Standing here, does anyone know what altitude we are at? The Miradouro de Santa Bárbara sits 384 meters high. Here lies the enchanting Capela de Santa Bárbara. It is accompanied by a delightful picnic park.
The Miradouro de Santa Bárbara offers a stunning landscape. You can see it from many angles. To the south is the village of Vale de Figueira. To the north is São Xisto with its typical stone houses. The Ferradosa station is on the eastern slope. Valleys covered in almond trees also dot the landscape. To the west flows the Douro River. You can also spot the Miradouro de São Salvador do Mundo. The Ferradosa railway bridge crosses the river. Its station connects to Porto and Pocinho.
The Miradouro and Capela de Santa Bárbara are special. The picnic park adds to its charm. People consider it a place of magnificent scenery.
This site has potential for hiking and mountain biking. These activities should respect the environment. The heritage must also be preserved.
The Miradouro de Santa Bárbara is part of a tourist circuit. It is one of the viewpoints of the World Heritage Site.
You can reach here by car bus train bicycle or on foot. Even a cruise is possible.
If you are coming from Porto take the A4. Exit at Amarante and take the N15 towards Mesão Frio or Régua. Cross the bridge in Régua and take the N222. Follow the road along the Douro River. You will arrive in São João da Pesqueira. Follow the EN222 towards São João da Pesqueira. Then take the N222-3 towards Ferradosa. Finally take the M541 to Vale de Figueira.
Coming from Lisbon take the A1 to Coimbra. Exit for the IP3. Continue to the A24 towards Vila Real. After Lamego leave the A24. Enter the N313 towards Régua. Take the N222 and follow the road by the Douro River. You will reach São João da Pesqueira. Follow the EN222 towards São João da Pesqueira. Take the N222-3 towards Ferradosa. Then follow the M541 to Vale de Figueira.
From Spain or Vila Nova de Foz Côa take the EN222. Head towards São João da Pesqueira. Arriving at Vale da Teja follow the M541. Head towards Vale de Figueira.
The road to the viewpoint is narrow and paved. Visiting by car or minibus is best. Parking is limited.
You can take a train on the Douro line from Porto. Get off at Pinhão station. Contact tour operators for visits to the viewpoint.
For a Douro River cruise contact a tour operator.
In Vale de Figueira you can visit several places. These include wine estates and picnic parks. You can also see the Ferradosa Railway Station. Nautical sports boat trips and recreational fishing are available.
Schist is typical of this area especially Vale de Figueira. Visit São Xisto near the Ferradosa railway station. It is part of the Schist Villages of Portugal.
The Grande Rota GR14 is a hiking route. It is the European Wine Route from Gaia to Strasbourg. About 45.4 km are inside the municipality.
The Miradouro de Santa Bárbara is part of the World Heritage Viewpoints Tourist Circuit.
Capela de Santa Bárbara and its surroundings offer a unique experience. The views the history and the natural beauty combine. It creates an unforgettable destination in the Douro Valley. Take a moment to appreciate this special place.