Vilar de Maçada: Archaeology, Hiking and Wine

Archaeology, hiking and wine offer three different starting points for planning a trip to Vilar de Maçada. When looking for a hotel, you can first decide what you would like to focus on during your stay: archaeological sites, the PR9 ALJ circular hiking route or a wine tasting arranged in advance.

Archaeological Sites

The Sepultura Rupestre de Sobredos, also known as Campa dos Mouros, is a rock-cut tomb at Sobredos in the parish of Vilar de Maçada, municipality of Alijó, Vila Real District. It lies on the outskirts of Vilar de Maçada, in the direction of Vila Verde. Just outside the village, an unpaved track leads from the EN583 towards Vila Verde and the tomb. As track conditions may change, check them before setting out.

Another archaeological landmark is the Castro do Alto da Murada. This fortified settlement is located on a granite hill at an elevation of 629 m. Together with the rock-cut tomb, it represents a different type of archaeological site: a fortified settlement rather than a rock-cut tomb.

PR9 ALJ: Circular Hike and Scenery

The PR9 ALJ circular hiking route starts in Vilar de Maçada and is about 10 km long. Check the route details locally before setting out; the distance is approximate. The route passes through a transitional landscape between the Douro wine region and the landscapes of the Serras de Falperra and Padrela. This change in scenery is a distinctive feature to consider when choosing your route: both landscape areas are part of the route.

The PR9 ALJ passes the Miradouro de Santa Bárbara, which offers a view over the Pinhão Valley. The route also comes close to Castelo de Santa Bárbara, an ancient fortified settlement. Castelo de Santa Bárbara is a separate archaeological landmark and should not be confused with Castro do Alto da Murada, which is located on a granite hill at an elevation of 629 m.

Wine at Quinta de Fiães

Quinta de Fiães is located at 5070-572 Vilar de Maçada, in the Alto Douro Vinhateiro and the Pinhão River Valley. It produces and bottles its Quinta de Fiães DOC white wine at its own winery. Regional wine tastings can be arranged at the quinta; check availability in advance if you would like to make a tasting a fixed part of your travel plans.

A Historic Festival Programme

The programme for the July 2019 Festa de Vilar de Maçada scheduled celebrations in honour of Senhor Jesus da Capelinha and Santa Bárbara from 11 to 16 July. A morning procession from the Igreja Matriz to the Santuário and back, with Senhor Jesus da Capelinha and Santa Bárbara, was scheduled for 10:00. These dates are part of a historic 2019 programme and are not current event dates.

Discover more destinations: Alijó, Favaios, Santa Eugénia, Cotas, Pópulo, Castedo, Vale De Mendiz, Pinhao

Back to the main travel overview: Alijó.