La Fortaleza

Soon you'll understand where this location gets its name. Valenca do Miño is what the nearby town is called. This is a reference to the river, El Miño, which divides the two countries of Spain and Portugal. Although there is a lower area, with shops, restaurants as well as public and private services, most people go exclusively to visit La Fortaleza.

It is located at the top, within a strongly protected central area surroundedwd by several walls. You'll be surprissed to see cars driving all the way up and you'll even see traffic lights. Several of the old porticada entries are marked, depending on where you come in from. When you reach the top, you will be dazzled by the tile facades, popular in Portugal. Everything has that "extravagant" air to it. In the past it was common for people to come to purchase the local wares. Visitors would come buy, above all, ceramic roosters, towels and silverware. Today these items are still popular, but there other items of all kinds for sale too. It's common to see people from all over walking around in the alleys. In recent times some areas have been repaved over so there are modern streets. In high season La Fortaleza is like an anthill, full of people. In the parking areas you see many tourist buses. When they leave, they are loaded with large bags. The vosisors can't resist buying duvets, sheets, and homemade garments. Try to avoid coming on weekends, because an otherwise pleasant visit can become a nightmare. There is a flea market every Wednesday that is popular among Spaniards.

You'll be surprised to see a waiter, (or two), standing at restaurant doors. They're used to picking up customers by approaching them. They politely offer you a little pamphlet menu with prices of dishes. For those of you who don't already know, the most popular local dish is cod, and also, seafood broth rice. You can accompany it with a wine specific to the country, the vinho verde, very well known around the world. Attention! If you read the word "presunto", know that it's a pork product. The homemade dessert, among others, is a kind of pudding. If you start the morning ordering a coffee, accompany it with the local Portuguese cake. It's round, and small, yet dense. It's creamy and quite satisfying. If you sprinkle it with cinnamon, (sometimes it already has it), it's better than better.

I noticed the kindness of the people when they interacted with me. They always thank you, (obrigado!), but many are also good at Spanish. As a fact I would say, for those who are from Galicia, (at least in my experience), they don't call you "galician" specifying or showing an understanding of the different areas of Spain. You're just a Spaniard.

Shops are varied and overall have very good prices. Every time you go, you'll discover a new store. The lower area, in the village, is worth a look. One of the entrance faces a nice grove, (with good shade in the summer), which overlooks a park with a music box. It's always hotter here than it is in Bueu. You can tell you're in the south. Stop at the chapel on the right, when you reach the plain of the upper area. You will also see a "very British" telephone booth and the Church of San Teotonio, on the other side of a murete with a waterfall, it's very refreshing. There is a hotel with the same name. If you leave early and want to make the most of the day, the visit to La Fortaleza may be somewhat limited. I suggest you go down and get back on the road, until you reach Viana do Castelo. I haven't been there in a long time, but I remember my last visit, in the summer. I'll try to tell you what I did and what I saw.

in erasmusu