Arcos de Valdevez

Arcos de Valdevez is an administrative municipality in Viana do Castelo situated where the Vez and Lima rivers meet. The area spans rolling and mountainous landscapes dotted with villages and natural spaces.

Early human settlement dates back approximately 5,000 years, confirmed by burial mounds and rock carvings found at the Gião site. These prehistoric traces show the region was inhabited in ancient times.

The place serves as a gathering point for hill farmers and villagers from outlying areas who come to trade goods and celebrate local festivals. Residents maintain traditional crafts and recipes passed down through generations.

The municipality is easily reached via the EN.101 road and IC.28 highway, offering connections to larger cities in the region. The best time to visit is during festival months when markets are active and village life becomes more lively.

Ancient stone burial chambers from prehistoric times lie scattered throughout the Serra do Soajo mountain range, blending quietly into the landscape. Most visitors overlook these timeless structures while exploring the highland paths of the region.

Location: Viana do Castelo

Inception: January 1, 1515

Capital city: Arcos de Valdevez

Elevation above the sea: 42 m

Shares border with: Paredes de Coura, Ponte de Lima, Ponte da Barca, Lobios, Entrimo, Melgaço, Monção

Phone: +351258520500

Email: geral@cmav.pt

Website: https://cm-arcos-valdevez.pt

GPS coordinates: 41.85000,-8.41667

Latest update: December 20, 2025 12:24