Lamego, Portugal: Hidden Gem in the Douro Valley

How to get to Lamego, Portugal

Lamego can be reached by car, bus, private tour, or by taking a train from Porto’s Sao Bento Station.

If you want to take day trips or road-trip in the region, a car will be the easiest way to reach Lamego.  Additionally, the drive from Lamego to Pinhao is quite picturesque along the N222 road. If you have your own car, you can enjoy the drive and also stop at viewpoints for photos of the scenery. 

By Car:

From Porto, take the A4 highway east toward Vila Real.  After about 70km, you’ll take exit 18 towards Lamego and follow the N2 road.

By Bus:

Board the bus at the Campanha station to Lamego.  The ride takes a little over two hours and will let you out at the Lamego station, which is located in the city center. 

There is luggage storage at the Campanha station, if you are taking a day trip and want to store larger bags for an easier journey.

By Train:

Take the train from Porto’s Sao Bento station toward Peso da Regua.  The ride takes about 1.5 hours to reach the Regua station, which is in the city center.  From there, you can take a taxi, rideshare (like Bolt or Uber), or bus to Lamego.

Note that schedules and prices may vary depending on the time of year and the transportation provider, so it’s always a good idea to double-check before making travel arrangements.

History of Lamego

Lamego boasts a fascinating legacy including its role in crowning Portugal’s first king, Afonso Henriques, in 1143. Born in nearby Guimaraes, Portugal, Afonso is known for his boldness and determination to expand Portuguese territories.

Before this, Lamego saw the reign of Visigoths in the 7th century and later, the Moors, both leaving cultural imprints, particularly in architecture. Notably, a Moorish cistern is a unique feature in Lamego’s 12th-century castle. 

The Christian Reconquest in the 12th century saw the Moors’ expulsion, transforming Lamego into a Christian stronghold. A blend of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles marks the cityscape, with Lamego Cathedral standing as a testament to this cultural confluence. 

The Best Things to Do in Lamego

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, history aficionado, or lover of nature, there’s something for every traveler and itinerary in Lamego.

The main street in Lamego is the Avenida, a boulevard lined with shops, restaurants, and landmarks. It begins at the town’s museum and leads to its best-known attraction: the steps up to the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remedios.

Must-see Monuments and Landmarks

Lamego Castle

The Lamego Castle dates back to the 12th century and offers a glimpse into the city’s past. The castle grounds are well-maintained, and you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and the surrounding Douro Valley from its walls. Although much of the castle has been restored over the years, some parts still retain their medieval charm.

Sé Cathedral

Lamego’s Sé Cathedral is an impressive Gothic-style church that is one of Lamego’s most beautiful and visited landmarks. The cathedral is a national monument, and the exterior is adorned with intricate carvings and statues. 

I was impressed by the interior’s blend of Gothic, Manueline, and Baroque art styles. The cathedral houses beautiful paintings and an organ, which is considered one of the treasures of the church.

Santuário de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios

If you only have time for one religious site in Lamego, make it the Santuário de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios.  This Baroque-style sanctuary is located atop a hill in Lamego. 

To get to the sanctuary, you can climb its iconic 686 stairs, which are decorated with statues, tiles, and fountains. These steps form a pilgrimage route, and visitors are often seen climbing the steps with rosaries.

The other way to reach the sanctuary is to drive and enter from the upper parking lot behind the church.

However you reach here, it’s well worth the effort for expansive views of the city and the surrounding landscape.

The sanctuary steps are adorned with numerous azulejos (blue-and-white painted ceramic tiles), which depict scenes from the Our Lady of Remedies pilgrimage. Additionally, the sanctuary features intricately carved wooden altarpieces and beautiful paintings. 

As a significant religious and cultural monument in Lamego, the Santuário de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios is also an example of Portuguese Baroque architecture.

Must-Visit Cultural Heritage in Lamego

Museu de Lamego

The Museu de Lamego is a must-see attraction for anyone interested in the arts and culture of Portugal. It’s sidely regarded as one of the best regional museums in Portugal.

The museum houses a wide collection of religious artifacts, sculptures, and paintings, highlighting the region’s history.  One of its prize exhibits is a series of 16-century Flemish tapestries which depict the Oedipus story. It also has a stunning display of traditional Portuguese decorative tiles, or azulejos, preserved from a Lisbon palace.

As the home to artwork by Grão Vasco and other notable Portuguese artists, it offers visitors an insightful look into the artistic and spiritual heritage of Lamego and the surrounding Viseu district. The building itself is another example of beautiful Baroque architecture and a lovely setting for the museum.

Ribeiro Conceição Theatre

The Ribeiro Conceição Theatre is not only beautiful but a significant cultural institution in Lamego.  The venue has a varied programming schedule, which features diverse performances, including plays, concerts, and exhibitions that cater to a wide range of interests.

Douro Historical Train

For train lovers, the Douro Historical Train is a unique way to experience the Douro Valley. A steam locomotive and historical carriages take passengers on a scenic journey through the vineyards and hills of the region.

