Best Things To Do In Arcos De Valdevez, Portugal

Pack your things, today we’re taking you on a tour around Arcos de Valdevez. It’s a small and quiet town located in the Alto Minho region in Northern Portugal. It sits on the banks of Vez River, and at the foot of Peneda-Geres National Park. It was founded in 1515, and despite the passage of time, it has retained its charm and traditional architecture. Arcos de Valdevez might not be as popular or even beautiful as nearby towns like Ponte de Lima, Ponte da Barca or Viana do Castelo, but it’s definitely a great destination for a one-day trip while in the area. Ready? Let’s go discover the best things to do in Arcos de Valdevez, Portugal. 

Best Things To Do In Arcos De Valdevez, Portugal

Best Things To Do In Arcos De Valdevez, Portugal

We’ll start our tour from the Vez River surroundings, and then will move to Arcos de Valdevez Old Town. 

Bridge of Arcos de Valdevez 

Bridge of Arcos de Valdevez (pt. Ponte dos Arcos de Valdevez) is a beautiful four-arches stone bridge built in the 19th century, between 1876-1880, to replace previous medieval construction. It crosses the Vez river, connecting two parts of the town. While there, be sure to cross the bridge, and take a good look at great views over Arcos de Valdevez Old Town. On that side, you’ll also find the 18th-century Church of São Paio (pt. Igreja de São Paio), with beautiful outside stairs and azulejos on the front facade. 

In our opinion, the most beautiful views of the Bridge of Arcos de Valdevez are from two nearby green areas: Jardim do Campo do Trasladário and Jardins da Alameda de Arcos de Valdevez. 

Bridge of Arcos de Valdevezfrom Jardins da Alameda de Arcos de Valdevez
Bridge of Arcos de Valdevezfrom Jardim do Campo do Trasladário
Vez River and Church of São Paio in Arcos de Valdevez
Rio Vez sign on Bridge of Arcos de Valdevez
Church of São Paio in Arcos de Valdevez

Valdevez Tournament Monument

Valdevez Tournament Monument (pt. Monumento ao Recontro de Valdevez) commemorates an important episode in Portugal’s history, the Battle of Valdevez, which took place in 1140 or 1141 between the Kingdom of León and the Kingdom of Portugal. It was the definitive battle that allowed Portugal to become independent of Castille. We don’t want to bloat this post with too much of history, so if you are a history fan, learn more here

You can find a Valdevez Tournament monument by the Vez river, close to the Bridge of Arcos. It was created by the sculptor José Rodrigues, and it depicts two knights on (legless) horses armed with long spears. 

Interesting fact number one: the town has a rhyming motto: “Arcos de Valdevez, Onde Portugal se Fez”, meaning “Arcos de Valdevez, Where Portugal was Made”. 

Interesting fact number two: in São Bento railway station in Porto you’ll also find a commemorative azulejo mural of the mentioned battle.

Valdevez Tournament Monument in Arcos
Valdevez Tournament Monument in Arcos de Valdevez

Arcos de Valdevez Old Town

Now, we’re moving from the riverbanks to the Arcos de Valdevez Old Town. It’s quite small, and you can see it all, in an hour or two. During strolling among the streets you’ll find points of interest like the Church of the Misericórdia e Cruzeiro, Arcos pillory and municipal square, Church of Nossa Senhora da Lapa, Water Clock, Casa das Artes, or Main Church of Arcos de Valdevez. Yes, you see right – there are a lot of churches (and that’s not all of them)! Let’s go and take a closer look.

Things to do in Arcos de Valdevez, Portugal
Things to do in Arcos de Valdevez, Alto Minho, Portugal
Arcos de Valdevez Portugal Old Town - Best places to see

Church of the Misericórdia

Church of the Misericórdia (pt. Igreja da Misericórdia de Arcos de Valdevez) is located just a few steps from Ponte de Arcos. It was built in the end of the 16th century, and later completely rebuilt in the 18th century.

Church of the Misericórdia in Arcos de Valdevez

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Church of Nossa Senhora da Lapa

Continue along the same street and you’ll reach the square, Largo da Lapa, where you’ll find the Church of Nossa Senhora da Lapa (pt. Igreja da Nossa Senhora da Lapa). This very small, and unique-looking oval church was built in the 18th century. 

