Maia

Maia's history started a thousand years ago. In the Middle Ages, as the settlement of the valley of Leça river and of the Douro estuary developed, the land of Maia stood out for its agricultural wealth and also other resources. The genesis of Maia intersects with the foundation of the nationality, because there are associations of Prince Afonso Henriques' education to the Mendes da Maia family, to which Gonçalo Mendes da Maia, the "Lidador", who later became the city's face, belonged. Many of the sails of the Portuguese Discoveries caravels must have come directly from the local "linhares" hands. The charter was granted by D. Manuel in the 16th century. In 1836 Maia became autonomous, but it was then extincted 21 years later. Its elevation to county took place in August 23rd 1986. Maia is currently composed of 17 parishes and is a county of contrasts, marked by both rural and urban/business areas, being the industrial zone one of the largest in the country. In addition to hosting the second most important airport of the country – Francisco Sá Carneiro international airport, it is also crossed by the main entrances to the neighboring cities and is the crossing point of the surface subway. Environment, education, sports and culture are sectors that mark the constant development of this county and that put it among the most important municipalities of Porto's district.

What to do in Maia

Where to eat in Maia

Where to sleep in Maia

Hotel Pransor
Hotel Pransor

2 star

Modern hotel, located at the service area of Águas Santas, with 29 simple rooms.

Ar e Sol
Ar e Sol

2 star

A booarding-house located close to the airport, with 12 small rooms equipped with telephone and cable TV.

Pensão Areosa
Pensão Areosa

3rd Category

A small boarding-house with 21 rooms, equipped with TV and telephone.

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