Guimarães is synonymous with culture and history, as this city in Minho is considered the birthplace of the nation.
However, this city offers much more than just history and culture.
In this article, we’ll show you what to visit in Guimarães beyond the city itself.
Penha Mountain
Just a few kilometers from the city center lies the Penha Mountain, a granite mountain richly covered with dense forest.
To go to the top, we can do it by car, on foot, by bike or simply take the cable car.
f you’d like to hike the PR3 – Rota da Penha trail, it begins at the Church of St. Gualter. However, there are other walking and cycling paths as well.
Once on Penha Mountain, there are two must-visit spots: the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Penha and the Pio IX Lookout Point.
In the central square, you’ll find some cafés and restaurants, along with ample parking and picnic areas. Vendors selling sweets and crafts are also common, especially during the summer months.
Also, you can stay overnight at the Hotel da Penha, or for the more adventurous, at the award-winning Camping Park.
However, the mountain also hides a few more secrets waiting to be explored. Getting lost among the narrow paths between the massive boulders is a favorite activity for visitors to Penha.
Along these discovery trails, besides the magnificent granite rocks in unusual shapes and positions, you’ll find signs pointing to three unique places.
There’s the Cave of Saint Elias – the Patron of Sleep, located near the Cave of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, a small chapel inside a rock. And, of course, the famous Hermit’s Tavern – a beloved spot for locals, known for its unique atmosphere and location. The Hermit’s Tavern sits beneath a huge boulder and serves snacks like bread rolls with bacon or sardines, codfish fritters, and grilled meats, always paired with local green wine served in traditional bowls.
If you want to make deeper explorations of the top of , Penha Mountain, here is the map with all the best sites that should be visited at the mountain of the city of Guimarães.
São Torcato
Just 6 km from the center of Guimarães lies the village of São Torcato, known for its stunning Basilica. Inside, you can see the remarkably well-preserved remains of the saint for whom the village is named.
In São Torcato, don’t miss the chance to visit the Old Church of São Torcato, which housed the saint’s body for centuries, and the Chapel of the Saint’s Fountain – believed to be where the saint was martyred.
Be sure also to visit the Campo da Ataca, the site where, on June 24, 1128, the Battle of São Mamede began, paving the way for Portuguese independence.
Para além disso, a vila dispõe ainda de vários espaços verdes e um lago com barcos de recreio, que irão fazer as maravilhas dos mais pequenos.
For adventure seekers, there’s the PR1 – São Torcato and its Mills, an easy trail suitable for families that passes by some of the points of interest mentioned above.
River Beaches in Guimarães
When people think of Guimarães, they rarely imagine beaches, even river beaches.
But in fact, Guimarães is rich in water resources, creating excellent potential for river beaches.
In this article, we’ll list some of the best-known river beaches just a few kilometers from the city center.
Praia Seca – Vila das Taipas
Only 7 km from the center, you’ll find the most popular river beach in Guimarães. Recently enhanced, it’s becoming an excellent spot for cooling off on hot days without a long drive.
Praia da Rola – Castelões
With a small bar for refreshments, this little beach is still relatively unknown. Bring an umbrella, as there’s little shade. Another option is a beach about 17 km from the city center.
Praia Fluvial de Golães
At 11 km from the center, there’s another beautiful river beach with great access and a bar
Praia Fluvial do Barco
Once a festival site, it remains a great spot for warm days with easy access and an on-site bar.
Praia Fluvial de Airão
Another accessible beach with picnic areas is just a few kilometers from the center.
However, if you’re willing to drive a bit farther, we invite you to visit Fafe, where you’ll find the well-known Queimadela Dam, which offers a beautiful river beach, boardwalks leading to a waterfall, and an even more secluded river beach.
Also in Fafe you can visit the Water Park that will, for sure, be a fun activity, specially if you have small kids
So, these are just some suggestions to visit Guimrães differently, specially if you want a getaway from the traditional and the city
Are you ready to Break Free?
If you have more time in this magnificent area of Portugal, you can't miss Geres National Park and Fisgas de Ermelo
