Villages of interest are scattered all around the northern border of Portugal near Galicia; every village has something special to explore and beautiful nuggets hidden literally in every corner. These painted towns can be useful no matter if you are going for a weekend, or 2 weeks’ trip, as they give an idea of what is waiting in Portugal if you love history, culture, and beautiful landscapes.
Discover Portugal
Portugal occupies only 92,000 and something square kilometers but it is always rich in sights & attractions. When it comes to nature, from beaches and big cities to forests and mountains, Portugal has varieties. The northern border that borders the Spanish region of Galicia has numerous fascinating attractions that can suit the need of any tourist seeking to be an explorer.
Sights to Visit on the Borderline of Portugal and Galicia
So, the five not-to-be-missed towns that are perfect for the exploration of the border area of Portugal and Galicia, including history, architecture, and culture are:
- Valença do Minho
- Monção
- Ponte de Lima
- Chaves
- Melgaço
These are among the best places any and every traveler would love to visit especially in this region of the world.
1. Valença do Minho
Fortress of Valença
Start this trip in Valença do Minho, one of the cities near to the border of Basque Country. It has a fortress; the Valença city has a star-shaped structure with walls which in some areas may measure up to five kilometers. Presumably, this is an almost fully preserved fortification with towers and bastions that allow a beautiful view of the area.
Historic Center
The historical part of Valença is also beautiful, but not as large as in other cities of Portugal. Among others, there are delightful churches and old houses which are specific examples of Portuguese architecture. Strolling through the streets of this city feels like stepping into the past and thus it is good for any tourist interested in the history of a city and place.
2. Monção
Subsequent town, Monção, can be reached in 20 minutes of drive from Valença do Minho, however, the town is considerably less touristic but still offers its own attractions.
Historic Center
Monção has a rather diverse and densely built historic center that reveals the town’s long history and architecture. The town has a very relaxed feel to it which makes it ideal for a walk around.
Thermal Waters
Monção also holds thermal waters and therefore one can be able to get natural treatments of thermal waters. The therapeutic thermal baths here for the treatment of diseases are also famous for the comfort they bring to clients.
Vinho Verde
Monção also is a productive area of Vinho Verde, a delicious and light wine that perfectly fits the local food. It may become a favorite choice of wine for people visiting this area and perhaps enrich the dishes’ tastes.
3. Ponte de Lima
Historic Significance
Ponte de Lima is one of the oldest towns in the whole of Portugal and has great history behind it. This town was named after the Roman bridge that crosses the Lima River; this was a communication point that connected some regions of Portugal and Spain.
Roman Bridge
Thus, the Roman bridge in Ponte de Lima under discussion is not only serving its practical purpose but a lot of cultural value at the same time. This feeling of kinship is achieved when one walks across this historical structure.
Toy Museum
Just by the Roman bridge and in an old building is the Toy Museum. This museum houses a collection of toys which exceeds three thousand, with quite a number of them being historically valuable. It is a rather pleasant visit for young folks and everybody who wants to dive into the history of toys.
4. Chaves
Chaves is notable for two main reasons: culture and history, and thermal spas.
Historical Importance
Anciently and in the Middle Ages, Chaves became a defensive strategic fort and a cross-road connecting the empires which made it be referred to as the keys to king do mains; more so there remain many architectural and historical buildings and structures in the modern town of Chaves.
Thermal Baths
Chaves has the advantages of thermal springs which have been used since antique Roman times. The thermal baths are easily appreciated for the conservation of the tourists since they have both traditional healing powers.
5. Melgaço
Cultural Heritage
Melgaço is situated in the region of the same name and represents the embodiment of cultural and historical richness. Many related prehistoric and medieval art masterpieces and unique shrines, buildings, churches, and other structures are found in the town.
Nature and Activities
Melgaço is still characterized by large green areas of land, which makes it suitable for any activities related to the natural environment. Excursion on the Miño River is good for water sports; there are a lot of hiking trails for physically active persons to explore the country view. Combining history and breathtaking landscapes, Melgaço is the ideal place for people interested in arts and sports walking.
