Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Get the App

Fortress of Valença

Fortress of Valença

Highlight • Historical Site

Fortress of Valença

Hiking

4.9

(332)

Cycling

5.0

(38)

Road cycling

5.0

(1)

Save

Location: Valença, Viana do Castelo, Portugal

Save

See nearby routes

Take Me There

Tips

Bryan | Exploro Ergo Sum

July 24, 2025

Hiking

The imposing Valença Fortress rises atop a hill, dominating the landscape and leaving an unforgettable impression on those who arrive. More than a symbol, it is the soul of the city, preserving centuries of history within its walls.

Built in the 17th century on the ruins of an ancient 13th-century castle, the fortress is a masterful example of military architecture of the period, with its star-shaped walls stretching for an impressive 5.5 kilometers.

Upon entering, one immediately senses the strength and grandeur of Valença, one of the oldest towns in Portugal.

Translated by

•

Traveler

August 3, 2020

Cycling

This central gate is a good bikeable entry into this amazingly well-preserved fortified town. Note that the north gate approach has stairs, so it's best to just use that for exiting if comfortable walking the bike down (you can roll it down next to the stairs), or use the south main gate.

Andreas

January 4, 2025

Hiking

The well-preserved star fortress of Valença dominates the Minho valley from an elevated position and offers wide views in all directions.

Translated by

•

Nearby routes

Best routes near Fortress of Valença

4.9

(23)

160

hikers

#1.

Tui Old Town – View of Tui loop from Ponte Internacional de Valença

7.96km

02:12

140m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate with device

Send to Phone

Save

Moderate

4.8

(31)

198

hikers

#2.

View of Tui – Tui Old Town loop from Valença

7.42km

02:03

130m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate with device

Send to Phone

Save

Moderate

4.5

(22)

118

hikers

#3.

Fortress of Valença – View of Tui loop from Tui

23.4km

06:16

270m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate with device

Send to Phone

Save

Hard

Details

Informations

Elevation 70 m

Weather

Friday 19 June

31°C

15°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 8.0 km/h

Most visited during

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

See nearby routes

Take Me There

Location: Valença, Viana do Castelo, Portugal

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Signpost to Santiago, Fátima, and Other Destinations

Igreja de Santo Estevão ⛪ & Marco Miliário romano, Valença

Tui Old Town

View of Tui Cathedral from Ponte Tripes

Verdoejo Station on the Ecopista do Rio Minho

Ecopista do Rio Minho: Monção a Valença

View of Valença

Fortaleza de Valença

View of the Historic Center of Tui

Centro Histórico de Valença

Scenic Riverside Path in ZEC Gándaras de Budiño

Tui

Fortress of Valença

#1.

Tui Old Town – View of Tui loop from Ponte Internacional de Valença

#2.

View of Tui – Tui Old Town loop from Valença

#3.

Fortress of Valença – View of Tui loop from Tui

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Sign up or log in to keep exploring this route

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️