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Freita e Montemuro, in the north of Portugal, lies between two rivers:
the Duero, to the north, and Vouga, to the south. It is bounded by the
Northern Motorway, which links Lisbon with Oporto, and the one which
connects the Portuguese coastline with Spain. The area features eight
townships offering the traveler a delightful natural contrast of mountains
sprinkled with meadows and the limpid waters of the rivers.
A touch of history
The geographical position of this region has meant that many civilitations
have chosen to settle here, which can be seen from its megalithic monuments
and the Roman roads that linked Lisbon with Braga and Oporto with Coimbra.
However, the true character of the region has been stamped on it by
the beautifully preservedmedieval heritage and its setting.
Major attractions
Freita e Montemuro has staked on a tourism that likes a laid-back
existence and the pursuit of rural culture, art and nature. Megalithic
monuments, Pre - Roman "Castros" or settlements, Roman roads,
stone bridges and the Romanesque and Gothic churches are just a few
examples of what remains of a flourishing past when the area was a centre
of major importance. Arouca is a sight not to be missed on account of
its impressive monastery, one of the richest in the Iberian Peninsula.
In order to appreciate the nature, it is to be recommended the several
river beaches and of clear waters and the Mizarela waterfall that is
one of the highest in the Iberian Peninsula.
Cuisine
Cuisine is based on top quality natural ingredients with little need
for
ornamentation, revolving around the main local raw material, i.e., the
flocks of Aurouca cattle and Gralheira goats. The influence of the monasteries
is to be seen in many local dishes particularly the sweets and desserts.
"Vitela Assada" (roast veal), the roast goat, "Arroz
do forno", "Leite Creme" (milk cream) are outstanding,
as is the cod - based dish "Bacalhoada". The region is famous
for its "Green Wines" from the valley of Arouca and Cambra
and possesses its own Denomination of Origin, as well as the “Dao
wines”.
Activities
The natural charm of Freita e Montemuro is unique. At first contact
the visitor is struck not only by the huge historical, cultural and
artistic heritage but also by the way Man established a balance with
the environment that surrounds him.
The river Paiva, Vouga, Caima and Alfusqueiro are amongst the purest
in Europe, ideal for rafting.
The rural environment is perfect for orienteering, hiking, mountain
biking, rappel, canyoning and off-roading or a simple walk through the
roman pahts and ending our at the thermal baths of S. Pedro do Sul or
Carvalhal in Castro Daire.
How to
get there
The Freita and Montemuro is 55 kilometres from Francisco Sa Carneiro
Airport in Oporto and from the seaports of Aveiro and Leixoes.
By road there are direct access by the highway A1 and the main roads
IP 3, IP 4 and IP 5.
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