Amarante on the Tamega River

In southern Europe, in the country of Portugal, on the banks of the Tamega River, you’ll find the charming small town of Amarante.

You can cross the Tamega River using the San Goncalo Bridge built in 1790. The granite Ponte de Sao Goncalo Bridge is a symbol of the town’s heroic defense against the French. This event is noted on a plaque at the southeastern end of the bridge. The bridge is the visual centerpiece of Amarante. The original bridge was built in the 13th century but collapsed during a flood in 1763 and the one found here now was constructed in 1790.

Take a wonderful stroll by the river along the cobbled path found along the north bank. A perfect spot for picnicking or just relaxing can be found on a rocky outcrop that overlooks the rapids 400m east of the bridge.

This bridge will take you to the Sao Goncalo Convent, which was named after the local patron saint, who was the protector of marriages. The building of the convent began in 1540 and was completed in 1620. It has an elaborate Renaissance portal and is topped by a red cupola. Next to the church’s photogenic, multi-tiered, Italian Renaissance side portal is an arcaded gallery with statues from the 17th century of Dom Joao, Sebastiao, Herique, and Felipe I the kings, who ruled during the time the monastery was under construction. In the 18th century, a bell tower was added. Inside are a fascinating gilded Baroque altar and pulpits, an organ casing that is held up by fish-tailed giants, and the tomb of Goncalo, located in a tiny chapel to the left of the altar. Tradition says that those who are looking for a mate will get their wish granted in one year if they touch the statue on the tomb.

The Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso Museum of Contemporary Art is housed in one of the cloisters. Here you can see an eclectic collection that includes sketches and paintings by Cubist artist Souza-Cardoso, who was born in Amarante.

Another impressive church built in the 18th century is Sao Pedro Church. This church has a Baroque facade that is decorated with statues of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. In the interior, the nave is decorated with blue and yellow tiles from the 17th century and there’s a chestnut wood ceiling that has intricate carving in the sacristy.

Do some exploring in the Old Town where you can see lovely 16th and 18th-century houses. Many of these houses are surrounded by wooden balconies. You can relax at some of the cafes and restaurants many of which have views of the river. If you like you can rent a boat and enjoy some rowing on the river.

Parc Florestal de Amarante is located on the left bank of the Tamega River. It was landscaped in 1916 and has hundreds of exotic trees such as ginkgos. The park has playgrounds, a man-made cascade, aviaries, and a large pen with deer. You can stroll along the path in the woodland along moss-covered rocks. Along a stone path, you can step down to the river and out to a small rocky island.

Ecopista do Tamaga was inaugurated in 2013. It is a paved cycle path that links Amarante with the town of Arco de Baulhe, 35 km upriver. The path follows the course of the old Linha do Tamega railway line and weaves its way through hilly green landscapes with forests and vineyards. The railway stations along the way have been turned into cafes and rest stops.

The station at the starting point, Celorico de Basto, has a hostel, bike rental center, and a small museum. The entire route will take you past old towns, wineries, and castles.

Finally, cool off and relax at the Parc Aquatico de Amarante, a waterpark with many attractions. When the temperatures rise in July and August with no large bodies of water nearby this is where families got to enjoy their summers. You can sunbathe and picnic on the lawns and enjoy the water slide, two large pools, and beautiful views of the Tamega and its wooded valley.