Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Penafiel, Portugal

Among the hills, valleys, and rivers of Portugal’s Norte Region, Penafiel is a mid-sized town with a remarkable array of activities. This landscape invites exploration on foot or by bike, complemented by a rich historical and cultural context.

Visitors can stroll through the remnants of a pre-Roman city or traverse a Romanesque route that features churches predating Portugal’s establishment as a nation. The picturesque scenery captivates the eye, showcasing verdant shades from the lush banks of the Douro and Sousa Rivers to the scenic vineyards and pine forests adorning the hillsides.

Let us explore the noteworthy attractions in Penafiel:

1. Santuário do Sameiro

Rising to the east of the town center is a hill that has been transformed into a park crowned by a 19th-century sanctuary.

The church possesses a whimsical quality, with its large white dome reminiscent of the Sacré-Cœur in Paris.

The most impressive feature of this site is the park, which includes coniferous woodland along its slopes, leading visitors to delightful formal gardens at the staircase beneath the church.

From the upper platform, one can take in the views of Penafiel and its surrounding villages set against the backdrop of the towering softwood hills.

2. Castro de Monte Mozinho

In northern Portugal, “castros” are hilltop villages dating back to the Bronze or Iron Age.

Many of these sites were unearthed during excavations in the 20th century, revealing intricate systems of homes and defensive structures.

Several were also occupied into the Roman era, including Monte Mozinho, located over 400 meters above sea level.

Covering 22 hectares, this castro is distinguished by its diverse architectural styles, ranging from primitive circular designs to the more advanced rectangular houses typical of Roman construction.

The expansive area at the hill’s summit also served as a large plaza for markets, community events, and recreational activities.

3. Museu Municipal de Penafiel

The local museum is situated within a 17th-century mansion that features a contemporary annex and innovative interior design established in the 2000s.

This renovation was crafted by the renowned architect Fernando Távora, representing his final project prior to his passing.

The galleries showcase Penafiel’s historical significance, cultural identity, and archaeological findings.

Numerous artifacts uncovered at Monte Mozinho are displayed here, including statues of Galician warriors.

Visitors will gain insights into Penafiel’s natural history, along with the region’s traditional crafts, attire, and customs.

Explore the reconstructed homes from various historical periods and view the wooden vessels that once navigated the Sousa and Douro Rivers.

4. Mosteiro de Paço de Sousa

The history of this Benedictine monastery can be traced back to the 900s.

It was in decline during the Reconquista but saw revitalization in the 1200s.

The result of these periods is a fusion of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles.

The facade is striking, featuring a portal adorned with five archivolts and intricately sculpted capitals.

Above this portal, you will find an impressive rose window characterized by simple circular tracery.

Of particular significance is the interior, housing the tomb of Egas Moniz.

Moniz served as the mentor for Afonso Henriques, Portugal’s first king.

Reliefs on either side of the tomb illustrate Moniz’s journey to the court of Alfonso VII of León.

5. Quinta da Aveleda

A standout among wine estates, Quinta da Aveleda is worthwhile visiting even for those not particularly inclined toward vinho verde.

However, wine enthusiasts will find the experience even more enriching, culminating in a tasting opportunity.

The estate has been under the care of the Guedes family since the 1870s, with origins dating back to the 17th century.

The gardens, designed in the English style in the late 1800s, are dotted with whimsical follies, including a stone tower for the estate’s goats.

Other intriguing items include a window arch from the home of Henry the Navigator, who was born in the 14th century.

Regarding wine production, this estate is known for one of the most prominent exported vinho verde brands, Casal Garcia.

6. Preserved Villages

Penafiel is also recognized for its charming ancient villages that serve as living historical records.

Quintandona (Lagares) and Cabroelo (Capela) are two notable examples, both deserving of exploration.

Cabroelo, nestled in a haven of pine-covered hills, is constructed from granite and features picturesque wooden granaries, water mills, and windmills intact.

With a population of just 60, Quintandona is equally enchanting.

This village has a distinctly different aesthetic, characterized by buildings constructed from dark slate and shale.

Highlights include a 200-year-old chapel, a washhouse, additional wooden granaries, and various viewpoints that offer scenic upland views.

7. Museu da Broa

In the picturesque village of Cabroelo, visitors can delve into Penafiel’s bread-making heritage at six historical mills, all set in a serene location beside a waterfall.

These quaint granite structures have been restored to functionality, transporting guests back to an era when cornbread was essential for the village’s sustenance.

These mills would operate around the clock, and footbridges now connect each one over the Tranqueuira River.

