Attractions and places to see around Covelas offer a blend of historical sites, natural landscapes, and recreational facilities. Located in a region of Portugal, Covelas provides access to cultural monuments and outdoor activities. The area features river valleys and historical structures, reflecting its heritage and natural beauty. Visitors can explore a variety of points of interest that cater to different preferences.
Last updated: May 20, 2026
Highlight • Religious Site
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Highlight • Monument
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Highlight • Waterfall
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Highlight • Historical Site
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Nearby Tourist Attractions Ave Riverbank Promenade: A riverside walkway, ideal for relaxing strolls. Monte Padrão Hillfort: Ancient ruins for those interested in history and archaeology.
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Highlights and Architecture Main Church: Built between 1659 and 1679, the monastery church is an imposing example of local religious architecture. Cloisters: The monastery has serene cloisters, one of which still displays a Gothic sculpture of the Virgin and Child in one of the corners. Cloister Fountain: In the center of the cloister stands a slender granite fountain with a polylobed basin, dating from 1649. Style: Over the centuries, the monastery has been rebuilt, combining Baroque and Neoclassical elements.
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Opening Hours and Visits The monastery is open for visits, but guided tours of the cloisters and other areas (besides the church) generally require prior booking by telephone with the Santo Tirso City Hall office. General Hours (Church): Daily (Monday to Sunday): 08:00–12:00 and 15:00–19:00. Accessibility: The entrance and parking are wheelchair accessible.
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The Monastery of São Bento, also known as the Monastery of Santo Tirso, is located on the left bank of the Ave River, in the city of Santo Tirso, Portugal. Founded in 978, it belonged to the Benedictine Order and was one of the most powerful monasteries in Portugal. Currently, it is classified as a National Monument.
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The Leça River waterfalls in Refojos de Riba de Ave are a popular destination for nature lovers and hikers. The Leça Valley Trail (Percurso Vale do Leça) runs through the parishes bordering the valley, enjoying the Leça River from Quedas de Fervença to Água Longa.
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Very good course. It has technique and speed and a top track.
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Based on the classic concept of the Arc de Triomphe in three volumes, it nevertheless reflects the simplicity and rectitude of the people of Maia when it uses smooth planes and rectilinear shapes. The side volumes, contrary to what is normal, have openings in a different direction from the central volume, which evokes a pluralism of visions and perspectives that has always been the prerogative of the Maiatos, as well as a unified vision of development, regardless of the cardinal point of the Maia territory. The raw materials also evoke two of its basic characteristics: bronze, which recalls religiosity, but also strength, tenacity and resistance, the paradigm of which is that of church bells; gold recalls the nobility of the Maiatos, but also the dominant colour of the corn cobs, a source of food and the wealth of this fertile land. The three volumes correspond to three fundamental pillars of the Maiata idiosyncrasy: religiosity, work and rural popular culture. The insertion of volumes with rectilinear shapes in a circular space such as the roundabout evokes the foreseen and planned rupture that Maia has experienced since the 1970s, which led to the municipality, from a very modest plan, becoming one of the five most important municipalities in the country, ceasing to be a rural municipality to become truly urban, without however losing the positive aspects of rurality: work, honesty, spirit of sacrifice, volunteerism, love for the land. These characteristics were the reason for the triumph of the people of Maia. A triumph that is embodied and embodied in some immortal winners, such as Lidador, Viscount Barreiros and Doctor José Vieira de Carvalho, as will be in the future all those who are capable, today, of learning from these examples and of building the future based on the foundations of the work and example of these builders of Maia. It celebrates the selfless effort of our People in the construction of our Land, and expresses the triumph of their work, which is clearly evident in the development that the municipality is experiencing.
