Penafiel
Penafiel: Home of Vinho Verde
Penafiel is a pleasant enough town in the Minho region of northern Portugal, about 35 km east of Porto.
The historic center of Penafiel has a few fine mansion houses constructed in granite and the Renaissance period Igreja da Misericórdia.
The Municipal Museum on Rua do Paço also has interesting exhibits on the history, archaeology and crafts of the area. Also on display are a variety of tools used in local agriculture.
However, the main places of interest lie several kilometers out of town.
The area is famous for its wine - in particular Vinho verde. Production was begun by the Benedictines who also built some lovely churches in the area.
The charming Quinta de Aveleda offers tours of its winery as well as wine tastings. There's a shop too to purchase the local wine and cheese and a splendid garden. The Quinta de Aveleda is a short drive west of Penafiel.
The Mosteiro de Paço de Sousa was constructed by the Benedictines in the 10th century, though the church standing today is a 13th century Romanesque building. The church contains the tomb of Egaz Moniz de Ribadouro, an advisor to Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal. The nearest station is Cête on the Douro Line about 1.5 km distant and the village is about 10 km south of Penafiel.
The Igreja de São Gens de Boelhe in the village of Boelhe is said to be the smallest Romanesque church in Portugal. A National Monument, the tiny church sits on a hill overlooking the River Tâmega. It is thought the church was built by the wife of Dom Afonso Henriques.
Magikland is a fun amusement park with rides and outdoor pools - a great place to bring the kids in summer.
The Jardim do Sameiro is a pleasant park back in Penafiel and a nice place for a stroll. It is close to Penahotel - the oldest hotel in the town.
Megalithic Monuments
A number of megalithic monuments (dolmen) can be seen in the surrounding countryside. These include the Dolmen of Santa Marta and the Menir de Luzim, an impressive 2.5-meter standing stone dating from 3-4,000 years B.C.
The Castro of Monte Mozinho is a Neolithic fortified settlement that probably dates from the 1st century BC. The Municipal Museum has more information on the settlement which also has Roman ruins.
Festivals
Penafiel is known for its Corpus Christi celebrations - a festival that normally takes place in early June. It is still celebrated in traditional style dating back to its origins in the 16th century - partly sacred, partly profane.
The annual Festa and Feira de São Martinho in November is another lively time to visit Penafiel.
Other festivals in the municipality include the Senhora da Saúde, in Bustelo, on the Monday after Easter and the Festa das Endoenças in Entre-os-Rios, on Maundy Thursday.
Penafiel Tourist Office
Largo Padre Américo 28
Penafiel
Tel: 926 297 409
Getting to Penafiel
Buses
There are expresso long-distance and more local services to Amarante and Porto.
By car the town is a 40 minute drive, depending on the traffic, from Porto on the A4. From Amarante it is 20 minutes. From Guimarães the journey by car is just over 30 minutes south on the A11. From Vila Real allow around 40 minutes on the A4 going west.
Trains
Penafiel Station is the nearest railway station, 3 km from the center. There are trains to Porto to both Campanha and São Bento stations.
Portugal Hotel & Hostel Accommodation
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Recommended Hotel
Penafiel Park Hotel & Spa
R. Província de Pontevedra s/n, 4560-232 Penafiel
The deluxe 4-star hotel offers pleasing modern decor and an excellent restaurant. There are great views of the surrounding countryside.
Other recommended hotels are the Hotel Rural Quinta das Quintães, with outdoor pool, the Dom Hotel and Palace Hotel & Spa Termas de São Vicente some way distant on the N106.
See a listing of hotels in Penafiel.
Hotels in Portugal - Booking.com
Hostels in Portugal - Booking.com
Eating
There is a reasonable selection of good restaurants in Penafiel.
For excellent local Portuguese cuisine try the rather remote Restaurante Rocha in the village of Abragão. South west of the center is Casa Da Viuva - noted for its excellent wine. You will probably need your own transport or a taxi to get to both these restaurants.
More central are Restaurante O Casanova and O Cedro.
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The average high June temperatures for Portugal is between 22C and 26C.
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