Valpaços: River Spots, Wine and Heritage

Riverside spots and their distinctive features

Praia Fluvial do Rabaçal lies on the right bank of the Rabaçal River, in the parish of Possacos, in the municipality of Valpaços, Vila Real district. Wooden walkways provide full access to the river at the Praia Fluvial. Facilities include a bar, a well-equipped picnic area, a children’s playground, a recreation area, showers, changing rooms and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Parque de Campismo do Rabaçal is right next door. This riverside spot therefore combines access to the riverbank with a wide range of facilities.

Praia Fluvial de Rio Torto lies in the parish of Rio Torto, a few kilometres from the town of Valpaços. Boat or kayak trips are available, and the Praia has good access. The two spots offer different highlights: at Rabaçal, wooden walkways and various facilities define the setting, while at Rio Torto, trips on the water and good access are key points to note.

Praia Fluvial de Sonim is a recreational area where you can see an old watermill. The Fragas-Gralheiras in Sonim are known for their impressive scenery.

Routes and outdoor experiences

The section of the Vias Augustas XVII in the Valpaços area is 19 km long and passes through the parish of Valpaços, including the village of Lagoas. The route is certified to the standards of the Federação de Campismo e Montanhismo de Portugal and is signposted along its entire length. A mountain biking loop in the Valpaços, Valverde and Possacos area is 25 km long and rated difficult. The route details highlight different features: the Vias Augustas route focuses on its course and signage, while the mountain biking trail has a longer distance and an explicit difficulty rating.

The Centro Interpretativo da Ecovia do Rabaçal is the meeting point for three walking trails that form part of the Rabaçal River long-distance route. The Passadiços da Ribeira da Fraga are among the experiences you should not miss in the municipality of Valpaços. A route is suggested for visiting some of the wine presses carved into the rock, the Lagares Cavados na Rocha. These offer different ways to explore the area: three walking trails meeting at one point, the Passadiços and a suggested route to selected wine presses.

Churches and historical traces

The parish church of Sonim, dedicated to Saint Mary, already existed in the 12th century and originally belonged to the royal patronage. Igreja Matriz de Santa Valha is a building protected as an IIP – Imóvel de Interesse Público; its construction was commissioned around 1657 by Abbot Nuno Álvares. Igreja Matriz de São Vicente is also protected as an Imóvel de Interesse Público. It was probably built in the 17th century and stands on the remains of a possibly medieval predecessor. In Carrazedo de Montenegro, Igreja de São Nicolau is protected; it was rebuilt at the end of the reign of D. João V. The churches’ histories therefore differ in their time periods and in what is known about their construction, predecessor buildings or reconstruction.

Another historical trace is Castro da Lama de Ouriço. Access is via an unpaved road from Lama de Ouriço on the Sá–Alvarelhos municipal road, from kilometre 19 of the EN 213.

Wine and olive culture

Winegrowing and wine culture have historical significance in Valpaços. Local institutions and associations include the Comissão Vitivinícola Regional de Trás-os-Montes, Adega Cooperativa de Valpaços, TRASVINIS, Confraria dos Vinhos Transmontanos and Casa do Vinho. Casa do Vinho de Valpaços is an interactive museum about the history, characteristics and distinctive features of winegrowing and wines in the Trás-os-Montes region. The focus is therefore not only on wine as a product, but also on its cultural and historical context.

Olive oil is also part of the local identity: oil produced in Valpaços has been certified as Azeite de Trás-os-Montes DOP since 1996. Olive cultivation in the municipality of Valpaços dates back to the first half of the 16th century. Wine and olive oil thus offer two distinct ways to explore the region’s culture and history.

Discover more destinations: Santa Maria De Emeres, Friões, Fornos do Pinhal, Vales, Vilaranda Boa, Vila Real, Montalegre, Oura.

Back to the parent travel overview: Vila Real.