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This unique equestrian statue was created by the sculptor Lima de Carvalho and was inaugurated on July 9, 1984, as a tribute to the knight Gonçalo Mendes da Maia, one of the glorious soldiers who fought alongside D. Afonso Henriques for the independence and territorial expansion of Portugal. A hero of the Foundation of the Nationality, the first King of Portugal named him his Adeantado (leader of the troops). The nickname “O Lidador” is due to the many victories he achieved in battles against the Moors. Born in 1079, in his youth he was a turbulent and passionate nobleman, and died at the age of 90, fighting the Moors in the Battle of Ourique.
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Nature lovers will enjoy the Leça River Waterfalls, a popular destination for hikers. The Leça Valley Trail runs through the parishes bordering the valley, offering scenic views of the river. The region also features river valleys and natural landscapes, providing opportunities for outdoor exploration.
Yes, Covelas is rich in history. You can visit the Monastery of Saint Benedict, Santo Tirso, a National Monument founded in 978, known for its imposing religious architecture. Another significant historical site is the Alvarelhos Hillfort, an archaeological site with history spanning from the Bronze Age to the medieval period, offering spectacular views. Additionally, the Monument to the Triumph of the People of Maia celebrates the region's heritage and its people's resilience.
The area around Covelas offers diverse outdoor activities. Mountain biking enthusiasts can visit the ProjetoPEDAL Short Track Circuit, designed for initiation and development in the sport. For those who enjoy hiking, there are easy hikes around Covelas, including routes like the Fervença Waterfalls loop. Cyclists can explore various road cycling routes, and runners will find several running trails.
Families can enjoy the ProjetoPEDAL Short Track Circuit, which is a mountain bike park suitable for learning and practicing mountain biking. The Leça River Waterfalls also offer a pleasant natural setting for family walks and exploring. Additionally, many of the easy hiking trails are suitable for families with children.
Popular hiking trails include the Fervença Waterfalls – Leça River Waterfalls loop from Refojos de Riba de Ave, which is an easy 6.2 km route. Another option is the Ecocaminho Mandim–Brandinhães – Ecocaminho Brandinhães–Souto loop from Mandim, an easy 7.2 km trail. You can find more options for easy hikes around Covelas.
Yes, there are several cycling routes. For road cycling, you can find routes like the Chapel of São Brás – Pedestrian Bridge over the Ave River loop from São Romão (75.4 km, difficult) or the Future Sanctuary of Balazar – Famalicão Cycle Path loop from Trofa (38.7 km, moderate). Explore more road cycling routes around Covelas.
The region's annual cycle, from cherry season to grape harvest, offers different experiences throughout the year. For hiking and outdoor activities, spring and autumn generally provide pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can be warm, ideal for river activities, while winter might be cooler but still suitable for some trails.
Absolutely. The Alvarelhos Hillfort offers spectacular views of the surrounding area. The Leça River Waterfalls area also provides scenic vistas along the Leça Valley Trail. If you venture towards the Douro River, areas like Quinta da Covela offer singular natural beauty with terraced vineyards.
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical depth and natural beauty. The Monastery of Saint Benedict is praised for its historical significance and architecture, while the Leça River Waterfalls are loved by nature enthusiasts for their serene environment and hiking opportunities. The ProjetoPEDAL Short Track Circuit is popular for its dedicated mountain biking facilities.
The historical sites around Covelas offer unique insights into Portuguese heritage. The Monastery of Saint Benedict, Santo Tirso, for example, is a National Monument with a history dating back to 978, showcasing a blend of Baroque and Neoclassical elements. The Alvarelhos Hillfort provides a glimpse into ancient settlements from the Bronze Age, offering a profound sense of history in an unfenced, accessible setting.
Yes, there are several running trails. You can find moderate running loops from São Mamede (8.3 km) or Azenha loop from Trofa (11.3 km). For more options, check out the running trails around Covelas.
Yes, the Monastery of Saint Benedict, Santo Tirso, has wheelchair accessible entrance and parking. The Monument to the Triumph of the People of Maia is also noted as wheelchair accessible.


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