Vila Nova de Cerveira: A City Mixed with Legends, Beaches, and Countryside
The town of Vila Nova de Cerveira, Portugal lies along the shores of the Minho River, in the Viana do Castelo District. It was named after a legendary stag king, which was believed to have roamed the area several decades ago. Vila Nova de Cerveira is frequently visited by tourists thanks to the art festival held in the city since 1978.
Best Time to Visit
The town is widely visited in the summer season, mainly because of the Cerveira International Art Biennial held during this time. The event runs from July to August and is considered the oldest art festival in the country. This is enough to rack up quite a number of tourists to the area, fully booking most of Vila Nova de Cerveira, Portugal hotels.
What to Do & Area Attractions
Vila Nova de Cerveira is home to the Vila Nova de Cerveira Castle, which was commissioned by King Denis of Portugal back in the 1300s. The structure stands on a tiny hill along the river of Minho and provides a good view of the townscape. You should also include a visit to the Igreja Matriz (Parish Church), which was built for São Cipriano, the town’s patron Saint, in the 18th century. After roaming around the city, you can walk to the Boega Hotel, located just a 40-minute walk away from the castle. The four-star hotel already has an in-house breakfast and restaurant to fulfill your food trip needs. Another luxury hotel in the town is Hotel Minho, a four-star hotel serving free buffet breakfast to guests. The 4-star Rinoterra Minho features a sauna, massage services, a restaurant, a health club and a library.