As you explore, informative panels explain each phase of the process of transforming maize into cornbread, from sowing and threshing to grinding and baking.

8. Jardim do Calvário de Penafiel

This garden is also referred to as Jardim Egas Moniz, in honor of Afonso Henriques’ mentor.

A bust of Moniz is on site, featuring a rope around his neck, related to a legend depicting him walking to Toledo in Spain while carrying a boulder as a sign of loyalty to Alfonso VII of León.

With its refined atmosphere, the park served as a retreat for Penafiel’s upper classes around the turn of the 20th century.

The wrought-iron gazebo and century-old trees serve as reminders of this era.

Additionally, there are beds of camellias, palm trees, and an elegant avenue, while the central area before the town hall functions as a gathering spot for festivals, concerts, and fireworks displays.

9. Museu de Arte Sacra da Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Penafiel

Located directly across from the town hall is a museum of sacred art affiliated with a church.

Similar to many churches associated with Portugal’s Misericórdia brotherhood, this imposing 17th-century structure contains several annexes, which were transformed into museum galleries in 2004.

The museum experience begins in the sacristy and extends to the meeting hall, the sacristan’s residence, the church interior, and its high choir.

Throughout these spaces is an impressive collection of paintings, ceramics, sculptures, furniture, vestments, and liturgical items spanning from medieval times to the 20th century.

10. Magikland

Children up to the age of 10 will particularly enjoy this small theme park located on the outskirts of Penafiel.

The park features a splash ride, several rollercoasters, bumper cars, and carousels of varying sizes and speeds.

Magikland is organized into six distinct zones: Far West, Pirate’s Refuge, Medieval Village, World of Confusion, Africa, and the Souk.

Each area includes rides and playgrounds, along with hands-on activities.

For example, at the souk, children can learn how to create artisan soap, and on warm days, the park’s large swimming pool is a popular attraction.

11. Termas de São Vicente

Located in the parish of the same name, these springs produce some of the most mineral-rich waters in Europe.

They were first discovered by the Luso-Romans in the 4th century, and remnants of this ancient bathing complex can be found adjacent to the current spa.

The spring water is highly alkaline, enriched with sodium, sulfur compounds, and fluoride.

It is claimed that these properties make the waters particularly effective in treating musculoskeletal and respiratory issues.

For those with limited time, a brief soak in the thermal pool and access to the spa’s jacuzzi and whirlpools is available.

12. Romanesque Route

The Sousa Valley boasts a significant concentration of Romanesque churches and monasteries, which have recently been developed into a tourist trail.

This route runs directly through Penafiel, making it an ideal destination for those interested in medieval religious architecture, offering many days of exploration opportunities.

There are a total of 21 sites along the route, including six located in Penafiel. Following the Paço de Sousa monastery, another essential site is Igreja de São Gens in Boelhe.

This church, designated as a National Monument from the 12th century, is renowned for its Romanesque baptismal font and the sculpted figures on the capitals and corbels of its facade.

13. Outdoor Recreation

Penafiel’s landscapes are extremely picturesque, particularly in the southern region where the River Tâmega converges with the Douro at Entre-os-Rios.

Between the lush green banks, a new marina accommodates Douro cruise boats.

In this region of steep valleys and woodlands, it is unsurprising that mountain biking is quite popular in Penafiel, with numerous trails and five clubs available for those seeking guidance.

Additionally, there are opportunities for horseback riding lessons at two equestrian centers: Casa de Gatão Morada and Centro Hípico de Penafiel, or you may venture out on foot via a network of marked paths.

14. Endoenças de Entre-os-Rios

Penafiel hosts a vibrant calendar of religious and secular events.

If selecting just one to highlight, the candlelit procession in Entre-os-Rios every Easter is unmatched in its ambiance.

On Holy Thursday, approximately 50,000 candles illuminate the banks of the Tâmega and Douro Rivers during a solemn ceremony that has persisted for over 300 years.

These flickering lights can be seen nearly everywhere, even reflecting off the boats on the river.

15. Local Food and Drink

Penafiel’s landscape is dotted with vineyards cultivating grapes for vinho verde.

This type of wine is named not for its color but for its age.

Vinho verde is harvested early and undergoes minimal aging.

This process contributes to its characteristic acidic taste, and even the red varieties are best served chilled.

The rivers in Penafiel provide an abundant supply of lamprey, a delicacy prepared with rice, while the hills are home to hearty stews, roasted lamb, and kid goat during the damp winter months.

For dessert, sopa seca (dry soup) is the quintessential dish, resembling a bread pudding infused with cinnamon, lemon zest, and a measure of port wine.