The charming village of Cinfães occupies the left bank of the stunning River Douro, with the majestic Serra de Montemuro hills as a breathtaking backdrop. Cinfães is a concealed treasure rich in history and natural beauty, offering a delightful escape in the heart of Northern Portugal.
This picturesque village holds a special place in Portuguese history as the childhood home of the nation’s first king, Dom Afonso Henriques. Raised by his tutor, Dom Egas Moniz, the lord of Cinfães in the 12th century, this region is steeped in historical significance.
The fertile lands of Cinfães are a testament to its agricultural heritage, with sheep, goats, and cattle farming being the lifeblood of the local economy. The area's natural beauty extends to the tranquil beaches near the Carrapatelo dam, where the calm waters invite visitors to enjoy water sports, swimming, and sunbathing.
For amateur Indiana Jones's, Cinfães is a treasure trove of archaeological sites dating back to the megalithic era, offering a fascinating glimpse into ancient times. Whether you're here for the scenic landscapes, historical richness, or outdoor activities, Cinfães promises a memorable and enriching experience.
This walk allows us to visit two small but beautiful villages in the Douro. Our route will be towards Pinhão, through traditional paths that allow us to enjoy the valley. It is an accessible route, with a descending direction, with a total of seven km and that gives us an image of what the Douro is - an enchanted valley with its vineyards, olive groves and fruit trees and, at the same time, a region of hard and difficult work due to its slopes. At the end of the walk, we can have a picnic with homemade and local products - homemade bread, cheeses, smoked meats, olive oil, sweets, almonds… Douro table wine and Port wine are also included. Extra option to take a boat trip on the Douro river after the picnic.
(17) | 5 Hr | ✔ Free Cancellation
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Set sail on a unique river cruise in the heart of the oldest demarcated wine region in the world and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Start your adventure in Pinhão, passing under the Eiffel iron bridge towards the area of Tua, where you will turn around to return to your starting point. Along the way, contemplate the hills from terraced vineyards to the river, without going through national highways and without encountering any traffic in sight. Although you travel the same route on the way back and forth, the impression will be that you have gone through two different paths, since the views provided and the landmarks seen are completely different. The traditional Rabelo boats have open and closed areas so that navigation will be totally comfortable in all types of weather, all year round.
(97) | 5 Hr | ✔ Free Cancellation
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Spend half a day exploring Portugal’s famed Douro Valley on a private walking tour. After meeting your guide at Pinhão train station, enjoy experiences that include a tasting/tour at an olive oil museum, strolling through vineyards, stopping at Croft’s Quinta da Roeda for a Port tasting and tour, and enjoying a delicious picnic lunch at Quinta do Bomfim. Take a guided walking tour through Portugal’s Douro Valley wine region Get an insider’s view on the valley’s wine culture from an informative guide Enjoy wine tastings and a picnic lunch—they’re included in the tour price Get outside and take a walk through the region’s spectacular scenery.
(4) | 5 Hr | ✔ Free Cancellation
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| Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Natividade de Escamarão
Strategically placed on the confluence of the rivers Douro and Paiva it was integrated into the Monastery of Alpendorada's influence. The village of Escamarão had always been an attractive walk-through zone within the sight of the monastery itself and an important point of pilgrimage. Thought to have been built in the 12th century although inscriptions found inside the main portal ascribe it to being from the 14th century. The church, Romanesque in nature, consists of a single nave and rectangular chancel, both defined by massive walls. The interior is lit mainly by narrow crevices opened on both elevations of the nave and chancel with a small rose window that tops the triumphal arch and a Gothic window that cuts the chancel's back wall.
Rua de S. Miguel, Souselo, Cinfães, Viseu, Portugal.
41° 03' 57.6" N | 08° 15' 25.4" W | +351 255 810 706 / 918 116 488
rotadoromanico@valsousa.pt | Website
Birthplace of the famed explorer Alexandre Alberto da Rocha de Serpa Pinto (aka Serpa Pinto; April 20, 1846 – December 28, 1900). The museum exhibits artefacts and memorabilia from his life and from his expeditions to Africa. The museum also has collections of artefacts found from local archaeological digs, notably from the Castro and Roman periods. The gift shop has a good selection of local arts and crafts. The museum first opened in April 2000 and is located in one of the oldest parts of town.
34 Rua Dr. Flávio Resende, Cinfães, Viseu, Portugal.
41° 04' 18.6" N | 08° 05' 25.3" W | +351 255 560 571
turismo@cm-cinfaes.pt | Website
| Serpa Pinto Museum
Restaurante Encosta do MoínhoLocated in the small village of Gralheira 1,152 metres up the Montemuro mountain the restaurant Encosta do Moinho is somewhat of a local hero. Renown and loved for its local cuisine of top quality utilising regional products. Its specialities include Gralheira roasted kid and regional sausages. The restaurant's wood stove cooks great grilled chicken as well as a range of pizzas. |
Restaurante Solar do MontemuroLocated 5km from the centre on Cinfães on the slope of the Serra do Montemuro, this great traditional Portuguese restaurant serving reasonably priced local fare with cordial smiles. Meat is the mainstay of the menu and is double-carbed with rice and chips, a typical thing in Portugal. One can always order a side plate of vegetables or salad to counterbalance the double carb situation. The food here is constantly of good quality and if you're lucky enough to be given a window seat in the right room you'll also be treated to the amazing vistas overlooking the valley below.
