Towns and Villages

Situated between the banks of the River Douro and the Serra de Montemuro, it was here that the first king of Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques (1139-85), was brought up by his tutor D. Egas Moniz, who was the lord of this region in the twelfth century.

The region is very cool and green, and there are several beaches along the river close to the Carrapatelo dam, ideal for those who enjoy water sports.

Everywhere there are traces to be found of the region's occupation in prehistoric times, whilst the Romanesque period can be appreciated in the churches of Escamarão and Santa Maria Maior at Tarouquela.