Last Updated on 2023-09-16
The village of Murça belongs to the district of Vila Real, meaning it is located in the northern region of Portugal.
It is renowned as the land of Porca de Murça, a Celtic sculpture made of granite, and serves as one of the entry points to the Vale do Tua Regional Natural Park.
Moreover, the region is famous for its wines produced in this viticultural area.
A visit to Murça entails exploring three distinct ecosystems, known as Terra Fria (Cold Land), Terra Quente (Hot Land), and Terra de Montanha (Mountain Land).
It is important to note that a part of the municipality (Murça, Candedo, and parts of Noura and Palheiros) is included in the Douro Demarcated Region, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
As a result, it is common to come across several vineyards in this municipality dedicated to grape cultivation and wine production.
This article aims to provide some suggestions on places to visit in Murça, including hiking trails, accommodation options, and the optimal time to visit.
We have taken great care to include updated information about Murça’s main tourist attractions, ensuring that you can fully enjoy your stay in the region.
So, shall we embark on this journey through the captivating lands of Trás-os-Montes together?
Best Things To Do an Visit in Murça, Portugal
Explore the Charming Historic Center of Murça
The historic center of Murça holds the essence of the village. Begin your journey at the iconic symbol of the town, the “Porca de Morça,” a remarkable granite sculpture located in Largo 31 de Janeiro.
Continue your exploration by visiting the “Igreja Matriz” (Main Church) and the “Pelourinho de Murça” (Town Pillory) in Praça 5 de Outubro.
As you stand near the pillory, gaze ahead and admire the Town Hall building.
Before leaving the village, be sure to wander through the “Parque Urbano de Murça” (Urban Park) and appreciate the “Soldado Milhões Bust” in the Municipal Garden.
For wine enthusiasts, a visit to the “Cooperativa Cavas de Murça” is highly recommended. Located on Rua Francisco Barros Carneiro Lopes, near the Bust of Soldado Milhões, this cooperative offers affordable wines from the region.
Lastly, when exploring the historic center, don’t forget to make a delightful stop at the “Casa das Queijadas,” where the exquisite sweets are not to be missed.
Discover the Enigmatic Castro of Palheiros
The Crasto de Palheiros, also known as Fragada do Castro, is a captivating and historically significant site located in the Terra Quente region of Trás-os-Montes.
This rock formation, constructed over centuries, bears witness to the craftsmanship of the people who inhabited this area. Beginning around 3000 BC, they meticulously carved and built this stone ridge, creating a remarkable prehistoric monument. It is awe-inspiring to contemplate the impressive achievements of those ancient civilizations!
During the Iron Age, around the 5th century BC, the site was once again chosen as a settlement. This village thrived for approximately 500 years before being abandoned around the 1st century AD, when the Romans occupied the region.
Subsequently, the area served primarily for agricultural purposes, with crops such as cereals and legumes being cultivated, and as a source of firewood.
Since 1995, archaeology teams from the University of Porto have been diligently studying and preserving the Crasto de Palheiros, transforming it into a museum. This transformation allows visitors to delve into its captivating history and appreciate its profound significance.
If you have a penchant for archaeology and are eager to uncover a place filled with mystery and ancient tales, Crasto de Palheiros in Murça is an absolute must-visit destination!
Explore the “Soldado Milhões” House Museum: A Tribute to a Portuguese Hero
The “Soldado Milhões” House Museum stands as a dedicated space to honor and share the inspiring story of a heroic soldier from World War I.
In a momentous occasion, the museum was inaugurated on April 10, 2023, by the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, in Valongo de Milhais, located in the municipality of Murça.
Milhais, affectionately known as Milhões and revered in his village, served as a private during World War I. He gained widespread recognition for his unwavering bravery in confronting the Germans, aiding the retreat of the Allied forces during the Battle of La Lys.
Consequently, he earned the reputation of being the Portuguese soldier who outwitted the Germans.
Experience the Thrilling Curves of Murça, Portugal
The captivating curves of Murça form an integral part of National Road 15, located within a terrain of steep slopes.
