With the arrival of summer the season for getaways outside Porto is officially open. So, if you’re looking for a quiet destination to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, then we have a suggestion for you: Quintandona, in municipality of Penafie. Located a 30-minute drive from Porto, this is one of the most charming villages near Invicta.
What’s so special about this place? Well, first of all, for those who like schist and slate houses, this is a destination to consider… Best of all, you don’t have to go to Serra da Lousã on purpose to see these buildings. All you have to do is visit one of the municipalities in the Porto Metropolitan Areaand (re)discover the Preserved Village of Quintandona.
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Quintandona: a brief presentation
The village of Quintandona is located in the far northwest of the parish of Lagares e Figueira, in the municipality of Penafiel. With just a few dozen inhabitants, this is a small village, but full of nooks and cran nies to admire. Quintandona is part of the Route of the “Românico” and has already been nominated for the “7 Wonders of Portugal”.
Schist and slate buildings give the village a picturesque feel. Strolling through the narrow but beautiful streets of Quintandona means always finding something different to photograph. The flowers carefully placed by the windows and the surrounding countryside add a special touch to the setting.
What to see in the ‘secret’ village of Quintandona
To begin your tour, we suggest the Pelourinho. Afterwards, take the opportunity to contemplate the century-old chapel. Over 200 years old, this religious building stands out for the vivid colors of its stained glass. A spot that undoubtedly deserves a few Instagram posts.
Down the street you can see the public lavatory and several old lamps, which give you a brief sense of time travel. At the end, we suggest a climb up to Monte da Pegadinha, where there is a natural viewpoint over the landscape.
Facts and curiosities
If you want to learn more about the village, you can always visit the Casa do Xiné, the headquarters of the Penafiel Municipal Museum. Here you’ll find information and a historical context about the town.
Gastronomy
The ‘secret’ village of Quintandona stands out not only for the spectacle of its houses and streets, but also for its gastronomy. Pork sausages, roast kid or the famous Penafiel pies are just some of the dishes that promise to make your mouth water.
Furthermore, we couldn’t write this article about Quintandona without mentioning the Caldo Festival. What’s that? This is the typical festival of Quintandona, held every year in September, where the traditional broths of the village are served.