Vila Nova de Foz Côa is a small town in inland Portugal, famous for its two UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
- Côa Valley Archaeological Park – One of the largest and most important archaeological sites in the Iberian Peninsula, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998, thanks to its impressive prehistoric rock engravings.
- Alto Douro Wine Region—This UNESCO site is shared with several other municipalities and is best known for its vineyard cultivation, which dates back more than 2,000 years. Winemaking has been taking place in the region since Roman times, which is where the famous Port wine comes from.
However, Foz Côa and the surrounding region have much more to offer than engravings and vineyards. Located just a few kilometers from the Spanish border, it has a rustic charm that will win over anyone. It offers a unique combination of nature, history, and culture.
This article explores what to visit in Foz Côa, including the famous rock engravings, the Alto Douro Wine Region, hikes, viewpoints, and castles.
What to Visit in Vila Nova de Foz Côa?
Prehistoric Rock Engravings
The rock engravings are the main reason why Foz Côa has become a popular destination, and exploring the Côa Valley’s prehistoric art is an experience you shouldn’t miss when visiting the region.
Guided tours take you thousands of years back in time, revealing impressive traces of prehistoric art. These engravings—mostly of horses and cattle, but also human and abstract figures—date between 22,000 and 10,000 BCE.
Although there are hundreds of archaeological sites with engravings, the main ones open to visitors are:
- Canada do Inferno – Known for its striking depictions of animals and human figures.
- Penascosa – Offers a detailed look at the techniques used by our ancestors. Tours begin at the visitor center in the village of Castelo Melhor.
- Ribeira de Piscos – Stands out for its well-preserved engravings and stunning surrounding landscape.
Visits are conducted by off-road vehicle and on foot, departing from the Côa Museum (Canada do Inferno and Ribeira de Piscos) and from the Castelo Melhor (Penascosa) visitor center. Each tour costs €18.00 per person.
It’s recommended to book tours in advance, especially during peak seasons. If you plan to visit Foz Côa, we suggest reading our article: How to Visit the Foz Côa Engravings.
Please note that visiting the engravings without a guide is impossible.
Côa Museum
The Côa Museum is one of the largest museums in Portugal and a must-visit for anyone wanting to learn more about the rock art and its history.
Opened in 2010, the museum uses cutting-edge technology to present the Paleolithic engravings—dating from 22,000 to 10,000 BCE—found along the Côa River. It also features a fascinating gallery dedicated to the engravings, the controversial Côa Dam, and the site’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Perched on a hilltop near the confluence of the Douro and Côa rivers, the museum building was designed to blend harmoniously into the landscape, reflecting the site’s historical and cultural significance. It’s located about 3 km (1.9 miles) from the town of Foz Côa, making it a bit far to walk.
We loved visiting this museum, but it’s important to mention that it doesn’t replace the guided tours to the engravings. Instead, it’s an excellent complement. We strongly recommend doing both activities.
Côa Walkways (Passadiços do Côa)
The Côa Walkways are a very different attraction, but just as fascinating. Starting at the Côa Museum, the trail runs for 930 meters (just over half a mile) down to the old Côa railway station, which is now inactive.
Although the distance is relatively short, be aware that it includes many stairs and a steep elevation change. Visitors face around 890 steps and a 160-meter (525-foot) elevation difference. But the reward? Stunning views over the Côa and Douro River valleys, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The views are fantastic, so we highly recommend this walk to anyone who can handle the nearly 900 steps down and back up.
Historic Center of Foz Côa
The historic center of Vila Nova de Foz Côa is small but charming and perfect for exploring on foot. At the heart of town, the Town Square (Praça do Município) is home to the impressive Main Church (Igreja Matriz), dedicated to Nossa Senhora do Pranto. Its Manueline façade and painted wooden interior are well worth a closer look. The pillory and town hall are next door, completing the square’s picturesque setting.
The Main Street, which links the center’s entrance to the square, is pedestrian-only and quite lively, with cafés, terraces, and shops. As you stroll along, look for representations of the region’s prehistoric engravings etched into the traditional Portuguese pavement—one of our favorite details!
Another highlight is the Clock Tower (Torre do Relógio), which dates back centuries and offers a glimpse into the village’s past.
Pocinho and the Douro Railway Line
One thing to remember when visiting Foz Côa is that one of the best ways to get there is by train, via the Douro railway line. The line currently ends at Pocinho, less than 10 km (6 miles) from Foz Côa, and the train ride is considered one of the most scenic in Portugal.
It’s not the fastest way to reach Foz Côa, but it’s certainly one of the most beautiful. If you have the time, we recommend taking this journey. Our article about the Douro Line provides more information.
