Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Natividade de Escamarão Top Cinfães Tours Museu Serpa Pinto Best Restaurants in Cinfães Top Accommodation in Cinfães Parque Megalítico de São Pedro Termas Caldas de Aregos Getting to Cinfães

CINFÃES

MADABOUTPORTO.COM welcomes you to Cinfães, a charming village lodged on the left bank of the River Douro, with the majestic Serra de Montemuro hills providing a stunning backdrop. This hidden treasure offers a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and outdoor adventure, making it a must-visit destination in Portugal.

Cinfães boasts a rich historical heritage. It’s here that Portugal’s first king, Dom Afonso Henriques, was raised by his tutor, Dom Egas Moniz, the region’s lord during the 12th century. The village’s fertile lands have long supported farming, with sheep, goats, and cattle herding being the main livelihoods.

For those who love the water, the calm waters near the Carrapatelo dam offer ideal conditions for swimming and water sports, with several inviting beaches nearby. History buffs will also find plenty to explore, with numerous archaeological sites dating back to the megalithic era scattered throughout the region.

Whether you're here for the history, the scenic landscapes, or simply to relax by the river, Cinfães offers something for everyone. So come and immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of this delightful village!

IGREJA DE NOSSA SENHORA DA NATIVIDADE DE ESCAMARÃO

Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Natividade de Escamarão

Strategically placed on the confluence of the rivers Douro and Paiva it was integrated into the Monastery of Alpendorada's influence. The village of Escamarão had always been an attractive walk-through zone within the sight of the monastery itself and an important point of pilgrimage. Thought to have been built in the 12th century although inscriptions found inside the main portal ascribes it being from the 14th century. The church, Romanesque in nature, consists of a single nave and rectangular chancel, both defined by massive walls. The interior is lit mainly by narrow crevices opened on both elevations of the nave and chancel with a small rose window that tops the triumphal arch and a Gothic window that cuts the chancel's back wall.

Rua de S. Miguel, Souselo, Cinfães, Viseu, Portugal.
41° 03' 57.6" N | 08° 15' 25.4" W | +351 255 810 706 / 918 116 488
rotadoromanico@valsousa.pt | Website

TOP DOURO TOURS

Boat Trip to Régua Through the Douro Valley with Breakfast and Lunch

Boat Trip to Régua - with Breakfast and Lunch

Cruise through the scenic landscape of the Douro Valley by boat and bus on this memorable tour to Régua. From your comfortable vessel, float along the placid waters of the Douro, gazing up at its terraced vineyards that cover the hillsides. Sweep past world-class wine estates and see quaint Portuguese villages, enjoy a lunch on board. Then, return while watching it from a new perspective, by bus. Pick up from Praça Ribeira in Porto.

(60) | 10 Hr | ✔ Free Cancellation

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1Hr Rabelo Boat Tour From Pinhão

The Magnífico Douro Company outfitted a traditional 17.5 metre long Rabelo boat, Dona Antonia, with an electric motor from clean and quiet trips on the river from Pinhão. One can see wine-producing Quintas, terraces until the river and vineyards, forming a unique landscape designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This is the first and only electric boat operating in Portugal. We provide free audio information about what we see on the tour, to listen on your own mobile phone. The full charge of the batteries is done through a connection to the earth during the night. Dona Antonia is equipped with toilets for the convenience of passengers.

(66) | 1 Hr | ✔ Free Cancellation

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From Favaios to Pinhão Walking Tour

Spend half a day exploring Portugal’s famed Douro Valley on a private walking tour. After meeting your guide at Pinhão train station, enjoy experiences that include a tasting/tour at an olive oil museum, strolling through vineyards, stopping at Croft’s Quinta da Roeda for a Port tasting and tour. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch at Quinta do Bomfim. Take a guided walking tour through Portugal’s Douro Valley wine region. Get an insider’s view on the valley’s wine culture from an informative guide. Enjoy wine tastings and a picnic lunch—they’re included in the tour price. Get outside and take a walk through the region’s spectacular scenery.

(4) | 5 Hr | ✔ Free Cancellation

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(MUSEU) SERPA PINTO MUSEUM

Birthplace of the famed explorer Alexandre Alberto da Rocha de Serpa Pinto (aka Serpa Pinto; April 20, 1846 – December 28, 1900). The museum exhibits his artefacts and memorabilia from his life and expeditions to Africa.

