Attractions and Places To See around Covas - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Covas include a variety of natural landscapes and historical sites, particularly in Portugal. The region is characterized by its river valleys, such as the Lima and Vez, and mountainous terrain. Visitors can explore ancient structures, river beaches, and extensive hiking trails. This area offers diverse opportunities for outdoor activities and cultural discovery.
Best attractions and places to see around Covas
- The most popular attractions is Ponte da Barca Bridge, a bridge that offers access to bike or hiking trails along the river. It is a peaceful place with a large park nearby.
- Another must-see spot is Vez River, a river known for its clean water and opportunities for swimming. This mountain river flows through the land of Arcos de Valdevez.
- Visitors also love Ecovia of the Lima River: Ponte de Barca, a cycle way that features hilly sections and varied terrain. This route is considered beautiful and worth the effort for exploration.
- Covas is known for its historical bridges, scenic rivers, and extensive cycle ways. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from natural features to man-made structures.
- The attractions around Covas are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 19 upvotes and 17 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: July 3, 2026
Ecovia of the Lima River: Ponte de Barca
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Parish Church of Ponte da Barca
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Vez River
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Ecovia of Arcos de Valdevez
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In Lima: on the right bank, from the municipal limit, in Jolda S. Paio to the place of Gândara, parish of Santar, passing through the parishes of Padreiro and Távora, where Quinta de Padreiro and Quinta da Toural are located, respectively.
In Vez: on the right bank, limited to the north by the village of Sistelo and to the south by the place of Prova, parish of Paço.
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Pontão Bemposta
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Tips from the Community
The Igreja Matriz de Ponte da Barca, dedicated to São João Baptista, is one of the most emblematic monuments in Alto Minho, classified as a National Monument since 1910. Its history is marked by reconstructions that transformed a 16th-century temple into a jewel of 18th-century baroque. Source: wikipedia
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- Take a break and go for a swim. - The Bemposta Floating Pier is located on the Lima River. This facility is located near the Lima River Ecovia and is a must-see for kayaking trips down the Lima River, organized by local companies specializing in these activities.
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the river is impeccable, it has very clean water, shade and river beaches
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I recommend bringing a swimsuit. There are areas that deserve a dip ☺️
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The Vez River is a mountain river located at the foot of the Serra do Soajo in the Peneda-Gerês National Park, Portugal. This river flows through the land of Arcos de Valdevez.
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Did this route in summer 2014 and found it easy. Almost all is flat, except very small sections.
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The Ecovia do Vez runs along the Lima and Vez Rivers, covering a total length of 32.5 km. In Lima: on the right bank, from the municipal limit, in Jolda S. Paio to the place of Gândara, parish of Santar, passing through the parishes of Padreiro and Távora, where Quinta de Padreiro and Quinta da Toural are located, respectively. In Vez: on the right bank, limited to the north by the village of Sistelo and to the south by the place of Prova, parish of Paço.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore around Covas?
The Covas region is rich in natural beauty. You can explore the clean waters of the Vez River, which flows through the land of Arcos de Valdevez and offers opportunities for swimming. The area also features extensive forested areas, river valleys like the Lima, and mountainous terrain. Notable natural spots include the Miradouro da Costa da Castanheira viewpoint and the Cascata da Fraga da Pena waterfall.
Are there opportunities for hiking and cycling near Covas?
Yes, the region offers numerous trails for both hiking and cycling. You can enjoy the Ecovia of the Lima River: Ponte de Barca, a cycle way with varied terrain, or the Ecovia of Arcos de Valdevez, which runs along the Lima and Vez Rivers. For more specific routes, you can find various cycling tours in the Cycling around Covas guide and running trails in the Running Trails around Covas guide.
What historical sites can I visit in the Covas area?
Covas boasts a rich history. You can visit the impressive 17th-century Casa do Carboal manor house, the Parish Church of Divino Salvador, or the medieval Chapel of São Gregório in Covas, Vila Nova de Cerveira. The Ponte da Barca Bridge and the Old Bridge of Arcos de Valdevez are also significant historical structures. Further afield, the historical village of Piódão and the Roman Ruins of Bobadela offer glimpses into the past.
Are there any ancient or archaeological sites to explore?
Yes, the region has archaeological significance. In Covas, Vila Nova de Cerveira, you can find archaeological remains at Couço do Monte Furado, including a Roman mining complex where gold and cassiterite were exploited. There are also vestiges of a 'castro' (hillfort) with multiple lines of walls. The Roman Ruins of Bobadela are also located nearby.
Where can I find river beaches or swimming spots?
The Vez River is known for its clean water and offers several spots for swimming, with visitors often recommending bringing a swimsuit. Other popular river beaches in the general vicinity include Praia Fluvial de Avô and the River Beach of Côja.
Are there any scenic viewpoints in the Covas region?
Absolutely. The Miradouro da Costa da Castanheira offers beautiful views. In the Douro Valley area, the São Leonardo de Galafura Viewpoint provides panoramic vistas of the UNESCO World Heritage wine region, and the Miradouro de Casal de Loivos offers incredibly beautiful views of the Douro Valley and Pinhão.
Are there family-friendly activities or attractions around Covas?
Many attractions around Covas are suitable for families. The Ponte da Barca Bridge area has a large park perfect for walks. The Vez River with its clean water and river beaches is great for a family dip. Exploring the historical bridges and ecovias can also be an enjoyable family outing.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Covas?
Visitors particularly appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and the natural beauty of the region. Many enjoy the well-maintained ecovias for cycling and hiking, such as the Ecovia of the Lima River, despite some challenging hilly sections. The clean waters of the Vez River are also a highlight for swimming and relaxation.
When is the best time of year to visit Covas for outdoor activities?
The best time to visit Covas for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling is generally during spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October). During these periods, the weather is typically mild and pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the trails and natural landscapes. Summer can be hot, especially for strenuous activities, but is perfect for enjoying river beaches.
Are there any unique cultural experiences related to the Douro Valley near Covas?
If you venture towards Covas do Douro, you can experience the rich wine culture of the Douro Valley. The Pinhão Railway Station is famous for its azulejos (ceramic tiles) depicting wine harvesting. You can also see the Marco Pombalino, stone markers that historically demarcated the Douro wine region, highlighting its Controlled Denomination of Origin (DOC) wines.
What are some recommended road cycling routes around Covas?
For road cycling enthusiasts, there are several challenging and scenic routes. Options include the 'Ponte da Barca Bridge – Brejoeira Palace loop from Ponte da Barca' (91.2 km, difficult) or the 'Vez River – Ponte da Barca Bridge loop from Ponte da Barca' (70.2 km, difficult). You can find more details and routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Covas guide.
Are there any environmental education centers in the area?
Yes, in Covas, Vila Nova de Cerveira, you can visit the Centro de Educação Ambiental da Ribeira de Pardelhas. This center provides opportunities to learn about the local environment and ecosystems, making it an interesting stop for those interested in nature conservation.
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