Valongo: Mountains, Mining History and Baking Traditions

Trails through the Serra de Santa Justa, the Serra de Pias and the Serra de Quintarei feature in many of Valongo’s outdoor activities. The Centro de Trail Running de Valongo offers 90 kilometres of trails through these three mountain ranges; the Centro de BTT lists 153 kilometres of mountain biking routes through the same areas. The trail-running routes have reflective signage, making it possible to run them at night. If you prefer a shorter hiking trail with a stated distance, the Trilho de Pias is a linear route: a 2022 route description gives its length as 3 kilometres and estimates that it takes about one hour and 30 minutes. These details may be updated by the responsible authority.

Trails, views and outdoor activities

The BTT routes described vary in difficulty and course. The green route is intended for beginners and follows the right bank of the Rio Ferreira through Couce towards the Parque Paleozóico area. The red BTT Route 3 is for experienced cyclists: it leads to the geodetic survey point at 369 metres on the Serra de Santa Justa, then descends past the Santa Justa Chapel. This makes it possible to compare the two descriptions by their intended experience level and stated destination.

The Circuito de Contemplação runs through the Serras de Valongo, which are part of the Parque das Serras do Porto. Along the way, there are views of the Vale de Couce, the Rio Ferreira and historic mills. From elevations of 350 to 400 metres, the view also extends to Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia, Maia and Matosinhos. Those who want to combine historic and natural features along the way can also explore the Escadaria Cuca Macuca: this two-kilometre trail passes archaeological structures, mining cavities, native flora and fauna, and the chapels of Santa Justa and S. Sabino. Viewpoints offer views over Valongo and the coast.

Other trail sections offer different highlights. One described section runs from the Cuco mills on the Rio Ferreira through Couce and along the river on the Caminho dos Pescadores to the Fragas do Castelo. From the Parque da Cidade de Valongo, you can walk two sections of the Grande Rota towards Covelo (Gondomar) or Senhora do Salto (Paredes). The introductory ride at the Valongo Equestrian Centre is 2.7 kilometres long and takes about 50 minutes. Its route heads towards Couce, follows the Rio Ferreira upstream and then returns to the equestrian centre.

There are also two climbing sectors with distinct descriptions. Fraga do Castelo has 13 routes and is generally easy to access, although some routes require abseiling. The sector is located by a former Roman mine and offers views of the rapids on the Rio Ferreira. Fraga do Teto has 15 routes. Access starts at the bridge over the Rio Simão in Azenha and involves a steep climb. The quartzite outcrop on the Serra de Santa Justa offers panoramic views of the Vale de Couce.

Baking traditions, toys and local culture

In central Valongo, the Oficina da Regueifa e do Biscoito preserves and displays objects and memories relating to the municipality’s historic baking traditions. Guided visits include an interactive exhibition and the chance to make and taste a biscuit yourself. The exhibition “Do Grão Ao Pão” covers agriculture, milling, the former bakery and the bread route. The Rota do Pão follows the historic, approximately 13-kilometre route along which women carried bread from Valongo to Porto. Together, the exhibition and route offer different insights into the history of baking and bread transport.

Traditional Portuguese toys are the focus of the Oficina do Brinquedo, whose visitor programme is for families and people of all ages. Interactive experiences include video mapping, a water-vapour screen and a HoloBox. Another way to learn about local history is through the Festa da Bugiada e Mouriscada, held on 24 June in Sobrado as part of the Festa de S. João de Sobrado.

Mining history and architecture

The Fojo das Pombas forms part of a mining complex of shafts and open-cast workings dating from the 1st to the 3rd century and associated with Roman gold mining. Guided visits to the Serras de Valongo are available on request. A visit usually begins with an introduction at the Centro de Interpretação Ambiental and continues to the Fojo das Pombas or a signposted trail. The Centro de Interpretação Ambiental e da Mineração Romana is an immersive visitor centre presenting the natural, geological, archaeological and mining heritage of the Serra de Santa Justa and the Serra de Pias.

Buildings also tell stories of different eras. Construction of the neoclassical Igreja Matriz de Valongo began in 1794 and was completed in 1836. The Capela da Sra. da Hora dates from the 17th century, was restored in the 19th century and is dedicated to Senhora da Hora. The Antiga Chaminé de Ardósia is one of the last surviving auxiliary buildings of the Galinheiro mining complex, where intensive industrial slate extraction began in 1865.

Getting around Valongo municipality

Rail services in Valongo municipality include the Valongo and Ermesinde stations, as well as the Palmilheira, Travagem, Cabeda, Suzão and S. Martinho stops. From the coast, the municipality can be reached via the A3, A4 or A41; from inland, via the A4, A41 or A42. The described journey from Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport or the Port of Leixões involves taking the metro to Porto and then continuing by public transport.

Discover more destinations: Valongo, Ermesinde.

Return to the main travel overview: Porto.