The museum also has collections of artefacts found from local archaeological digs, notably from the Castro and Roman periods. The gift shop has a good selection of local arts and crafts. The museum first opened in April 2000 and is located in one of the oldest parts of town.

34 Rua Dr. Flávio Resende, Cinfães, Viseu, Portugal.
41° 04' 18.6" N | 08° 05' 25.3" W | +351 255 560 571
turismo@cm-cinfaes.pt | Website

Serpa Pinto Museum

WHERE TO EAT IN CINFÃES

Restaurante Encosta do Moínho

Located in the small village of Gralheira 1,152 metres up the Montemuro mountain the restaurant Encosta do Moinho is somewhat of a local hero. Renown and loved for its local cuisine of top quality utilising regional products. Its specialities include Gralheira roasted kid and regional sausages. The restaurant's wood stove cooks great grilled chicken as well as a range of pizzas.

Daily: 12h00 - 15h00/19h00 - 22h00
42 Largo Eira do Adro, Gralheira, Cinfães (Viseu), 4690-300, Portugal.
41° 00' 09.4" N | 07° 58' 08.1" W
+351 255 571 159 | encostadomoinho@sapo.pt

Restaurante Solar do Montemuro

Located 5km from the centre on Cinfães on the slope of the Serra do Montemuro, this great traditional Portuguese restaurant serving reasonably priced local fare with cordial smiles. Meat is the mainstay of the menu and is double-carbed with rice and chips, a typical thing in Portugal. One can always order a side plate of vegetables or salad to counterbalance the double carb situation. The food here is constantly of good quality and if you're lucky enough to be given a window seat in the right room you'll also be treated to the amazing vistas overlooking the valley below.

Tuesday - Saturday; 12h00 - 14h30/19h00 - 21h30, Sunday: 12h00 - 14h30, Monday: CLOSED
Azevedo, Tendais, 4690-760 Cinfães, Portugal
41° 00' 44.7" N | 08° 03' 04.1" W
+351 255 571 715

Restaurante Recanto dos Carvalhos

Great traditional locally sourced and rustic Portuguese food excellently prepared by talented chefs and served by friendly staff. The atmosphere is very homely with no pretension. Good honest food for a fair price.

Monday - Saturday: 12h00 - 15h00/19h00 - 22h00, Sunday Evening: 12h00 - 15h00
Largo dos Carvalhos, Cinfaes 4690-300, Portugal
41º 00" 12.5' N | 07º 58" 10.9' W
+351 255 571 566 | recantodoscarvalhos2020@gmail.com

WHERE TO STAY IN CINFÃES

Lavandeira Douro Nature & Wellness

9.4/10 Exceptional (23 verified customer reviews)

Lavandeira Douro Nature & Wellness in Cinfães, Portugal, is a luxury countryside retreat set in the heart of the Douro Valley. Surrounded by vineyards and lush gardens, this boutique hotel offers elegant rooms and villas with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and scenic views. Guests enjoy a wellness-focused experience with a seasonal outdoor pool, spa services, and walking trails through nature.

The on-site restaurant serves fresh, locally sourced cuisine and regional wines. Lavandeira Douro is ideal for romantic getaways or peaceful escapes, offering activities such as wine tastings, hiking, and river tours. Just an hour from Porto, it provides easy access to the best of northern Portugal’s wine country. Discover tranquillity and charm at this top-rated Douro Valley accommodation.

Rua da Lavandeira, 56, Baiao, 4640-024, Portugal. | 41° 06' 28.9" N | 08° 03' 49.1" W

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Serrado de Bouças ★ ★ ★

9.6/10 Exceptional (23 verified customer reviews)

Serrado de Bouças in Cinfães, Portugal, is a charming rural retreat in the stunning Douro Valley. This eco-friendly accommodation offers beautifully restored stone cottages and modern amenities, including air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and fully equipped kitchens. Surrounded by vineyards and forested hills, it’s the ideal base for nature lovers, with hiking trails, birdwatching, and river activities nearby.

