Marco de Canaveses: Travel and tourism

A predominantly agricultural county, it is situated at one of the most fertile zones of the Douro region where the soils favour the production of vinho verde (sparkling green wine), olive-oil, fruits, chestnuts and corn.

The county is also marked by the presence of two big rivers, the Douro and the Tâmega, which delimit the county and give it animation and vitality.

Thus, fans of water sports will enjoy fishing, sailing, windsurfing and canoeing at the lakes created by the dams of Carrapatelo and Torrão, which also offer unforgettable sceneries.

The region boasts of fine manor-houses, often rising on slopes overlooking the Douro river, such as the Casa de Agrelos, with a 17th-century chapel and a 19th-century tower, at Santa Cruz do Douro, or the great Casa de Carrapatelo, at Penhalonga, among many others.

At São Nicolau, close to Marco de Canavezes, the historical nucleus is worth visiting and includes the Church of Saint Nicholas, the Chapel of Saint Lazarus, the stone cross of the Lord of the Good Passage and the manors of Cruz and Prado.

The seat of the county, Marco de Canavezes, is a pleasant city proud of its traditions and architectural patrimony, including the Church of Saint Mary, the pillory and the Tower of Vinhal.

Close to the town, many archaeological remains have been found, such as several cromlechs on the hills and great rocks with inscriptions and drawings near the parish of Penhalonga.

The county handicrafts offer works in copper, basketry, lace and embroideries and typical straw hats.

As for the gastronomy, visitors will find a succulent roast kid with rice, lamprey (eel-like fish) and regional sweet foods such as pão-de-ló (a kind of sponge-cake) and cavacas (small crisp cakes), besides good «green wines».