In the same square, you’ll find a fountain that is actually a… water clock (pt. Relógio de Água), which works perfectly. Such a cool idea! 

Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Conceição 

On the side, in an inconspicuous street behind the Church of Nossa Senhora da Lapa, you’ll find the oldest building in town – Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Conceição (pt. Capela de Nossa Senhora da Conceição. This tiny and simple funerary chapel has been there since about the 14th century. 

Church of Nossa Senhora da Lapa in Arcos de Valdevez
Church of Nossa Interior of Senhora da Lapa in Arcos de Valdevez
Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Conceiçãoin Arcos de Valdevez

Pillory of Arcos de Valdevez & Municipal Square

The next stop on our route, just a few steps from the chapel, is a big Municipal Square with buildings like Town Hall, or Palace of Justice, but most importantly, with the Pillory of Arcos de Valdevez (pt. Pelourinho de Arcos de Valdevez). This stone pillory was built here in the 16th century, moved closer to the riverbanks in 1700, and finally came back to its original spot in 1998. 

Municipal Square and Pillory of Arcos de Valdevez, Portugal
Municipal Square and Pillory of Arcos de Valdevez in Portugal

Igreja Matriz de Arcos de Valdevez

On the top of Municipal Square, you’ll find the town’s main church, the Church of Arcos de Valdevez (pt. Igreja Matriz de Arcos de Valdevez). It was built at the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries, on the remains of older, probably medieval temple. 

Church of the Holy Spirit & Baroque Interpretive Center

It’s almost the end of the tour around Arcos de Valdevez, but we still need to explore the area behind the town’s main church. There you’ll find a small Centennial Garden (pt. Jardim dos Centenário). stunning views over the town and the surroundings, and the House of Arts (pt. Casa das Artes) located in a beautiful 18th-century building. At the end of the road the Church of the Holy Spirit is located, a 17th century building, currently hosting a Baroque Interpretive Center (pt. Centro Interpretativo do Barroco). 

Views over Arcos de Valdevez from Centennial Garden
Views from Centennial Garden in Arcos de Valdevez, Portugal
Church of the Holy Spirit and Baroque Interpretive Center in Arcos de Valdevez
Centennial Garden and Church of the Holy Spirit in Arcos de Valdevez

How to get to Arcos de Valdevez, Portugal? 

Arcos de Valdevez is located about 7km from Ponte da Barca, 20km from Ponte de Lima, 55km from Braga, and 45km from Viana do Castelo. The most convenient way to get to Arcos de Valdevez is by car or by bus. 

Where to park in Arcos de Valdevez?

You can leave your car for free in this parking lot right next to the Arcos de Valdevez bridge.

Airports near Arcos de Valdevez

The closest airport to Arcos de Valdevez in Portugal is located in Porto (100km away). Other ones are located in Spain, in Vigo (80km away) and Santiago de Compostela (180km away). From each airport, you can get to Arcos de Valdevez by bus. To check the connections that interest you please visit rome2rio.com website. 

To Arcos de Valdevez by bus

You can quite easily get to Arcos de Valdevez by bus. For example, the journey from Ponte Da Barca will take only about 10min (€1-5), from Porto 2h (€6-10), and 2h20min from Viana do Castelo (€6-16). To learn more about bus connections that interest you visit rome2rio.com website.

To Arcos de Valdevez by train

Unfortunately, you can’t reach Ponte Da Barca by train. But for example, you can take a train from Porto, Lisbon or even Albufeira to Viana do Castelo, and then take a bus from it to  Arcos de Valdevez. 

Arcos de Valdevez, Portugal – Summing up

We don’t think that Arcos de Valdevez is the most interesting or charming town in the Alto Minho region, but while in the area it’s worth taking a look and wandering around a bit. If you are a fan of Portugal’s history or want to see plenty of churches in a small area it will be perfect for you!

Best places to see in Arcos de Valdevez Old Town
Arcos de Valdevez Old Town Streets
Arcos de Valdevez Old Town

Restaurants, accommodations, and map

Check out various recommended places below.

Where to eat in Arcos de Valdevez?

Here are your best, high-rated options in Arcos de Valdevez:

Arcos de Valdevez, Portugal - Map of places


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