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Restaurante Recanto dos CarvalhosGreat traditional locally sourced and rustic Portuguese food excellently prepared by talented chefs and served by friendly staff. The atmosphere is very homely with no pretension. Good honest food for a fair price.
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9.4/10 Exceptional (23 verified customer reviews)
Lavandeira Douro Nature & Wellness in Cinfães, Portugal, is a luxury countryside retreat set in the heart of the Douro Valley. Surrounded by vineyards and lush gardens, this boutique hotel offers elegant rooms and villas with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and scenic views. Guests enjoy a wellness-focused experience with a seasonal outdoor pool, spa services, and walking trails through nature.
The on-site restaurant serves fresh, locally sourced cuisine and regional wines. Lavandeira Douro is ideal for romantic getaways or peaceful escapes, offering activities such as wine tastings, hiking, and river tours. Just an hour from Porto, it provides easy access to the best of northern Portugal’s wine country. Discover tranquillity and charm at this top-rated Douro Valley accommodation.
Rua da Lavandeira, 56, Baiao, 4640-024, Portugal. | 41° 06' 28.9" N | 08° 03' 49.1" W
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9.6/10 Exceptional (23 verified customer reviews)
Serrado de Bouças in Cinfães, Portugal, is a charming rural retreat in the stunning Douro Valley. This eco-friendly accommodation offers beautifully restored stone cottages and modern amenities, including air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and fully equipped kitchens. Surrounded by vineyards and forested hills, it’s the ideal base for nature lovers, with hiking trails, birdwatching, and river activities nearby.
Guests can relax in the garden, take a dip in the seasonal outdoor pool, or enjoy a picnic with panoramic views. Located close to the Douro River and just over an hour from Porto, Serrado de Bouças offers peace, privacy, and authentic Portuguese countryside charm. It’s perfect for couples or families looking for a relaxing, off-the-beaten-path escape in northern Portugal.
Rua de Bouças 93, Abragao, Penafiel, Porto, 4560-027, Portugal. | 41° 09' 38.8" N | 08° 14' 12.2" W
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9.2/10 Wonderful (119 verified customer reviews)
Nestled along the Douro River, Hotel Porto Antigo. is housed in a historic building. It features an outdoor swimming pool, in-house massage palour and a restaurant serving European cuisine. The air-conditioned rooms at Douro Hotel Porto Antigo. have modern amenities, including a minibar and satellite TV. Most rooms have panoramic views of the Douro River. Some rooms have a private balcony. Guests with boats can dock right in front of the Porto Antigo and enjoy a free glass of port on the terrace. The hotel also offers various trips and activities such as boat cruises, kayaking, and canyoning. Restaurant Serpa Pinto serves traditional Portuguese dishes. Mosteirô Railway Station is 1.5km from Hotel Porto Antigo and Porto Airport is just a 60-minute drive away. Free parking is available on site.
675 Rua do Cais, 4690 - 423 Cinfães, Portugal. | 41° 05' 23.4" N | 08° 04' 46.8" W
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| Parque megalítico de São Pedro
Parque Megalítico de São Pedro archaeological site is straddled at 1,125 metres on Mountemuro Mountain in the district of Tendais. This fascinating location invites you to step back in time and explore ancient history. The park features a collection of dolmens, dating from the Neolithic period (around the mid-5th millennium BC) to the Chalcolithic era (3rd millennium BC). These prehistoric structures are believed to have served a funerary purpose.
At the heart of the park, you'll find the mamoa, an artificial mound composed of earth and stones, and the dolmen, a stone structure topped with a large cover slab. Although only three original granitic columns remain, they offer a glimpse into the past, with two adorned with intriguing engravings and one still exhibiting remnants of ancient painting. Visitors can marvel at these ancient monuments while enjoying the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Parque Megalítico de São Pedro is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and anyone intrigued by prehistoric cultures. Discover this hidden wonder and connect with the timeless allure of Portugal’s ancient heritage.
São Pedro do Campo, Cinfães, Viseu, Portugal. | 41° 00′ 28.4″ N | 08° 05′ 00.4″ W
Situated on the bank of the River Douro this new Spa Resort has all the known thermal waters sought by its therapeutic value (musculoskeletal problems, skin and respiratory tract). The waters of the area have been sought after since the 12th Century. Now its possible to make use of the waters in modern facilities found here in a complex that promotes well-being and good health. Recommended treatments: Diseases of the respiratory system, Rheumatism, Musculoskeletal diseases and skin diseases. Water type - Sulphurous, Bicarbonate, Sodium Bathing Season - All-year pH level: 9.2 Water temperature: 62.
Disabled access.
Monday - Saturday: 08h00 – 14h00/15h00 - 21h00, Sunday: 08h00 - 12h00
Caldas de Aregos, 4660-013 Resende, Portugal.
41° 06' 08.4" N | 08° 00' 39.5" W | +351 254 875 259
geral@termas-caldasdearegos.com | Website
| Termas Caldas de Aregos
Cinfaes is 50.9 miles (81.9km) North Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport PORTO. 
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70 minutes from Porto along the A4 and N222. 57.3 miles (92.3km) south of Braga along the A11.
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The closest train station is 5.5 miles (9km) away across the river in Mosteirô. Use the Regional (Comboios Regionais) Linha do Douro service: Train Timetable | Comboios de Portugal Website |
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• Rede Expressos: Website Buses from various destinations including Coimbra, Lisbon and Viseu.
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