Pedro DominguesVisiting Amares means discovering the birthplace of António Variações, the famous and irreverent Portuguese singer and artist. It’s also where you’ll find some of the most stunning monasteries in northern Portugal, such as the Monastery of Santa Maria de Bouro and the Monastery of Santo André de Rendufe.
Personally, I went to Amares for the landscapes. I was blown away by the viewpoint at São Pedro de Fins and stumbled upon spectacular hidden spots along the Cávado and Homem rivers.
In this article, I’ve gathered all the attractions I visited to help you plan your own trip.
Where is Amares located, in Portugal?
Amares is located in the district of Braga, bordering Terras de Bouro, Vieira do Minho, Póvoa de Lanhoso, Braga, and Vila Verde. What really makes it stand out is its unique setting between two Portuguese rivers: the Cávado River and its tributary, the Homem River.
If you’re planning a trip through the Minho region, of which Amares is a part, you’ll find below a handy list of several nearby municipalities, with links to other articles on this blog.
MORE ARTICLES FROM THE MINHO REGION OF PORTUGAL:
- Minho | Northern Portugal Itinerary
- Peneda Gerês National Park Itinerary
- Best Hikes and Trails in Peneda Gerês National Park
- Best Peneda Gerês National Park Waterfalls and Lagoons
- Serra d'Arga Itinerary
DISTRICT OF VIANA DO CASTELO:
- Things to do in Viana do Castelo
- Things to do in Ponte de Lima
- Things to do in Monção
- Things to do in Valença
- Things to do in Caminha
- Things to do in Sistelo
- Things to do in Soajo and Lindoso
- Things to do in Vila Nova de Cerveira
- Things to do in Ponte da Barca
- Things to do in Paredes de Coura
- Things to do in Arcos de Valdevez
- Things to do in Melgaço
DISTRICT OF BRAGA:
- Things to do in Guimarães
- Things to do in Barcelos
- Things to do in Esposende
- Things to do in Braga
- Things to do in Vizela
- Things to do in Vila Verde
- Things to do in Vila Nova de Famalicão
- Things to do in Vieira do Minho
- Things to do in Terras de Bouro
- Things to do in Póvoa de Lanhoso
- Things to do in Fafe
- Things to do in Amares
When to Visit Amares
You can visit Amares any time of year, but summer is definitely the best season to enjoy its fantastic river beaches along the Cávado and Homem rivers. As for local festivities, the biggest celebration is the Popular Festivities of Saint Anthony, held in June.
Rent a car to visit Amares
For car rentals, I recommend using Discover Cars, since it lets you easily compare prices across different rental companies.
Gastronomy and Restaurants in Amares
Although papas de sarrabulho originated in Ponte de Lima, they’re also an excellent choice in Amares—or anywhere in the Minho region, for that matter. You can also go for the classic codfish (bacalhau) or try arroz de cabidela.
For dessert, anything made with oranges is highly recommended, since Amares is well known for its rich orange production—like the delicious orange pudding (pudim de laranja).
Restaurant tips: Recanto da Minhota and Milho Rei.
Where to stay in Amares?
| Accommodation | Score | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Casa de Chouselas | 9.5 | Vilela |
| Quinta do Rocha | 9.3 | Vilela |
| Pousada Mosteiro de Amares | 8.9 | Bouro |
| Casa d’Amares | 9.7 | Center of Amares |
| Quinta Vale do Homem | 9.0 | Rendufe |
| Quinta do Burgo | 9.4 | Ponte do Porto |
| Casa Lata | 9.6 | Carrazedo |
| Solar das Bouças | 9.2 | Barreiros |
Things to do in Amares
Amares has enough to keep you busy for two days—or even longer. That said, you can cover the main highlights in just one day if you’re short on time. Start by checking out the map in this article, where I’ve marked all the places I mention.
Map with the highlights of Amares
Visit Amares Town Center
You can see the center of Amares in less than an hour. It’s very compact, with most highlights clustered around Largo Dom Gualdim Pais, the heart of the town:
- Amares Main Church (Igreja do Divino Salvador) – also known as the Chapel of the Good Shepherd, built in the early 18th century.