The route begins in Peso da Regua and continues to Pinhao, then Tua and back. Onboard there are musicians and singers who perform traditional Portuguese songs.

Other Religious Sites in Lamego

Almacave Church

One of the most impressive religious sites in Lamego is Santa Maria de Almacave, a beautiful church founded in the 12th century.  Its impressive architecture features a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles, while the interior is adorned with azulejo tiles.

Monasteries

Lamego is home to several monasteries, one of which is São João de Tarouca. This ancient Cistercian monastery, dating back to the 12th century, is surrounded by lush, green landscapes. 

Visitors here appreciate the beautiful monastery grounds, intricate stonework, and serene setting.  Another notable monastery is Convento de Santo António de Ferreirim, which is also worth a visit for its architecture and peaceful atmosphere.

Wine and Gastronomy

Port Wine and Vineyards

Lamego is located in the heart of the Douro Valley, a region famous for its Port wine and vineyards. I was immediately enchanted by the landscape of the Upper Douro region, where centuries-old terraced vineyards stretch along the Douro River.

In addition to table wines and Port, visitors should also sample local sparkling wine, Raposeira. This fruity and fizzy rose or white wine can be found in the Caves da Raposeira winery and Lamego restaurants.

Olive Oil and Local Cuisine

Another important aspect of Lamego’s cuisine and agriculture is their olive oil production.  Many wineries also produce their own olive oil which enhances local dishes and can also be enjoyed on its own.

Lamego has an up-and-coming gastronomy scene, with new restaurants opening both in town and in nearby Peso da Regua. 

Lamego and Regua Recommended Restaurants:

Aneto Wines & Table: this was my favorite meal in the Douro Valley!  This local restaurant in Peso da Regua perfectly pairs each of their chef’s custom menu items with their own wines.  The menus feature pairings for every course: appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Of course, I had to try every course!

Be sure to make a reservation, or ask your hotel to call and arrange it.  If you’re reserving for the same or next day, try to be flexible with the time; Portuguese tend to eat late, so I was able to get in by booking an early time.  You can also buy bottles of their excellent Aneto wine here from the family’s vineyard.

Casada Rua: known for tapas, charcuterie boards, and burgers, Casada Rua is also famous for its personalized service and farm-to-table ingredients. It’s located just a short walk from the castle, in the heart of Lamego.

Winery Visits and Wine Tastings

No trip to Lamego would be complete without visiting some of the wineries and vineyards in the area. 

Guided Douro Valley Winery Tours

By booking a guided your, you’ll be able to enjoy both the scenery and wine to your heart’s content! All of these options from Viator (a TripAdvisor company) and Get Your Guide have great recent reviews and easy online booking.

From Peso da Regua or Lamego:
⫸ Private full-day wine tour
⫸ Pour with wineries, viewpoints, and rabelo boat cruise
⫸ Private full-day tour with wineries, lunch, and river cruise
⫸ Private tour with wine tastings, river cruise and lunch

From Porto:
⫸ Small group tour with 3 wineries, lunch and Pinhao *can be booked for one traveler
⫸ Private luxury Douro tour in a classic car
⫸ Private Douro Valley tour with customizable itinerary
⫸ Private Douro Valley tour with wine tastings and lunch

Independent Winery Visits

If you have your own transportation, it’s possible to book your own vineyard tours and tastings online. I recommend these below for fantastic wines, lovely settings, and friendly and knowledgeable staff that make the tours special.

Note: because I was traveling solo, I only had a taste of each wine that was served! But I did bring back bottles of my favorites to enjoy at home.

Quinta da Portela de Baixo

My favorite winery visit was a tour and tasting at Quinta da Portela de Baixo, where the staff’s personalized service really demonstrated their passion for winemaking.  They have a small museum that showcases the history of their wine production.  The tasting room is a covered outdoor patio with gorgeous views of the terraced vineyards and valley.

You can easily book this tasting on Viator.  One of the reasons I loved this tour was the personal service from their staff and because each wine was paired with small bites.  I also happened to visit at the same time guests who were staying at the onsite villa had their tasting, and got to accompany them on a jeep tour with the winery owner!

When you arrive at the winery, the guide will seat you in a room that overlooks the valley where you can watch a video on the vineyard’s history.  (Note: don’t be a goober like me and ring the bell at the villa, where guests stay!)  The tasting room is just down the steps and through the gate toward the villa’s pool.

Quinta da Pacheca

One of the most popular wineries in the area is Quinta da Pacheca, which offers immersive wine tourism experiences.  They have a variety of tours which can be booked online via their website, but be warned – the tours sell out very early for harvest season!  

Quinta da Pacheca is also where you can stay overnight in a wine barrel turned into a luxuriously-appointed guest suite.

Quinta do Tedo

Quinta do Tedo is a wine estate that dates to the 18th-century. Situated at the confluence of the Douro and Tedo Rivers, this quinta offers beautiful views of their terraced vineyard as well as river vistas. Quinta do Tedo has a tasting room, tours, and even a B&B onsite with a pool.

