"It is also there in view of the Douro and mated with orange trees and more fruit trees. It flows from a steep hill on the summit of pine trees ... The village in the distance is a beautiful crib. " In the mid-1940s, Alves Redol described the village of Porto Manso in a book of the same name. Located in the parish of Ribadouro, in the municipality of Baião, the village is no longer the same after many years. It grew and developed, due to the extraordinary landscape with the bay of Pala and the mouth of the river Ovil.
The old Roman roads, which remained active until a few decades ago, were replaced, the once abundant vegetation became rarer, but the houses, narrow alleys and, of course, the character of its people make Porto Manso still retains the irresistible charm that characterized the Douro villages of ancient Portugal. If you are a water sports enthusiast, you will find there ideal conditions for your practice. There, the Douro runs smoothly and the nautical pier of Pala is a sheltered place and easy to dock of boats - hence the name of Porto Manso. In the village and in its vicinity, there are several places of interest, such as the Convent of Ancede, the so-called Casa de Souto Moura, the House of Tormes, the House of the Farmer, the Chapel of St. Dominic and the Carrapatelo Dam.
If you like to walk, do not forget to walk the pedestrian circuit "All the Paths will give to Rome", which follows the path of the ancient Roman road that for centuries called Bracara Augusta (Braga) and Emérita Augusta (Merida). In the highest zone of this route, true lesson of History, you will find Castro de Porto Manso, surrounded by defensive walls and moats. There, the panoramic view of the region, with the Douro in the background, is breathtaking. Casa da Torre, Estalagem Porto Antigo and Casa do Rebolfe are traditional houses, meanwhile restored, to receive, by precept, those who visit Porto Manso. And no visit is complete without experiencing the flavors of the region. Indulge yourself with the fish from the river or the roast duck with baked rice. The miniatures of rabel boats, produced by the local craftsmen, are the ideal souvenir to take with you.
