Amarante
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AMARES

Situated between the Homem and Cávado rivers sits the lovely village of Amares. The location is mountainous and rural, yet only twelve kilometres from Braga. MADABOUTPORTO.COM is your essential guide to where to sleep, where to eat, what to see and how to get there.

Famed for its oranges and of cause Vinho Verde. Evidence of human habitation in the area date back to the Iron age. Evidence can be found at two nearby hill forts. The village was also situated on a Roman road that linked Astorga with Braga.

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Amares

Igreja de Ferreiros

The area was influenced in medieval times greatly by two religious orders; the Order of Saint Benedict, which established the Rendufe Monastery in the 11th century and the Cistercian Order, which built Santa Maria do Bouro Monastery in the 12th century. The latter is now a Pousada well-loved by walkers due to its close proximity to the Peneda-Gerês national park. Restored by the acclaimed architect Eduardo Souto de Moura, who managed to update the building's facilities to accommodate guests whilst retaining its charm and original features. Another monastery of the area is the Nossa Senhora da Abadia dating from the 18th century.

The therapeutic waters of Caldas do Gerês Thermal Baths can be found close by in the national park. Situated in an idyllic spot surrounded by lakes and mountains, the waters here have been famous within Portugal since Roman times. Construction of the existing building was started by Dom Joâo V. The resort became fashionable with royalty in the 19th century.

The region is scarcely populated. Amares is the administrative centre for the area's agriculture. It offers the visitor a tranquil escape from the hubbub of Braga and a good base for exploring the National Park.

PONTE DO PORTO

The Ponte do Porto (also known as Ponte de Prozelo) takes its name from the old Galician-Portuguese word for "Crossing Point" - Port. Situated on the Cávado river, there have been river crossings at this point since antiquity. This current bridge was constructed sometime during the middle of the 14th century and became a national monument in 1910.

Built of local granite and consisting of eleven arches of unequal widths. The bridge spans 150 metres (490ft) over the River Cávado. Legend states that the bridge was first built to aid the conquest of the lands on the southern bank. Whilst the men were busy with the battle, the women from Terras de Bouro, some 30km away, brought the stones for its construction. | 41° 36′ 58″ N | 08° 20′ 33″ W

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Ponte do Porto

Ponte do Porto

SANTUÁRIO DE NOSSA SENHORA DE ABADIA

Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Abadia

Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Abadia

The earliest construction here dates way back to the 7th & 8th centuries. If proven, it would be the oldest such sanctuary in Portugal. These were followed by a 12th-century construction that served as a convent, neither of which remain today. The current sanctuary was constructed during the 17th and 18th centuries.

The sanctuary was built in the style of the area. Sharing some similarities with the sanctuary of Bom Jesus of Braga, the Abadia Sanctuary was constructed with eight chapels positioned along a steep path that represents the life of Christ. Situated within the churchyard stands the house of offerings and shelters for pilgrims.

Also situated here is the museum of sacred art - O Museu do Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Abadia, a must see after visiting the sanctuary. If closed, the key can be obtained at the "Casa Das Ofertas" for a token charge. The museum also explains how the pilgrims slept within their quarters. The sanatoriums tranquil location makes it an ideal spot for a walk through the countryside and take advantage of the picnic areas.

Santa Maria de Bouro, 4720-643 Vilela, Amares, Portugal. | 41° 40' 30.8" N | 08° 15' 28.1" W
+351 938 039 504

TOP TOURS AROUND AMARES

Peneda-Gerês Hiking & Sightseeing

Peneda-Gerês Hiking & Sightseeing

This private sightseeing tour will enable you to explore the nature and culture of the Peneda-Gerês National Park in a single day. You will be exploring the villages, mountains, rivers and waterfalls of the park, which has a kind of scenery which is hard to find anywhere else. Besides the landscapes, fauna and flora and the numerous wild rivers which form some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Portugal, it has a rich culture, history and heritage. Its monuments date back before the birth of the nation. Its villages still retain their peculiar culture and traditions, and villagers still live as their ancestors did.


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Gerês National Park Tour with Picnic

Gerês National Park Tour with Picnic

Immerse yourself in Portugal’s wild landscape on this full-day small-group tour of Gerês National Park from Porto. You’ll hike up part of the mountain ranges of Peneda, Soajo, Amarela and Gerês, stopping to admire the Cávado river and Arado waterfall along the way. Enjoy a picnic lunch in Gerês village and admire the gorgeous surrounding scenery as you rest. The rest of the day will feature stops at picturesque Pedra Bela, Portela do Homem and the natural hot springs of Lobios, just over the Spanish border. This small-group tour ensures a more personalised experience. Free hotel pickup and drop-off included. Small-group tour by minibus led by a local guide.

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Gerês Waterfall Trek from Porto

Gerês Waterfall Trek from Porto

Explore Portugal’s only national park on this full-day trek of Peneda-Gerês National Park, departing from Porto. Venture into the unknown on a thrilling 4x4 ride, as your cruise into the countryside. Admire Portugal’s natural beauty, including mountains and photo-worthy waterfalls and learn about the region from your knowledgeable guide. Savour a picnic lunch while you take in the sites:
• A full-day exploration of Peneda-Gerês National Park
• Enjoy a scenic picnic lunch surrounded by nature
• See the stunning Gerês Waterfall
• Get an insider’s scoop on the local area
• Ride in a 4x4 vehicle for a thril

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SANTO ANDRÉ DE RENDUFE MONASTERY

Probably originating from the 12th century, the Benedictine Monastery and associated church underwent extensive renovation during the 18th century. Inside is an impressive collection of gold carvings in the rococo style. Located within the courtyard is a stone-carved fountain and its 18th-century garden are also worthy of recommendation. The monastery was classified as Property of Public Interest since 1943.

