Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
You can choose the half-hour tour that takes in the opulent interiors (€5), such as the
Empire furniture-filled king's room and the dining room where Franco and Salazar had a
meeting in 1950, as well as the family's chapel and the gardens with 20 species of camel-
lia. Or you can opt for the half-hour tour of the surroundings (€3), that include a forest, a
plane-tree avenue, a romantic lake and the vineyards - the estate has 18 hectares of vine-
yards planted with Alvarinho. The hour-long tour (€7.50) takes in all of the highlights.
Carriage rides are also available, for €15.
Adega Cooperativa de Monção
( 251 652 167;
www.adegademoncao.pt
; 9am-12.30pm & 2-6pm Mon-Fri, 8.30am-1pm Sat)
Alvarinho is
the delicious, tart and full-bodied variety of white
vinho verde
produced around Monção
and neighbouring Melgaço. If you'd like a tasting, stop by this
adega
1.8km south of
Monção on the N101 to Arcos de Valdevez. Otherwise, the clutch of bars around
Monção's principal squares will be happy to oblige.
WINERY
Termas de Monção
(
www.tesal.com
; Av das Caldas; admission €12-15; 9.30am-8.30pm Mon-Sat, to 8pm Sun)
Monção's
termas
(thermal springs) have a large aquatic area with jacuzzis, tiny waterfalls and a children's
swimming area. In addition to dips in the warm springs, a wide variety of spa treatments
are available, with day packages starting at €49. Those wanting the aquatic experience
without the fuss can head across the road to the
piscina municipal,
a handsomely designed
25m indoor pool, with a smaller pool for younger swimmers.
THERMAL SPRINGS
Festivals & Events
CULTURE
Feira do Alvarinho
(
www.feiraalvarinho.pt.vu
)
The self-described cradle of Alvarinho, Monção hosts a three-day
fair in Late May in honour of its wine. Music, folk dancing and much eating and drinking
rule the day.
Festa do Corpo de Deus
The town's biggest party is held on Corpus Christi, which generally falls in May or June,
depending on the year. Events include a religious procession and medieval fair, with a re-
enactment of St George battling the dragon.
RELIGIOUS
Festa da Nossa
