Although it is a veritable journey into the past, this region nonetheless keeps its vision towards the future. Considered to be the Sousa Valley´s capital, Penafiel´s development and expansion is indeed nothing short of noteworthy.

This is a land where the natural harmony of rivers, valleys and hills conjoins with the historical heritage, like the case of Castro do Monte, a proto-Roman settlement located in Oldrões and Galegos parishes and considered the largest of its kind in the Iberian Peninsula.

Other points of interest are the Benedictine Monastery of Paços de Sousa (home to the tomb of Egas Moniz, an important character in Portuguese history) and both St. Gens and Gândara churches.

Religious themed based tourism is strong in this county, where one can visit noteworthy and majestic churches like Sameiro, Sra. Da Piedade and Santos Passos, amongst many others.

To complete the picture, the Douro and Tâmega international rivers lend the region their charm and natural beauty.

Penafiel´s centennial village of Aldeia de Quintandona, a well-preserved heirloom of Penafiel´s mediaeval heritage, is characterized by its charming shale and slate houses and for being home to the annual Festa do Caldo, an event that highlights the region´s cuisine.

 As a matter of fact, the gastronomy here is deemed as of excelence and compromised by emblematic dishes like the traditionally prepared lamprey rice, a true trademark of the region. On the sweet side, it´s worthy mentioning the famous bolinhos de amor (love cupcakes), St. Martinho tarts or “sopa-seca”, a bread based sweet. The local Vinho Verde wine excels and the county is home to one of the country´s largest producers and a well-known brand all over the world.

This is, without a doubt, an appealing destination. Come discover Penafiel!