Arouca

Belonging to Aveiro' district, but with Porto as the city of reference at all levels, Arouca lived and developed in its monastery's shadow. Built in the 10th century, the monastery lived times of splendor after the inclusion in D. Mafalda, daughter of King Sancho I, religious community, who was later, in the 18th century, beatified. For centuries it was the main pole of economic dynamism in the region, but there are many more places of interest. Rich in worldwide recognized geological and archaeological goods, there are several must-see locations in the county: the Frecha da Mizarela, the Serra da Freita waterfalls and river beaches of the Paiva river, the parideiras stones, the trilobites fossils in Ordovician, the Roman remains of the mining extraction and a number of picturesque villages that are a delight for the eyes and for the soul, such as Albergaria, Mizarela, Castanheira, Tebilhão, Drave and Regoufe, among others. And to better enjoy the visit, there is a network of 13 hiking routes, covering the various areas of historic interest and scenic heritage, at your disposal. Irresistible is also the traditional gastronomy of the region. The arouquesa meat from animals reared in freedom, on the Serra da Gralheira slopes, and fed with natural vegetation without recourse to rations, makes all the difference and provides a superior quality to the local dishes. The veal and lamb recipes are the most typical dishes, always accompanied, of course, by the typical vinho verde wine! And if this meat is a temptation, so are the conventual sweets, an inheritance of the nuns who inhabited the monastery for centuries. Sweet chestnuts, manjar de língua (sweet made with cow tongue), roscas (kind of sweet bread) e charutos de amêndoa (cigar-shaped sweets filled with eggs and almonds), barrigas de freira (kind of mousse made with bread, eggs and almonds), morcelas doces (sausage-shaped fried sweets) e bola de S. Bernardo (cake made with bread) are some examples of the richness of Aroucas' conventual sweets.

What to do in Arouca

Travel Guide

Up to date tourist information about the city's top attractions

The 10 Best Walkways in Portugal to Explore Nature

From the north to the south of Portugal, from the coastal strip to the countryside, walkways are an increasingly strong…

Where to eat in Arouca

Where to sleep in Arouca

Hotel Rural Quinta de Novais
Hotel Rural Quinta de Novais

In an old farm, with approximately 2 hectares and spread over five restored buildings in the primitive moth sec. XVIII is installed, turned to the serra da Fre…

Casa de Cela
Casa de Cela

18TH century historic house, with large gardens, swimming pool and tennis court. Has nine comfortable rooms. The rural land, walled, stimulate readings, walks …

Near Arouca

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Castelo de Paiva

Castelo de Paiva


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Oliveira de Azeméis

Oliveira de Azeméis


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Ílhavo

Ílhavo


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