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Viewpoint · Valença, Viana do Castelo
Monte do Faro
Hill to the east of Valença, with the sanctuary of Nossa Senhora do Faro at the top and a viewpoint overlooking the Minho valley, Galicia and, on clear days, the sea.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Monte do Faro
Monte do Faro is a few kilometers east of Valença's center and is the highest point in the region. At the top is the sanctuary of Nossa Senhora do Faro, built by Benedictine monks from the monastery of Ganfei at the end of the 17th century and beginning of the 18th, with the main chapel at the top and the chapel of Santa Ana further down.
Around the chapels there are terraces, stone stairways and old trees, and the viewpoint opens out over the whole Minho valley: the fortress of Valença, Tui, the international bridge, the Galician hills and, on clear days, the ocean.
The hill is also popular for walks and with cyclists who ride up the road to the top. There are tables and picnic areas.
It's an outing for those by car, taking little time and showing Valença from another angle.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour for the sanctuary and the viewpoint.
Best time
On clear days, preferably late afternoon, for the valley view and the sunset.
How to get there
By car, via the road that climbs the hill from Valença, in about 15 to 20 minutes. There is no public transport to the top.
Tip
Go on a clear day: with fog, common in the Minho, the view disappears. Bring a coat, because it's windy at the top.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Monte do Faro
What can you see from Monte do Faro?
The Minho valley, the fortress of Valença, Tui, the international bridge, the Galician hills and, on clear days, the sea.
Do you need a car?
Yes, or a bicycle. There is no public transport to the top.
What is at the top?
The sanctuary of Nossa Senhora do Faro, with chapels, terraces, old trees and the viewpoint.