These curves serve as the stage for the renowned Rampa Porca de Murça rally competitions, where the exceptional skills of the drivers in conquering the challenging twists and turns shine through.
To fully appreciate the beauty of Murça’s curves, a visit to the Miradouro das Curvas de Murça is highly recommended.
Strategically positioned along the road, this viewpoint offers a privileged vantage point to witness the drivers in action, marvel at their precision and expertise as they navigate the sharp corners.
Moreover, the Miradouro das Curvas de Murça provides a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding landscape, offering sweeping vistas of the region.
Whether you seek to personally explore Murça’s curves or simply wish to soak in the excitement from a distance, the Miradouro das Curvas de Murça is an unmissable destination.
Embark on a Memorable Journey along Regional Road 314 (R314)
Regional Road 314, formerly known as National Road 314, offers a captivating route through the region that is truly worth exploring.
For an unforgettable experience amidst picturesque vineyards, enter the directions for this scenic regional road into your GPS.
Rest assured, this delightful journey will leave a lasting impression in your memory, making it a must-add to your travel itinerary.
Walking Trails to Explore in Murça, Portugal
PR1 MUR Sobreira Trail
The Sobreira – Casa da Floresta – Porrais Trail spans 14.9 km and commences at the intersection of Estrada Nacional 314 and Estrada Municipal 582 (EN314 and EM582).
For GPS navigation, we recommend searching for Quinta da Brunheda or Estação de Brunheda. However, note that the trail starts before crossing the bridge to Quinta da Brunheda.
This trail meanders alongside the scenic River Tua, offering enchanting views of vineyards along a dirt road. Trust me, it’s an experience well worth embarking on.
PR2 MUR Tinhela Trail
PR2 MUR Trilho do Tinhela also originates from the same starting point but covers a slightly shorter distance of 8.6 km.
Nonetheless, the landscapes you’ll encounter are truly breathtaking.
If you find yourself torn between the trails, allow us to suggest consulting the information leaflet prepared by the Municipality of Murça. It contains comprehensive details on both the Sobreira Trail and the Tinhela Trail.
Accomodation Options in Murça, Portugal
If you’re planning to explore the charming town of Murça and its surrounding areas, it’s highly recommended to have more than just a day to fully immerse yourself in the experience, especially if you’re considering embarking on the pedestrian trails like we did.
For comfortable and convenient accommodation in Murça, we highly recommend Alojamento Rural Casa da Eira, located in the village of Sobredo, just around 1 km from the center of Murça.
This lovely house offers three bedrooms, and when you rent it, you have the entire space to yourself, ensuring privacy and a cozy atmosphere.
However, if you’re looking for alternative accommodation options in the region, we suggest checking the availability and prices by referring to the map and the provided link below.
Accomodation in Murça, Portugal
Plan your stay in Murça and make the most of your time exploring this captivating destination!
Best Time to Visit Murça, Portugal
While there isn’t necessarily a bad time to visit Murça, certain periods are more favorable for exploring the region.
For instance, in March, the Rampa Porca de Murça takes place, followed by the Tua Walking Festival in April and the Feira do Azeite e do Vinho (Olive Oil and Wine Fair) in May. Additionally, the Feast of Nosso Senhor dos Aflitos e São Domingos occurs on the second weekend of July.
Apart from these events, it’s worth noting that spring and summer are the optimal seasons to visit Murça, as the weather is mild and perfect for outdoor activities.
If you enjoy the lively atmosphere of the harvest season, the end of summer is a great time to experience it. This is when ripe grape clusters are gathered from the fields and transported to the mills by tractors and trucks.
Regardless of when you choose to visit, you’ll discover a region steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty.
Take your time to explore the enchanting charms of this picturesque village, delve into its Celtic heritage, and savor the warm hospitality of the locals.
Map and Directions to Murça, Portugal
Murça is situated 124 km away from the city of Porto and 400 km from Lisbon. To find accurate directions, please refer to the Murça map provided below.
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