North Portugal Tourism Guide - Cantanhede

Cantanhede

Cantanhede was originally an important agricultural centre in the heart of the Bairrada Wine district. It is just 30 kilometres, a 45 minute drive from the seaside resort Mira on the Silver Coast. Here you can find remote beaches on the Atlantic coast.

The town has several churches and grand buildings of interest exhibiting Manueline and Renaissance styles of architecture dating back to the 19th century. Nearby to the north of the town is the 16th century Renaissance church Capela de Varziela.

More recent additions to the town is the Biocant Park, Portugal's first biotechnology park. Through research and development it aims to create valuable business initiatives by developing and applying advanced life sciences knowledge and technology. This has brought in technology based businesses to the town reviving its economy.

A regional dish that typifies the area is suckling pig best accompanied with the region's Bairrada wines - popular in the restaurants of Cantanhede.

Cantanhede Museum

The town has a small museum, Museu da Pedra on Largo Candido dos Reis, 4, 3060-174 Cantanhede. Tel: 351 231 423 730. Fax: 351 231 423 732. Email: museudapedra@cm-cantanhede.pt.

Open Tues-Fri 10 am 1 pm and 2 pm 6 pm. Sat-Sun 2 pm 7 pm. Closed Mondays and Holidays.

Bairrada Wine Region

The wines from the Bairrada region are nationally and internationally renowned. Wine has been produced here since the 12th century. In 1979 the Bairrada region received its apellation designation. Sparkling wines are of particular note such as "Conde de Cantanhede" and "Marques de Marialva", two of the best quality sparkling wines of the region. Red and white table wines are also produced.

Nearby in Anadia is the Bairrada Wine Museum. At the museum find out all about the winemaking history of the region before embarking on the Bairrada Wine Route. Museu do Vinho da Bairrada, Avenida Eng. Tavares da Silva, 3780 - 203 Anadia. Tel: 231 51 97 80. Fax: 231 51 97 81. Email: museuvinhobairrada@mail.telepac.pt. Open Tues-Fri 10 am-1 pm and 2-6 pm. Sat-Sun and Hollidays 11 am-7 pm.

The Bairrada Wine Route, Rota dos Vinhos da Bairrada, takes you through the countryside dotted with vineyards so you can see the wine being produced first hand. The first route takes you through the Dao region taking in Viseu with its rich architectural heritage. The Baga casta grape is the most widely grown grape in this area. The countryside becomes more lush between the River Dao and River Mondego where vineyards are associated with manor houses and stately homes. Along the way you can take in spectacular views of the Serra do Caramulo and its famous forest.

The second route of the Bairrada Wine Route takes you through the Bairrada wine region. Here it is said that the influence of the sea has a lot to do with the character of the wines of this region. This is the route that takes you through the spa towns of Luso and Curia.

Cantanhede Tourist Information

The tourist office in Cantanhede is on Largo Conselheiro Ferreira Freire 3060 Cantanhede. Tel: 351 231 410 155. Fax: 351 231 410 199. Email turismo@cm-cantanhede.pt