- The remains of the Amares Pillory, along with its replica.
- Francisco de Sá Miranda Municipal Library.
Visit Nossa Senhora da Paz Viewpoint
Right next to Amares, and visible from Largo Dom Gualdim Pais, stands the hill of the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Paz—also known as Monte da Santinha. From here, at nearly 200 meters above sea level, you’ll find the best viewpoint over the town, making it a must-see stop.
Visit São Pedro de Fins Viewpoint and Swing
For an even more breathtaking viewpoint, head to the top of Monte de São Pedro de Fins. Up there you’ll find a unique and visually striking tourist swing—perfect for photos and a touch of adventure. The views are stunning, stretching across the valleys of the Homem and Cávado rivers, as well as the town of Amares, from about 560 meters above sea level.
Monte de São Pedro de Fins is also a popular spot for paragliding, with a dedicated takeoff area.
Visit the Monasteries and Sanctuaries of Amares
In this article, I’ll introduce you to three of Amares’ most important religious landmarks. All three are must-sees, and one of them has even been converted into a pousada (historic inn) where you can spend the night.
1. Monastery of Santa Maria de Bouro
The monastery that was converted into a Pousada is the Monastery of Santa Maria de Bouro. Some areas, like the cloisters, are reserved exclusively for guests, so I wasn’t able to visit them.
Although the current monastery building dates back to the 18th century, records show that a religious temple already stood here in the 12th century. It was likely founded by the Benedictine Order. In the early 13th century, it was taken over by the Cistercians, and that’s when it was dedicated to Santa Maria.
On the church’s main façade, you’ll notice three niches with statues of Saint Benedict, Saint Bernard, and Santa Maria. You’ll also see the royal coat of arms of Portugal and the insignia of the Cistercian Order. Inside, don’t miss the beautiful blue-and-white tiles depicting scenes from the lives of Saint Bernard and Saint Benedict.
Staying overnight at the Pousada Mosteiro de Amares is a unique experience for those who want to immerse themselves in history.
2. Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Abadia
The Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Abadia is considered the oldest Marian sanctuary in Portugal, founded in the 7th or 8th century. Nothing remains of the original sanctuary, however—the current construction dates back to the 18th century.
What I loved most about visiting this site was the surrounding park, with picnic areas, several fountains, and even beautiful waterfalls to explore. Be sure to take a walk through the grounds, and on your way back to the churchyard, visit the small museum of sacred art.
This is a place of pilgrimage and devotion. Visitors can climb up to the altar where the image of Nossa Senhora da Abadia is kept—a statue that, according to legend, was discovered in a cave within the park, which can also be visited.
While you’re here, don’t miss the nearby São Miguel-o-Anjo Viewpoint, which offers breathtaking views of the region.
3. Monastery of Santo André de Rendufe
The last of the three major religious sites is the Monastery of Santo André de Rendufe, which was likely founded in the 11th century. Its present-day appearance also comes from 18th-century renovations. On the façade, you’ll notice the niches with statues of Saint Anthony, Saint Benedict, and Saint Scholastica.
Visit Urjal Village and Swing
Another highlight of Amares is without a doubt the village of Urjal, full of charming rural corners and picturesque scenery. If you’re short on time, simply visiting the village is worthwhile, but I recommend exploring the surrounding spots as well:
- The village of Chã Grande
- 4 Caminhos Picnic Park
- The Urjal Swing
If you enjoy hiking and nature trails, here’s a tip: all of these places can be reached on foot, making it a perfect mini-adventure in the countryside. Go walk PR2 in Amares, with around 14km total.
Visit Solar das Bouças
Solar das Bouças is an 18th-century manor house set in the heart of a Vinho Verde wine estate in northern Portugal.
You can stay overnight here, but even if you don’t, visiting the estate is a must. At the entrance gates, you’ll find a large information board with details about a marked walking trail that guides you through the property.
Along the trail, you’ll pass through several art galleries inside Solar das Bouças, stroll through its gardens and vineyards, and enjoy viewpoints overlooking the Cávado River. The route is about 3 km long, and in my opinion, it’s beautifully designed—I really enjoyed it!
