Top Things to do in Vila Nova de Foz Coa
The 5 Best Things to Do in Vila Nova de Foz Coa, Portugal
Discover the best top things to do in Vila Nova de Foz Coa, Portugal including Vale do Coa Archaeological Park, Museu da Fundacao do Coa, Igreja Matriz de Vila Nova de Foz Coa, DouroTotal, Quinta da Ervamoira.
Restaurants in Vila Nova de Foz Coa
1. Vale do Coa Archaeological Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 80 reviews
Previous booking strongly advised! The Côa valley is a unique place in the world, displaying open-air artistic manifestations from different moments of prehistoric, protohistoric and historic times, namely the greatest assembly of Ice Age open-air engravings presently known. This extraordinary rock art collection is distributed along two main axes: the river Côa and the river Douro, of which the Côa is a tributary. More than a thousand schist outcrops with rock art manifestations are known, in more than 70 different sites, with a predominance of Upper Paleolithic art, followed by motifs belonging to the Iron Age, Historic times and Late Prehistory. As a recognition of the cultural and scientific interest of this group of findings, the Parque Arqueológico do Vale do Côa (Côa Valley Archaeological Park) was created in 1996 and the rock art sites inscribed in UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1998.
Reviewed By Jerry C
One of Portugal's famous Porto School architects designed the terrific Museu do Coa which houses not only items collected from this site but displays worldwide prehistoric rock art over 28,000 years. Fabulous exhibit. Air conditioned and wonderfully designed it attracts 1000's of tour bus/visitors who are unable to book a guided tour of the actual Vale do Coa Archaeological Park. Advanced Reservations for the 2 hour, 4-wheel drive, 8-person max guided tours are mandatory!!! Most of the tour guides speak more than 3 languages, however most tours are limited to Portugese or just one other, by fixed time slots. Only 6-8 4WD Vehicles/Guides total limits site capacity. On our tour, English was only available after 3:30 PM so we joined a French 10:00 AM, and a Portugese 10:30 AM tour. You are drivien to the petroglyph sites, then walk a mile or so on dusty, up/down dirt path. Not suitable for people with walking problems. Some children are allowed but are instructed not to keep touching the stone carvings - a huge problem for one of our groups with 3 kids under 15 years old. Not recommended for summer - super hot even this Spring. Bring drinking water.
2. Museu da Fundacao do Coa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 322 reviews
The final seventeen kilometres of the Coa valley contain hundreds of Palaeolithic engravings along the river’s banks, extending all the way to the River Douro. This zone has been made into Portugal’s first Archaeological Park. This Park was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO on 2 December 1998. This entire open-air art collection, which buries the old myth of rock art only existing in caves, is exhibited in the Museum through original pieces of movable art, replicas of “rock panels” and interactive zones that use modern digital technology. The art can also be viewed in loco on organised visits to the valley with specialised guides (advance booking required). Visit also (no advance booking required) the Museum which provides an overview of the Ice Age Coa Valley rock-art, its archaeological context as well as magnificent views over the Coa and Douro rivers. Museum opening times: High season: 09:00 AM - 06:00 PM; Closes at lunchtime (01:00 PM - 02-00 PM) in low season from the 20th of October until the last day of February. Closed on Mondays, 1st of January, 1st of May and 25th of December.
Reviewed By Kevin F - Lincoln, United Kingdom
This is an interesting museum for Archaeological enthusiasts but unfortunately I am not one of them! We visited as it was an included tour from our River Cruise ship. Yes there are many exhibits and cave drawings and the guide knows her stuff, but sadly after a couple of rooms we had had enough and left! The view from outside the cafe over the valley was spectacular and well worth the visit alone!
3. Igreja Matriz de Vila Nova de Foz Coa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By LuizDutraNeto - Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Travelling in Northern Portugal, on your way to the prehistoric rock-art open-air paleolithic sites of the Côa River Valley and to its fantastic "Museu do Côa", you'll certainly pass by "Vila Nova de Foz Côa". This is one of the oldest Portuguese towns, dating as far back as 1299 AD, when King D. Dinis signed its first charter letter ("Carta Foral", in the Portuguese language). And there, in this charming small town, full of history and legends, you'll find a precious church: "Igreja Matriz de Vila Nova de Foz Côa". Its construction was ordered by King D. Manuel I, around the beginning of the 16th century, honoring "Our Lady of Compassion" ("Nossa Senhora do Pranto"). Its façade is composed by gothic and manueline caractheristics, clearly reflecting the influence of the French, Italian and Spanish artists that worked in its construction. Above it, an exquisite bell tower of Spanish inspiration will catch your attention - three bells and four renaissance figures sculpted between the bells' windows. Inside, at the main altar, richly adorned with golden engravings, check the fantastic sculpture of a "Pietá" representing "Our Lady of Compassion", and the nine extraordinary paintings by Portuguese artist António Leitão, picturing Jesus Christs's Passion. Outside the church, at the the town's main square ("Praça do Município"), visit the manueline granite pillory, the statue of King. D. Dinis and the barroc building that houses the City Council. The "Igreja Matriz de Vila Nova de Foz Côa" has been appointed, in 1910, due to its historical importance and beauty, a Portuguese National Monument. An excellent reason to visit it. Enjoy!
4. DouroTotal
Overall Ratings
5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By Bill M
Mario picked us up in his 4wd from the pochino marina and we had a great full day visiting the archeological sites, Castles and small towns of this area of the Douro. We picked up local English speaking guides who did a wonderful job explaining the archeological sites and rock engravings including the museum. After a very good lunch in the museum Mario picked up the afternoon guide who took us through local ruins, Castles and a sacred worship site. We saw and learnt much of the local culture topped off by late afternoon picnic at a view point in a small town inhabited by Marios family with their home made meats dried fruit cheese and local wine, a great day. After dinner in Foz Coa we went the second rock engraving site at Penascosa. Then home. Thanks Mario and colleagues
5. Quinta da Ervamoira
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By Eric B - Montréal
It's a bit out of the beaten path, but this quinta owned by Ramos Pinto (which mean Roederer) is just fantastic. Surrounded by vines and near the Coa river. A little museum inside explain about the history of Ramos Pinto and his importance in the history and evolution of the port wine. We had rbe privilege to lunch at the quinta. All was typical and cooked with their products. Very fresh and tasty. We loved it.