Guests can relax in the garden, take a dip in the seasonal outdoor pool, or enjoy a picnic with panoramic views. Located close to the Douro River and just over an hour from Porto, Serrado de Bouças offers peace, privacy, and authentic Portuguese countryside charm. It’s perfect for couples or families looking for a relaxing, off-the-beaten-path escape in northern Portugal.

Rua de Bouças 93, Abragao, Penafiel, Porto, 4560-027, Portugal. | 41° 09' 38.8" N | 08° 14' 12.2" W

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Hotel Porto Antigo ★ ★ ★ ★

9.2/10 Wonderful (119 verified customer reviews)

Nestled along the Douro River, Hotel Porto Antigo. is housed in a historic building. It features an outdoor swimming pool, in-house massage palour and a restaurant serving European cuisine. The air-conditioned rooms at Douro Hotel Porto Antigo. have modern amenities, including a minibar and satellite TV. Most rooms have panoramic views of the Douro River. Some rooms have a private balcony. Guests with boats can dock right in front of the Porto Antigo and enjoy a free glass of port on the terrace. The hotel also offers various trips and activities such as boat cruises, kayaking, and canyoning. Restaurant Serpa Pinto serves traditional Portuguese dishes. Mosteirô Railway Station is 1.5km from Hotel Porto Antigo and Porto Airport is just a 60-minute drive away. Free parking is available on site.

675 Rua do Cais, 4690 - 423 Cinfães, Portugal. | 41° 05' 23.4" N | 08° 04' 46.8" W

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PARQUE MEGALÍTICO DE SÃO PEDRO

Parque megalítico de São Pedro

The Parque Megalítico de São Pedro is a fascinating historical site perched at an altitude of 1125 metres on Mountemuro Mountain in the district of Tendais, Portugal. This extraordinary site, dating back to between the Neolithic (5th millennium BC) and the Chalcolithic (3rd millennium BC), entices visitors to explore ancient dolmens with rich historical significance.

The park features a series of dolmens believed to have been used for funerary purposes. These ancient structures include the mamoa, an artificial mound of earth and stones, and the dolmen, a stone construction topped with a large cover slab. While only three of the original granitic columns remain, they still captivate with their historical charm. Two of these columns are adorned with intricate engravings, while one displays traces of ancient paintings.

Visiting Parque Megalítico de São Pedro offers a unique glimpse into prehistoric Portugal, where you can marvel at these ancient architectural feats and imagine the rituals of the past. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply curious about ancient cultures, this site provides a serene and thought-provoking experience amidst stunning mountain views.

São Pedro do Campo, Cinfães, Viseu, Portugal. | 41° 00′ 28.4″ N | 08° 05′ 00.4″ W

TERMAS CALDAS DE AREGOS

The new Spa Resort appreciates all the known thermal waters sought by its therapeutic value (musculoskeletal problems, skin and respiratory tract). Situated on the bank of the River Douro. The waters of the spa have been sought after since the 12th Century. Make use of the waters and modern facilities found here in a complex that promotes wellbeing and good health. Recommended treatments: Diseases of the respiratory system, Rheumatism and Musculoskeletal diseases and skin diseases. Water type - Sulphurous, Bicarbonate, Sodium Bathing Season - All year pH level: 9.2 Water temperature: 62.

Disabled access.
Monday - Saturday: 08h00 – 14h00/15h00 - 21h00, Sunday: 08h00 - 12h00
Caldas de Aregos, 4660-013 Resende, Portugal.
41° 06' 08.4" N | 08° 00' 39.5" W | +351 254 875 259
geral@termas-caldasdearegos.com | Website

Termas Caldas de Aregos

HOW TO ARRIVE IN CINFÃES

	Cinfaes is 81.9km (50.9 miles) North Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport PORTO. Website
	70 minutes from Porto along the A4 and N222. 92.3km (57.3 miles) south of Braga along the A11. Latitude - 41° 04' 18.4" N Longitude - 08° 05' 25" W
	The closest train station is 5.5 miles (9km) away across the river in Mosteirô. Use the Regional (Comboios Regionais) Linha do Douro service: Train Timetable \| Comboios de Portugal Website
	• Rede Expressos: Website Buses from various destinations including Coimbra, Lisbon and Viseu. • Transdev: Website Buses from Porto.

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