Attractions and Places To See around Covas - Top 9
Attractions and places to see around Covas offer a diverse range of experiences, from natural landscapes to historical sites. The region features river boardwalks, thermal parks with monumental trees, and significant historical architecture. Visitors can explore a blend of outdoor activities and cultural heritage, making it a destination for varied interests. The area provides opportunities for walking along rivers and discovering ancient structures.
Best attractions and places to see around Covas
- The most popular attractions is Rio Vizela Boardwalks,…
Last updated: July 1, 2026
Rio Vizela Boardwalks
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Vizela Castle
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Vizela Thermal Park
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Monastery of Saint Peter of Ferreira
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Torre dos Alcoforados
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Tips from the Community
After hiking, be sure to stretch your feet into the warm threads!
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A beautiful paved hiking trail for the whole family. Also accessible with a stroller.
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Known as the lungs of Vizela, the Parque das Termas is an open invitation to practice outdoor sports. Its main attraction? An impressive concentration of monumental trees, unique in the country, which transform this space into a green haven like no other in Portugal.
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This C12 Romanesque church used to be a part of a larger monastic complex run until C15 by the Order of the Canons Regular of Saint Augustine. The main and side portals are certainly very impressive, so are the sculptures found all around the building, but the most striking feature must be the partially preserved funerary galilee in front, with two bay bell tower. https://www.rotadoromanico.com/en/Monuments/monastery-of-saint-peter-of-ferreira/
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An imposing C14 fortified manor house stands at the end of the village and shares a wall with a contemporary building. It has been impressively restored inside with wooden stairs and floors. There's also a art mini gallery, with pictures and sculptures created by local artists. There's a Tourist Information Centre next to the tower but it looks closed for good. A kind lady from the house on the right of the entrance gate opened the Torre for me and showed me around. Obrigado :) https://www.rotadoromanico.com/en/Monuments/tower-of-the-alcoforados/
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The Vizela River Walkways are a linear round-trip route approximately 11.4 km long (5.7 km each way) that allows you to walk along the banks of the Vizela River and Ribeira de Sá. This route is of low difficulty, taking approximately 3h01 to walk, and is suitable for family experiences and also adapted for people with reduced mobility, as there are very few steps along the entire route. Inaugurated on March 16, 2024, these new walkways begin next to the Roman Bridge, in the Maquias area, and continue under the D. Luís I Bridge, towards the Parque das Termas and the riverside promenade. At the confluence of the Ribeira de Sá with the Vizela River, the path heads south, along the bank of the stream, and enters the parish of Santa Eulália, one of the most interesting parts of the route. The walk ends at the incredible Rompecias Waterfall, also known as the Requeixos Waterfalls.
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The imposing Gothic Revival structure overlooking the Vizela river and the Thermal Park on its opposite bank was commissioned in 1905 by a local politician, businessman and physician, dr Armindo Ribeiro de Faria to serve as the new town hall. But those plans fell through and instead it housed a private club, then a school and later even a wine warehouse. Abandoned and crumbling, in 2008 the Castle was bought by the local council or Câmara Municipal. Unfortunately its fortunes didn't exactly reverse because of the lack of funds. Worse still, in 2020 it was badly damaged by a fire. However there seems to be some hope on the horizon with a new plan of restoration adopted by the Câmara in March 2021.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best natural attractions to visit around Covas?
The region around Covas offers several natural highlights. The Rio Vizela Boardwalks provide a scenic walk along the Vizela River, culminating at the Rompecias Waterfall. Another notable spot is the Vizela Thermal Park, known as the 'lungs of Vizela' for its impressive concentration of monumental trees, offering a green haven for relaxation and outdoor sports.
Are there any historical sites or landmarks to explore in the Covas area?
Yes, Covas is rich in historical sites. You can visit Vizela Castle, an imposing Gothic Revival structure overlooking the Vizela river. Another significant site is the Monastery of Saint Peter of Ferreira, a 12th-century Romanesque church with impressive portals and sculptures. The Senhor dos Aflitos Chapel also represents the area's monumental heritage.
What outdoor activities can I do near the attractions in Covas?
The area around Covas is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking along the Rio Vizela Boardwalks. For more extensive options, explore the numerous routes available for hiking, cycling, and running. These guides offer routes of varying difficulties to suit different preferences.
Are there family-friendly attractions or walks suitable for children around Covas?
Absolutely. The Rio Vizela Boardwalks are a low-difficulty, paved route, approximately 11.4 km long, making them suitable for family experiences and even accessible with a stroller. The Vizela Thermal Park is also considered family-friendly, offering a pleasant green space for outdoor activities and relaxation.
What are the options for hiking trails near Covas, and what are their difficulty levels?
Near Covas, you can find a variety of hiking trails. The Rio Vizela Boardwalks offer a low-difficulty, linear round-trip route of about 11.4 km. For more options, the Hiking around Covas guide lists routes like the 'Water Fountain – Crédito Agrícola A. Lavradores loop from Paços de Ferreira' which is easy, and others like 'Rio Vizela Boardwalks loop from Penacova' and 'Stone Cross (Pelourinho) – Romanesque Bridge of Vilela loop from Lousada' which are moderate.
Are there any attractions around Covas that are accessible for people with reduced mobility or strollers?
Yes, the Rio Vizela Boardwalks are specifically adapted for people with reduced mobility, with very few steps along the entire route. They are also suitable for strollers, offering an inclusive experience along the Vizela River.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Covas?
Visitors particularly appreciate the natural beauty and accessibility of the Rio Vizela Boardwalks, noting them as a beautiful paved hiking trail for the whole family. The Vizela Thermal Park is loved for its monumental trees and as a green haven for outdoor sports and relaxation, with some visitors even enjoying stretching their feet in the warm threads after a hike.
Are there any viewpoints offering panoramic views in the Covas region?
While the immediate guide highlights don't explicitly mention dedicated viewpoints, the Vizela Castle offers views overlooking the Vizela river and the Thermal Park. Broader regional research suggests that in the Douro Valley, the Miradouro São Leonardo de Galafura provides panoramic vistas, and in Asturias, the Mirador del Rey and Mirador de la Princesa offer spectacular mountain views, though these are further afield from Covas itself.
What is the best time of year to visit Covas for outdoor activities?
Based on the general climate of Portugal, spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are typically ideal for outdoor activities around Covas. The weather is usually mild and pleasant, perfect for hiking, cycling, and exploring the natural parks and historical sites without the intense heat of summer or the heavier rains of winter. The Vizela Thermal Park and Rio Vizela Boardwalks can be enjoyed during these seasons.
Are there any hidden gems or lesser-known spots worth discovering near Covas?
While the guide focuses on popular attractions, the region of Covas (Viana do Castelo District) is known for numerous hidden gems ideal for hiking and cycling. Exploring the trails beyond the main boardwalks, as suggested in the Hiking around Covas guide, can lead to discovering quieter natural beauty and local charm.
Most popular routes around Covas
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