“Where the Douro Meets the Mountains”

The municipality of Mêda is a land of castles and ruins, manor houses and pillories, ancient rock formations and historic fountains — each corner echoing with stories and legends of the past.

Its valleys and terraced hillsides are lined with vineyards, olive groves and almond trees, creating a landscape rich in heritage and unforgettable in character.

A highlight of the region is the Historical Village of Marialva, one of the 12 Historical Villages of Portugal. Surrounded by the imposing granite walls of its 12th-century medieval castle and an extraordinary citadel, Marialva offers a powerful glimpse into the ancient soul of Portuguese identity — a place where history comes vividly to life.

Longroiva is home to a historic castle, a remarkable example of Templar architecture in the region, and to thermal waters known since prehistoric times.

During the early reigns of the Portuguese monarchy, the Longroiva thermal baths were under the control of the Order of the Knights Templar, later transferred to the Order of Christ following the Templars’ dissolution during the reign of King Dinis.

In the parish of Coriscada, the archaeological site of Vale do Mouro is currently under restoration. Excavations have revealed a remarkable Roman balneum (bathhouse) with a heated triclinium, rooms adorned with polychrome mosaics — most notably the “Bacchus Panel” — as well as a treasure hoard of over 4,600 copper and bronze coins.

Other discoveries include ancient wine presses, storage rooms, houses beyond the main villa perimeter with granaries, forges, smelting ovens, and potteries — placing this site at the forefront of research into the Roman and early medieval periods in Portugal.

Marialva Medieval Market

A historical re-enactment of the social and economic life during the reign of King Dinis, set in the once-important medieval town of Marialva.

This event invites visitors to step back in time and experience the traditions, crafts and customs of the Middle Ages — an immersive journey through Portuguese history in one of its most iconic settings.

MÊDA100 – MTB Challenge

An international mountain biking event organised by the Municipality of Mêda, in partnership with a club certified by the Portuguese Cycling Federation.

MÊDA100 offers a challenging and scenic ride through the region’s unique terrain, attracting riders and cycling enthusiasts from across the country and beyond.

Message from the Mayor

Anselmo Sousa

It is with great pride that the Municipality of Mêda joins the Beira Interior Wine Route. The connection between Mêda and viticulture dates back centuries, with archaeological evidence confirming the cultivation of vines in the region at least since Roman times.

One such example is the “Bacchus Panel” discovered at the Vale do Mouro archaeological site, in the parish of Coriscada, along with medieval rock-carved wine presses, still visible today in numerous strategic locations — many of which continue to produce some of the finest wines of both the Douro and Beira Interior regions.

Viticulture and winemaking are deeply embedded in the history and cultural identity of our territory, standing as strong pillars of local distinctiveness.

Here, “Where the Douro Meets the Mountains”, we enjoy the ideal terroir for producing high-quality wines — on soils of schist and granite, and at altitudes ranging from 300 to 800 metres. This natural diversity ensures a harmonious balance between quality and character.

Part of our municipality falls within the Douro Demarcated Region, specifically the Douro Superior sub-region, while the remainder belongs to the Beira Interior Wine Region. Viticulture is one of the leading economic drivers of Mêda, with the Mêda Wine Cooperative, founded on 19 December 1956, continuing to play a vital role, particularly for small-scale winegrowers.

We are also home to several bottling producers, with wines certified under the “Beira Interior”, “Douro” and “Port” denominations, producing a wide range of wines of exceptional quality — some of which are among the most respected in the country.

It was in Mêda that Fernando Nicolau de Almeida sought the finest grapes for the iconic Barca Velha wine, identifying here what he famously described as “perfect vineyards”. Many still remember the once-celebrated “Palhete da Mêda”, a popular wine in Portuguese society during the 1950s and 1960s.

Today, our wine sector is both modern and forward-thinking, driven by technological innovation, while remaining grounded in its rich heritage. Our producers honour this legacy by celebrating the past, engaging with the present, and looking confidently toward the future of viticulture, winemaking, and wine tourism.

The municipality now produces over fifty wine references, including white, red, sparkling and Port wines. Wine production continues to be a vital contributor to the local economy, with a strong impact on exports and job creation.

We are confident that the Beira Interior Wine Route, through its carefully planned and signposted itineraries, will attract more visitors to our region. It offers an authentic and high-quality tourism product, helping to elevate our cultural, natural, architectural, gastronomic and artisanal heritage, while strengthening the collective identity of the Beira Interior.