Visit the River Beaches on the Cávado in Amares
If you have the time, go visit the best river beaches along the Cávado in Braga. To be honest, I prefer those over the ones in Amares. If you’ve never experienced the river beaches of the Cávado, I suggest starting with Adaúfe River Beach—it’s the best equipped and most popular in the region!
That said, Amares also has its own river beaches worth checking out:
- Quinta do Rio River Beach, near Parada Bridge—this one was my personal favorite in Amares.
- Barreiros River Beach – located just across the river from Adaúfe (which I think is better!).
- Ombra River Beach – across from Cavadinho River Beach (a wilder, more authentic option).
- Verim River Beach – the most popular and well-known in Amares, with more support facilities.
- Barquinho River Beach.
1. Barreiros river beach
2. Ombra River beach
3. Verim River beach
4. Barquinho river beach
5. Quinta do Rio River beach
Visit the River Beaches on the Homem in Amares
Amares is also bordered by the Homem River, a tributary of the Cávado. Along this river, you’ll find several fantastic river beaches, many of them shared with the neighboring municipality of Vila Verde:
- Torre River Beach
- Moinhos River Beach
- Loureira River Beach
- Moleira River Beach
- Felinhos River Beach
My personal favorite was definitely Loureira River Beach, which technically lies on the Vila Verde side of the river. Another fascinating spot is Moinhos River Beach, where you can see several sunken boats along the riverbank—remnants that spark the imagination about their past.
1. Torre River beach
2. Moinhos River beach
3. Loureira River beach
4. Moleira river beach
5. Felinhos river beach
Visit Caldelas Thermal Baths
If you’d rather enjoy warm thermal waters, Amares also has something for you at the Caldelas Thermal Baths. Their focus is on stress relief, promoting overall well-being, and treating conditions related to the digestive system, skin, and rheumatism.
Other Tourist Spots in Amares
The sites mentioned above are the must-sees, but there are still a few other interesting places scattered around the municipality:
- Chapel of Santo Ovídio, near Caldelas, with a picnic area and viewpoint.
- Old Rodas Bridge, crossing the Homem River.
- Fiscal, the village where António Variações was born—and where he is buried in the local cemetery.
- Old Porto Bridge, spanning the Cávado River.
- Medieval Tower of Dornelas, which is privately owned.
1. Chapel of Santo Ovídio
2. Rodas Bridge over river Homem
3. Fiscal – Hometown of António Variações
4. Porto bridge over Cávado River
5. Medieval Tower of Dornas
What to Visit Near Amares?
From Amares, you can easily head to Vila Verde, Braga, or even Póvoa de Lanhoso. If you’re looking for great hiking trails in nature, the Gerês mountains are also within reach.
And to wrap up this article, I couldn’t resist a brief tribute to António Variações—here’s a video of one of his most famous songs.
MORE ARTICLES FROM THE MINHO REGION OF PORTUGAL:
- Minho | Northern Portugal Itinerary
- Peneda Gerês National Park Itinerary
- Best Hikes and Trails in Peneda Gerês National Park
- Best Peneda Gerês National Park Waterfalls and Lagoons
- Serra d'Arga Itinerary
DISTRICT OF VIANA DO CASTELO:
- Things to do in Viana do Castelo
- Things to do in Ponte de Lima
- Things to do in Monção
- Things to do in Valença
- Things to do in Caminha
- Things to do in Sistelo
- Things to do in Soajo and Lindoso
- Things to do in Vila Nova de Cerveira
- Things to do in Ponte da Barca
- Things to do in Paredes de Coura
- Things to do in Arcos de Valdevez
- Things to do in Melgaço
DISTRICT OF BRAGA:
- Things to do in Guimarães
- Things to do in Barcelos
- Things to do in Esposende
- Things to do in Braga
- Things to do in Vizela
- Things to do in Vila Verde
- Things to do in Vila Nova de Famalicão
- Things to do in Vieira do Minho
- Things to do in Terras de Bouro
- Things to do in Póvoa de Lanhoso
- Things to do in Fafe
- Things to do in Amares
