Valenca do Minho Tourist Attractions

The Monte do Faro (566m/1,857ft; chapel) is about 7km/4.5mi southeast of the town, on the left bank of the Minho. From the top there are views far into the Minho valley, as well as eastward to the Peneda-Gerês National Park and westward to the Atlantic.

The old fortified frontier town of Monçao, situated on the left bank of the River Minho (Spanish Miño) opposite the Spanish town of Salvatierra de Miño, is now a spa, with hot springs used for the treatment of rheumatism, skin and bronchial ailments. The local delicacies are salmon trout and lampretes (lampreys).TownscapeThe centerpoint of the town, still surrounded by its 17th C. walls, is the flower bedecked Praça Deu la Deu. The square is named after the local hero, Deu la Deu Martins, who distinguished himself in 1368 in the battle against the Castilians and whose monument graces the square. Around the square and the adjoining Largo do Loreto there are many attractive balconied houses. The northern end of the Largo do Loreta has a broad view over the river landscape of the Rio Minho. Above the town are the ruins of a medieval castle.

15km/9.5mi along the Minho in a southwesterly direction from Valença do Minho lies Vila Nova de Cerveira, from where there is a ferry link to Spain. The pousada, in the castle built by Dinis I in 1321, offers stylish accommodation.