A dissemination blog about travel and gastronomy

Discovering Arcos de Valdevez: A Hidden Treasure in Viana do Castelo, Portugal

Arcos de Valdevez is a charming locality located in the district of Viana do Castelo in northern Portugal. This picturesque place, nestled in the heart of Peneda-Gerês National Park, is famous for its rich history, impressive architecture, and stunning natural beauty.

History and Culture

Arcos de Valdevez has a long history dating back to Roman times. The site is renowned for the Battle of Valdevez, which took place in the 12th century and is considered one of the most important events in the formation of Portugal as a nation.

The city is filled with historical and architectural landmarks, such as Lapa Church, Our Lady of Conception Chapel, and Arcos de Valdevez Bridge, an impressive medieval bridge over the Vez River.

Nature and Landscapes

Its location within Peneda-Gerês National Park offers visitors the chance to enjoy breathtaking natural landscapes. The park is Portugal's only national park and a place of great beauty, featuring mountains, rivers, waterfalls, and a wide variety of flora and fauna.

Visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, fishing, and bird watching. There are also several hiking trails that offer stunning views of the region.

Cuisine

The cuisine is another attraction of Arcos de Valdevez. The region is famous for its green wines and delicious traditional dishes, such as bacalao a la minhota, roasted kid, and potatoes with sarrabulho sauce.

Festivals and Events

Arcos de Valdevez is also known for its festivals and events. One of the most notable is the São Bento Fair, held in July and attracting visitors from all over the country. The fair offers a variety of activities, including live music, folk dances, livestock competitions, and numerous food and drink stalls.

In summary, Arcos de Valdevez is a tourist destination that offers a unique blend of history, culture, natural beauty, and cuisine. Whether you're interested in history, nature, food, or simply enjoying a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, Arcos de Valdevez has something to offer everyone.

Gastronomic products of Arcos de Valdevez

• Vinho Verde

  Arcos de Valdevez is one of the regions that produce the famous Vinho Verde, a light and fresh Portuguese wine with a slight effervescence. This wine is perfect to accompany fish and seafood dishes from the region.

• Chouriço Caseiro

  The Chouriço Caseiro is a traditional sausage from Arcos de Valdevez. It is made with pork, spices are added, and it is then cured. This sausage can be eaten on its own, in a sandwich, or as an ingredient in various dishes.

• Traditional desserts

  Arcos de Valdevez is famous for its traditional desserts, such as cavacas (egg and sugar sweets), charutos dos Arcos (pastry rolls filled with egg cream), and rosquilhas (anise-flavored doughnuts). These sweets are the perfect ending to any meal.

• Cachena Beef

  The Cachena Beef is a native cattle breed from the Arcos de Valdevez region. This meat is highly appreciated for its flavor and tenderness, and it is used in various traditional dishes, such as Portuguese-style stew or meat rice.

Places near Arcos de Valdevez

If you're in Arcos de Valdevez and want to explore more, here are some cities and towns nearby that offer unique tourist and culinary experiences:

Ponte de Lima, in Portugal, is a historic gem with medieval charm, famous for its ancient Roman bridge. It's a culinary highlight known for its green wine and traditional dishes like rice of sarrabulho.

Soajo, in Portugal, is an enchanting tourist destination known for its ancient stone granaries, beautiful natural landscapes, and rich cuisine, with traditional dishes like lamb in the Minho style and homemade corn bread.