Valenca is as far north in Portugal that you can travel by train and is deep within the lush Minho region of Portugal. The town is set in an idyllic location, surrounded by craggy mountains and wide rivers, and the Rio Minho forms the natural border with Spain.
Valenca was historically the focal point for the defence of northern Portugal from its larger neighbour, and along the banks of the slow flowing river, a massive fortification was constructed to deter invasion. Today the Spanish invasion is of a different form, as hordes of bargain hunting Spanish flock to the city to purchase cheap linear and cloth items.
The Valenca Fortaleza is one of the most impressive fortifications in northern Portugal, and the multilayers of battlements and bastions encompass the entire historic centre. This historic centre is scenic and characterful, while the newer residential section of the city is drab and best simply avoided.
For tourists Valenca offers an extensive fort complex to explore, a delightful historic centre and the chance to stroll across the river into Spain. As Valence is the final stop on the regional railway it does not require a rental car to explore and can be easy visited as a day trip from Viana do Castelo.
Exploring the labyrinth of fortifications, submerged passages and jutting watchtowers
• The view from the Baluarte Do Carmo (Carmo Bulwark) across the Rio Minho river to the Spanish fortified rival town of Tui
• Crossing the Ponte Internacional bridge into Spain and the view of the impregnatable Valenca Fortaleza from Spanish lands
• The baroque Igreja de Santo Estevão and the unique painting of Mary feeding baby Jesus
• The numerous textile and linen shops selling high-quality products
in portoportugalguide
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