4720-627 Rendufe AMR, Amares, Braga, Portugal.
41° 37' 20.4" N | 08° 23' 27.5" W
+351 253 222 670
dgpc@dgpc.pt |  Website


Santo André de Rendufe Monastery

Santo André de Rendufe Monastery

CALDAS DO GERÊS THERMAL BATHS

Caldas do Gerês Thermal Baths

Caldas do Gerês Thermal Baths

Situated in the Peneda Gerês National Park, the Caldas do Gerês Thermal Baths, great for those people who wish to improve their physical and mental health, beauty and self-esteem, whilst taking in the inspiration of the natural landscape that surrounds the complex. Enjoy the diet of the Mineral Water Gerês along with typical products of the region, inhale the aromas of pine and lilies of the Sierra, the detoxifying effect of the purifying and hydrating Honey Gerês and power anti-inflammatory and anti-stress Hypericum Gerês: a genuine all-round sensory experience.

Termas & Spa do Gerês, Av. Manuel Francisco da Costa, 4845-069, Gerês, Portugal.
41° 43' 43.7" N | 08° 09' 43.3" W
+351 255 431 036
hotel@aguasdogeres.pt |  Website

SUGGESTED HOTELS

Quinta Solar das Bouças

Quinta Solar das Bouças

Located in Amares, 22 miles from Geres, Quinta Solar das Bouças provides a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and free WiFi. Some units are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a washing machine and a kettle, completed with a kitchen. A continental breakfast is available daily at the country house. Quinta Solar das Bouças offers a barbecue. After a day of hiking, cycling or fishing, guests can relax in the garden or in the shared lounge area.

1415 Rua do Crasto, 4720-614 Amares, Portugal .
41° 37 02.8" N | 08° 22' 56.4" W

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Pousada Mosteiro de Amares

Pousada Mosteiro de Amares ★ ★ ★ ★

Get the celebrity treatment with world-class service at Pousada Mosteiro de Amares. Situated between Braga and the Gerês Mountain Range, this luxurious hotel is a former Cistercian Monastery of the XII century. Facilities include an outdoor pool and a tennis court. All rooms at Pousada Mosteiro de Amares feature panoramic mountain views. The rooms are equipped with cable TV, a minibar, and an en suite bathroom. Guests can enjoy local Portuguese dishes as well as international cuisine in the restaurant. It is also possible to dine outside on the terrace with panoramic views. Activities available near Pousada Mosteiro de Amares include canoeing, fishing, hiking, and horse riding.

Mosteiro Santa Maria do Bouro, 4720-633 Bouro, Portugal.
41° 39' 32.9" N | 08° 16' 15.5" W

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Casa do Notário

Casa do Notário

Located in Amares in the Norte region, Casa do Notário has a patio and garden views. The property is 13.7 miles from Geres, and complimentary private parking is provided. The holiday home features two bedrooms, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a microwave and a fridge, a washing machine, and three bathrooms with a bidet. The holiday home offers a terrace. Guests at Casa do Notário can enjoy hiking and fishing nearby or make the most of the garden.

Rua de Santa Marta, n.º 988 Bouro Santa Marta, 4720-666 Amares, Portugal.
41° 40' 27.6" N | 08° 17' 11.5" W

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Restaurante Recanto da Minhota

Restaurante Recanto da Minhota

Offering dining areas both inside and on a terrace to suit the season, this family-run restaurant has built its reputation over decades. Specialising in local and grilled dishes such as Ribs, Duck Rice, Octopus "a La Lagareiro", Codfish with smashed potatoes.

Mondays - Fridays: 19h00 - 22h00, Weekends: 12h00 - 22h00, open all day during peak season
Rua de Cavaleiros 9, 4720-116 Amares, Portugal.
41° 37'' 38.1" N | 08° 20' 42.9" W
+351 253 992 5784


Troia Restaurante

Troia Restaurante

A modern, clean, bright and comfortable establishment. They specialise in all that is best in local cuisines. Plenty of dining space both inside and out. Enjoy fine dining at reasonable prices. The staff are friendly and accommodating.

Daily: 07h00 - 02h00
Rua 25 de Abril, nº27, 4720-393 Ferreiros, Amares, Portugal.
41° 37' 50.4" N | 08° 21' 31.9" W
+351 969 683 779
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Restaurante A Rival

Restaurante A Rival

The restaurant is housed in a rustic house of typically Minho style. Leitão is their speciality. They also offer a great choice of local cuisine. It also has a broad wine list.

Daily: 12h00 - 15h00/19h00 - 22h00
Rua Marques do Rego 2, Amares 4720-349 Portugal.
41° 37' 42.7" N | 08° 21' 45.3" W
+351 962 371 874

Amares is 70km (43 miles) from Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport PORTO. Website

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50 minutes from Porto along the A3. 20 minutes from Braga along the N205-4.

Latitude - 41' 37' 51" N Longitude - 08° 21'' 22.6" W

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