Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Mirandela, Portugal

Situated in the Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro Province, Mirandela is a university town located in Portugal’s far northeastern region.

The Tua River flows through Mirandela, featuring a 200-metre bridge established in the 1500s, which serves as a prominent monument of the town.

The historic area is positioned on an incline and features palatial structures, a notable art museum, well-preserved historical remnants, and a Mannerist church to captivate visitors.

The surrounding wooded slopes of Mirandela offer exceptional viewpoints ideal for picnics or simply relishing the landscape. During summer, the Tua River attracts numerous bathers.

Culinary offerings in Mirandela are renowned for their olives and the alheira smoked sausages. Additionally, a museum in the town is dedicated to the age-old tradition of olive oil production.

Let us delve into the best activities in Mirandela:

1. Ponte Sobre o Rio Tua

Constructed in the 1500s, Mirandela’s oldest bridge has undergone restoration and stands as one of two National Monuments within the city.

New granite flagstones have been laid on this pedestrian crossing, replacing the outdated concrete and reverting to the materials employed prior to the 20th century.

Whether you traverse the bridge towards the old town on the left bank or admire its impressive 19 arches from the riverbanks, it remains a striking monument.

Iron gaslights flank each side of the path, allowing for a leisurely pace to appreciate views over the Tua and the collection of ancient churches and palaces along the left bank.

2. Museu Municipal Armindo Teixeira Lopes

The 20th-century painter Armindo Teixeira Lopes, born in Mirandela, had his works bequeathed to the town by his sons after his passing in 1976.

By 1981, sufficient pieces were available to establish a museum honoring the artist within the cultural centre, which subsequently acquired works from a variety of other Portuguese 20th-century and contemporary artists.

Notable names include Graça Morais, Nadir Afonso, Júlio Pomar, and João Hogan, among others.

The museum houses approximately 500 works of painting, photography, sculpture, drawing, and engraving from the 1800s to the 21st century.

3. Zona Antiga de Mirandela

In the narrow labyrinth of alleys meandering up the hill in the old town, numerous interesting elements await discovery.

This quarter was predominantly located within the walls of Mirandela’s castle, constructed by Denis of Portugal in the 13th century.

As the town distanced itself from the Spanish border post the victory over Spain at Aljubarrota in 1385, Mirandela no longer required a castle, leading to its demolition and quarrying.

A surviving remnant is the stone arch of the Porta de Santo António.

Additionally, an elegant residence, the Solar dos Condes de Vinhais, dating back to the 16th century, features the coat of arms of the Vinhais family on its gable.

4. Paço dos Távora

Standing prominently before a belvedere, the most distinguished edifice in the old quarter is the town hall.

This structure, known as the Paço dos Távora, served as the palatial Baroque residence of the Távora family, who were favored by the Portuguese monarchs.

However, this prominence was lost when the family was accused of conspiring to assassinate the king in the 18th century.

The family’s residence has existed since the 13th century, yet the current palace, adorned with scrolls, rounded pediments, and pinnacles, emerged around the early 1800s.

The palace offers an unrivaled vista of the valley and has functioned as the town hall since the early 20th century.

5. Igreja da Misericórdia de Mirandela

The initial church to visit in Mirandela is this 17th-century Mannerist temple, which underwent restoration in 2016. The Távora family influenced much of the interior decoration as they were part of the Misericórdia brotherhood.

The lavish gilt-wood central altar was commissioned by António Luís de Távora in the early 18th century, while one of the side retables was relocated from the Távora family chapel following their disgrace.

Separating the chancel from the nave is the “triumphal arch,” crafted with granite etched with leaf motifs and painted to simulate marble.

6. Museu da Oliveira e do Azeite

Having explored the countryside around Mirandela, it is evident that olives and olive oil continue to be vital to the region’s economy.

This museum examines the cultural and historical significance of olives and olive oil in northeastern Portugal.

After several years of development, hindered by economic downturns, the museum officially opened in 2014 on the grounds of an old industrial mill, incorporating sections of the existing structure into the new design.

An ancient millstone sits within the central pavilion, and video displays depict the biology and natural history of this ancient plant.

Another room focuses on the human history of olive cultivation, while the top floor highlights the many uses of olive oil.

7. Parque do Império

Adjacent to the old bridge over the Tua is a riverfront park featuring a lengthy avenue adorned with calçada Portuguesa mosaic tiles.

Flanking the water are palm trees, while hardwood trees provide shaded benches, creating a serene spot for relaxation.

Stroll over to the illuminated fountain; at the southern end, an expansive amphitheatre hosts concerts and various events.

If visiting in early March, do not miss the Festa da Alheira, celebrating the region’s signature alheira cured sausage.