Although Pocinho is the ideal entry point to explore Foz Côa and the world’s oldest demarcated wine region, it’s a quiet village. The Pocinho Dam and the train station are the main sights, but you can also find Douro River cruises offering breathtaking views of the Alto Douro Wine Region.
To get from Pocinho to Foz Côa, you’ll need to take a bus or a taxi.
N222
The N222 national road has gained a reputation for being one of the most beautiful roads in the world. In our opinion, it isn’t the most beautiful, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a fantastic road to drive.
Starting in Vila Nova de Gaia and ending in Almendra (Foz Côa), this 226 km (140-mile) route crosses stunning landscapes, making it a delightful way to reach Foz Côa while exploring its natural beauty.
Along the N222, you’ll pass incredible viewpoints like the Coração da Pesqueira and drive near some of the most emblematic destinations in Portugal, such as Régua and Pinhão.
Although the entire road is quite scenic, we particularly enjoy the stretch between Régua and Pinhão, where the route follows the river’s south bank, and the climb up to Ervedosa do Douro. From there, you can fully appreciate the scale and beauty of the terraced vineyards carved into the Douro Valley.
As you approach Foz Côa, the road passes close to villages like Numão, Freixo de Numão, and Castelo Melhor, finally ending in Almendra, a small historic village in the municipality. All these places are worth visiting, but Castelo Melhor truly stands out.
So, even though it’s a national road, the N222 is a travel experience in itself, offering visitors the chance to explore the culture, history, and unique landscapes of the Douro region.
Castelo Melhor
Castelo Melhor is a picturesque village known for its rich historical and cultural heritage. It offers visitors an authentic experience of Portugal’s interior.
Its main highlight is undoubtedly the castle—a medieval fortress dating back to the 13th century. Though now in ruins, the castle still offers stunning panoramic views and can be explored with some freedom, though caution is advised.
The fortress sits at 450 meters (1,475 feet) of altitude and features an irregular polygonal layout, with schist walls and a round tower on the northern side. A triple-arched doorway on the northwest side provides access to the interior, where you’ll find traces of a circular cistern and the ruins of rectangular buildings.
The village is also a pleasure to walk through, with many schist houses that enhance its authenticity and give it a distinctly historic atmosphere.
Castelo Melhor is also the starting point for visits to the Panascosa rock engravings we mentioned earlier.
Almond Blossom Festival
The Almond Blossom Festival is a unique opportunity to experience the culture, traditions, and natural beauty of Vila Nova de Foz Côa. It’s held from mid-February to early March, coinciding with the almond trees in bloom, which tint the landscape in shades of white and pink.
The village streets are decorated with flowers, adding even more charm to their picturesque scenery. In our opinion, this is one of the best times to visit Foz Côa. The weather is usually mild, and the blooming almond trees give the landscape a unique look.
The festival typically includes concerts, handicraft and food fairs, and various cultural and sports activities. Entry is free.
Other Things to Do Near Foz Côa
International Douro
For many travelers, the International Douro is still one of Portugal’s best-kept secrets. Here, the Douro cliffs become truly dramatic, with incredible viewpoints and charming villages and small towns to visit. We particularly like Freixo de Espada à Cinta, the Penedo Durão viewpoint, and Miranda do Douro.
Tunnels Route (Camino de Hierro)
The Tunnels Route (Camino de Hierro) is a hiking trail from La Fregeneda to Barca d’Alva, right on the border between Portugal and Spain. This trail is famous for its series of old railway tunnels and bridges, which offer unique and breathtaking views.
The trail lies on the Spanish side and ends at the former railway bridge connecting Barca d’Alva to Spain. Still, it’s a spectacular route and a must for any hiking lover.
You can find all the practical information you need to hike the Tunnel Route/Camino de Hierro here.
Where to Stay in Foz Côa
It’s possible to take a day trip by car to Foz Côa from Porto. However, it’s a long trip and will only give you time to do a rock art tour and visit the museum.
If you can, we recommend spending at least one night in Vila Nova de Foz Côa and exploring more of the area. The Upper Douro is absolutely stunning, but the International Douro is just as impressive—in fact, we think it’s one of the most beautiful and underrated regions in Portugal.
- HI Vila Nova de Foz Côa – Youth Hostel
This modern, comfortable hostel is just a 5-minute walk from the center of town. It offers private rooms and dorms, which is probably the best choice for backpackers. Click to book your stay!
- Hotel Vale do Côa
This hotel is a bit pricier in the center of Foz Côa. We recommend it for travelers who prefer not to stay in hostels and are happy to pay more for added comfort. The rooms are lovely—nothing extraordinary, but solid. Book here!
- Casa do Tablado – Foz Côa
This is our pick for anyone who prefers staying in a private home rather than a hotel or hostel. It’s perfect for families or couples looking for a more intimate and cozy space. Its excellent reviews on Booking speak for themselves. Check it out here!
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