Note that this winery is closer to Pinhao than Lamego, but it was still one of my favorites.

Quinta da Casa Amarela

I stayed at Quinta da Casa Amarela, a smaller winery and boutique hotel that also offers tastings.  It has four modern and comfortable guest suites, as well as a shared living area and outdoor spaces that include a gorgeous pool.  The breakfast here is outstanding, with guests seated family-style at a large table and a sidebar overflowing with fresh breads, fruit, cold cuts, cheeses and more.

The entire quinta can also be rented if you have a larger group.

Where to Stay in Lamego, Portugal

Like most places in Portugal, Lamego is in no short supply of great places to stay, from charming budget hotels to vacation rental villas and posh vineyard resorts.

Luxury: Six Senses Douro Valley 

This is the top luxury resort offering 5-star accommodations, spa services, and breathtaking views of the valley.

⫸ See more photos + book Six Senses Douro Valley

Unique Splurge: Quinta da Pacheca Wine Barrels

If you want to surprise a wine-lover, or if you’re just into unique boutiques when it comes to hotels, hurry up and book one of the private suites in an enormous wine barrel at Quinta da Pacheca. 

⫸ See more photos + book Quinta da Pacheca

Midrange 4- star: Lamego Hotel & Life

One of the top hotels in the area is the Lamego Hotel & Life, a 4-star hotel with an orchard and vineyard located a short distance from the city center. 

⫸ See more photos + book Lamego Hotel & Life

Budget: The Castle House Apartments or 6/4 de Lamego

If you want to stay in the heart of town, check out The Castle House Apartments and 6/4 de Lamego.  Both have top ratings, a convenient location, and budget-friendly pricing under $100/night.

Closest Stay to the Train/Bus Station

If you want to stay within walking distance of the train and bus stations in Regua, the Original Douro Hotel has great reviews.

⫸ See more photos + book Original Douro Hotel

Villas and Vacation Rentals

Additionally, in the Norte Region where Lamego is situated, there are other accommodation types available such as B&Bs, inns, and vacation rentals. Quaint and charming, the Muralha Charm House bed and breakfast and the villa at Quinta da Portela de Baixo are both excellent choices for a more intimate stay.

⫸ Book Quinta da Portela Casa Visconde Arneiros

⫸ Book Muralha Charm House B&B

Day Trips from Lamego, Portugal

If you have longer to explore, Lamego is convenient to some fascinating nearby destinations. In the Norte Region of Portugal, historic cities like Braga and Guimarães make for perfect day trips. Braga is known for its beautiful cathedrals and ancient architecture, while in Guimarães, visitors can explore the medieval castle and charming old town.

Another great day trip option is visiting the picturesque town of Pinhao, located along the Douro River. 

For those interested in enjoying scenic views and more history, add on a journey to Vila Real, home to the the Palacio de Mateus and The Nature Park of Alvão.

Lamego Local Weather

I often visit Portugal in the autumn, and the Douro Valley is especially beautiful with fall color and temperate during September and October.

Douro experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The average high temperature in the summer months of June to September reaches 85°F (29°C), while winter temperatures drop to an average high of 55°F (13°C) from December to February. 

Rain is more common in the winter, so be prepared with appropriate clothing and footwear. Overall, Lamego’s weather makes it a comfortable destination for travelers most months of the year.

Annual Events and Festivities in Lamego

Festa de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios

As an annual event that attracted thousands of visitors to the city, the Festa de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios takes place from the end of August until the middle of September in Lamego, Portugal. 

This vibrant festival honors the patron saint of the city, Nossa Senhora dos Remédios. During this time the streets fill with locals and tourists alike, and they gather to enjoy processions, parades, and even a fireworks display!

Throughout the celebration, activities and events highlight the town’s rich culture and religious devotion. One notable event is the massive pilgrimage to the sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios. This baroque shrine is situated at the top of the hill, and the worshippers climb its impressive 600-step staircase.

Carnival of Lazarim

Another famous festivity in Lamego is the Carnival of Lazarim. This unique celebration, which takes place annually during the pre-Lenten season (around February or March), showcases the town’s skilled woodcraft tradition. 

The highlight of the carnival is the traditional mask-carving contest, where local artisans showcase their incredible talent by crafting beautiful wooden masks. The masks are worn during the lively street parades that fill the town with a festive atmosphere.

As a part of the Carnival of Lazarim, people also engage in theatrical performances known as caretós. Accompanied by music and dancing, these performances further boost the town’s vibrant energy. The festivities culminate with a ceremony, where the masks and caretós are judged, and winners are awarded for their creativity and craftsmanship.

Although I consider myself only a wine enthusiast and not a true oenophile, I truly loved visiting the Douro Valley! My base of Lamego offered a perfect blend of culture, history, and gastronomy, allowing me to dive deeper into the world of Port wine and discover the landscapes and history of the region.