8. Comboio Turístico de Mirandela

During the summer months, a tourist train (Comboio Turístico) transports visitors past the key attractions along either side of the river.

This mode of transportation is a pleasant way to escape the summer heat, as Mirandela was one of the earliest towns in the country to introduce a tourist train, which is now in its third decade of operation.

The train operates as a private entity, with the blessing of the tourist board.

The route is adjustable based on visitor interest; however, it usually commences at Rua da República, crosses the river at Ponte da Europa, and culminates at the old bridge.

9. Scenic Lookouts

Mirandela is enveloped by a series of elevated hills, offering a variety of viewpoints for expansive vistas of the town and its picturesque surroundings.

The Miradouro de Mirandela, situated on the N15 a few kilometers west of the center, provides a captivating panorama of the town and the schist peaks behind.

Traveling southwest on the A4, the mountains intensify, leading you to the Serra de Santa Comba.

At over 5460 meters, the Miradouro de Franco is positioned above undulating olive groves.

Southward from Mirandela lies the more rugged profile of the Serra de Faro.

Park just east of the village of Barcel to observe the serrated mountain edge and the River Tua winding its way down toward the Douro.

10. Igreja de São Tomé de Abambres

Not far from the center of Mirandela, in the village of Abambres, is this intriguing 13th-century Romanesque church.

The structure showcases the austere architecture typical of the period, comprised of a single nave, chancel, and a side vestry.

The flat and undecorated walls contain very few openings, with the main entrance being the sole door.

Interior embellishments were added in subsequent centuries, with magnificent trompe-l’œil frescoes around the triumphal arch dating back to 1584, which make the visit worthwhile.

11. Parque Natural Regional do Vale do Tua

Located in the southwest of Mirandela’s municipal region is a recently established natural park, inaugurated in 2013, dedicated to preserving the wildlife and scenery of the Tua Valley.

Significant investments have been made over recent years to enhance this 25,000-hectare area, focusing on fire prevention and marking designated walking trails.

The park’s canyons present some of the most striking landscapes, where the river has carved through quartzite rock, forming steep rocky cliffs.

The park’s flora includes boxwood, maples, and cork oaks, and it is advisable to bring binoculars as more than 120 bird species have been recorded in the area.

12. Ponte de Pedra Sobre o Rio Tuela

Complementing the historic bridge in Mirandela, another National Monument within the wider municipality is also a bridge.

This structure is considerably older, measuring 100 meters and spanning the Tuela River near the village of Torre de Dona Chama.

Its six arches date back to the Roman period, although it has likely been reconstructed multiple times throughout its history.

It is known that this crossing is situated on the Via XVII Augusta Roman road, which formerly connected the ancient settlements of Braga and Astorga.

13. Festas da Cidade e de Nossa Senhora do Amparo

During mid-summer, Mirandela hosts its annual town festivities, commencing on St. James’ Day, July 25, and concluding on the first Sunday of August.

This celebration began in the late 18th century, featuring a blend of religious observances and celebratory activities.

The procession honoring Nossa Senhora do Amparo, a Marian shrine, remains an evocative highlight.

Additional attractions include nightly concerts featuring popular artists, fireworks displays, markets, and the lively Noite dos Bombos, where numerous drum bands parade through the streets.

14. River Beaches

While lacking proximity to either the sea or ocean, visitors can still enjoy a beach experience.

Six river beaches located nearby provide opportunities for swimming or simply relaxing in the shade.

One of the closest is Praia Fluvial do Parque Dr. José Gama, situated on the right bank of the Tua, just south of central Mirandela.

This beach features a sandy area supervised by a lifeguard during the summer months and a swimming section marked by buoys.

In a more natural setting, the Praia Fluvial da Maravilha is positioned near where the Tuela and Rabaçal Rivers converge with the Tua.

This location includes a campsite and a restaurant, allowing guests to sunbathe atop the dyke, which encloses a bathing pool.

15. Food and Drink – Olive Route

As noted, two culinary hallmarks include alheira sausages and olives.

The former have a notable history as they are prepared with beef and poultry rather than pork.

This adaptation arose to cater to Jewish individuals who converted to Christianity yet refrained from consuming pork.

Alheira can be served cold, fried, grilled, or incorporated into stews.

Olive oil produced in the Trás-os-Montes region bears a designation of origin, and visitors interested in meeting local growers can explore the “Olive Route” that traverses Mirandela.

Other certified products include honey, cabbage, and goat cheese, as well as kid goat which is traditionally baked with rice in this region.

Local specialties also feature roast partridge, roast lamb, veal steak, trout with olives, and caldo verde (vegetable soup).