rabaçal route. This allows you to choose between a longer route, a visit to the river and cultural stops in Valpaços when planning your trip.

The Loja Interativa de Turismo in Valpaços is located at Avenida Eng. Luís de Castro Saraiva, 5430-472 Valpaços. If you would like to expand your research beyond Valpaços, you can find these other places here: Cabril, Santo Estêvão, Chaves, Fiães Do Rio, Sabrosa, Manta Rota, Sedielos, Friães.

When choosing your accommodation, you can consider whether hiking, wine, regional cuisine, local history or the Rabaçal should be the focus of your trip.

For the overarching travel overview: Vila Real.