Exploring Portugal’s Border Towns
Border towns in Portugal near Galicia have a lot to see and do, having natural beauty, history, and culture to behold. Here’s a deeper look at what each town has to offer:
- Valença do Minho: Valença do Minho is your starting point, and history is deeply intertwined with every stone here. Thus, the Fortress of Valença is a striking example of the strategic significance of the town throughout the centuries. Indeed, the fortification itself is star-shaped and represents an example of brilliant engineering intended to withstand sieges and ensure the safety of the town’s population.
Valença has a historical area where one can take a walk around the rather old streets and buildings made out of stone. Igreja de Santa Maria dos Anjos is an example of a religious building with beautiful ornaments and relics that refer to the religious past of the town. The local markets are active presenting artifacts and typical native meals.
- Monção: Only a few kilometers from Valença, you will find yourself in Monção, a town that is all about leisure, spas included. The healing thermal baths have been a magnet here right from the Roman era, because of the rich mineral waters that have unparalleled healing effects on the human body and soul.
Monção vineyards grow grapes for the refreshing and semi-sparkling wine famously known as Vinho Verde. Tours at a local vineyard involve a close look at the process of wine production and also involve tasting sessions of the finally produced wines, including this regional specialty.
- Ponte de Lima: This place is simply a living museum or historical site, especially the Ponte de Lima or the Roman bridge existing up to the present time. It has been existing for centuries and has been a sight of many occurrences in history acting as a bridge to many people. Apart from the edifices built inside the town, there are other historical buildings found spread across the town and associated with different and unique narratives.
The Toy Museum situated in Ponte de Lima lets one take a trip down memory lane, as the toys are from different generations. The museum also contains toys that are unique and old to let the audience see how the past of society and its playing part was like.
- Chaves: Culturally and historically, Chaves is a town that cherishes the historic aspects with lots of pride. The beautiful older buildings also indicate the rich history of the town and its history as well as the medieval structures of the town are astonishingly intact. Over it looms the castle of Chaves and its large keep, from which one can get a look at the surrounding terrain from high above.
The thermal baths that are affiliated with the city of Chaves are a must-see, believed to contain healing waters by the ancient Romans. It is not just that people go to these baths to enjoy their leisure time, it is also about keeping an age-old culture alive.
- Melgaço: Melgaço is a human settlement where people and cultures meet nature and sceneries. As for museums and ancient places, the town’s sites are among the open-air museums that depict the history of the area from the prehistoric period up to the middle ages’ medieval strongholds. The prominent museum which needs attention is the Museu de Cinema de Melgaço dedicated to the town’s link to cinema.
Tourists enthralled by natural beauty will be pleased with opportunities for recreation in Melgaço’s green zones and rivers. The river Miño is ideal for kayaking and fishing due to the clean water that also allows good fishing, the hills have well-marked trails and good views.
Visiting the Border Areas of Portugal
Situated geographically in South West Europe, it is the smallest country on the European mainland but what a tourist destination it provides. The towns close to the border with Galicia are a perfect example of the above; none of the towns that border with this region is similar in history, and cultures as well as natural endowment. Thus, the towns being medieval, they will interest those people who wish to visit the castle ruins, enjoy thermal baths and taste wines of global quality.
Thus, if you are dreaming of having a vacation in Portugal, do not leave out these border towns. The destinations are also clustered making it convenient to visit many of them due to the fact that they have unique characteristics that other surrounding places do not have. Thus, starting from Valença historical city to Chaves with thermal springs, these towns offer an amazing experience of one of Europe’s most stunning territories.
Conclusion
Expanding through the villages of Portugal close to Galicia is an amazing combination of history, arts, and grace. Every town, starting from Valença do Minho’s well-fortified town to Melgaço’s rich green scenery, offers different feels and senses for everyone. Regardless of whether you are an admirer of history, a lover of wines or a fan of various kinds of outdoor activities, the given places will not leave you indifferent and will charge you with creative inspiration. Take the chance to perceive the secrets of Portugal, and to feel real treasures during your traveling across the magical area of this country.