Monção

Monção is delimited by the fertile Minho river and the rugged Peneda and Extremo mountains. Its privileged location has meant that its valleys were from an early age sought after for agriculture, while its mountains were used for grazing. The date of its foundation is not widely accepted among historians: some argue that it was founded in 2104 bc by the Assyrians, while others associate its foundation to a Greek named Baco, who must have arrived in 1374 bc and gave to it the name of Orosion – the holy mountain. Monção was virtually unnoticed and was not given great importance until the reign of Dom Sancho I. At this point, however, it gained notoriety for being a strategic place in the defensive line against Castile and was fortified. Viniculture is currently its main source of livelihood with the production of the famous Alvarinho wine. In gastronomy stand out the cabrito assado à moda de Merufe (Merufe-style roast kid), the pork sausages, the sarrabulho (kind of porridge made with different meats and blood) and the trutas à moda da Portela (Portela-style trout dish).

What to do in Monção

Travel Guide

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

12 thermal spas and hot springs in Portugal to Improve Your Health and Well-being

Take advantage of the healing powers of the hot springs that abound throughout Portugal. As the old saying goes, a heal…

Where to eat in Monção

Where to sleep in Monção

Solar de Serrade
Solar de Serrade

Keeping the typical architecture of the Alto Minho, this villa with chapel date from the mid-17th century, preserving an important collection of furniture, tap…

Casa do Parada
Casa do Parada

Involved by the wine scenario alvarinho, Parade's house belonged to the great-grandfather of the current owners. Is very close to the Western town of Monção, i…

Hotel Fonte da Vila
Hotel Fonte da Vila

3 star

Situated in an area of great scenic beauty, offers 21 fully equipped rooms with free internet access. Offers cafeteria and restaurant, lounge for events, as we…

Near Monção

Arcos de Valdevez

Arcos de Valdevez


Arcos de Valdevez is one of the largest municipalities of Portugal, being composed of 51 parishes, most of which are part of the Peneda-Gerês mountai…

Caminha

Caminha


It is bounded to the north by the Minho river and to the south by Viana do Castelo. This is the location of Caminha municipality, composed by 20 pari…

Vila Nova de Cerveira

Vila Nova de Cerveira


Vila Nova de Cerveira is strongly influenced by the Minho River, which delimits the entire municipality and provides magnificent views to those who p…

Melgaço

Melgaço


Located in Alto Minho, Melgaço is a mountainous municipality located between the left bank of the Minho river and the Peneda and Soajo mountains. As …