Best attractions and places to see around Coa include a blend of ancient history, natural beauty, and cultural sites in northern Portugal. The region is particularly known for its open-air Paleolithic rock art, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can explore diverse landscapes, charming historical towns, and significant archaeological parks. The area also features rewilding initiatives and scenic river valleys.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
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Along the Beech Trail, you'll discover some of the oldest trees on the estate, including Oak and the sprawling limbs of this Horse Chestnut, forming a natural arch over the path.
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In the graveyard are several interesting stones, probably the most noted one is known as the Bishops stone, this odd shaped stone has been altered and reused several times, originally thought to have been a carved figure similar to those on nearby White Island. Another stone with a lot of history is the large slab standing west of the bishops stone, one side of the stone bears at least twelve cup-shaped hollows, see image above right, which suggest this maybe a multiple bullaun stone/cup marked stone that has been reused as an early Christian cross slab, as on the obverse face is a Greek cross in a circle with a bifurcated stem. Situated south of the bullaun stone is a holed stone, as the image shows this stone is half embedded in the ground. Immediately to the West of the holed stone is a broken 1.2 metre high stone pillar. This stone may have been damaged. http://www.megalithicireland.com/Killadeas.htm
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Devenish Monastic Site is generally considered to be the most important of Lough Erne's many island church settlements. Devenish was founded in the 6th century by St Molaise. It was raided by Vikings in 837 and burned in 1157, but in the Middle Ages flourished as the site of a parish church and St Mary's Augustinian Priory. There are extensive low earthworks on the hillside, but the earliest buildings are St Molaise's House (a very small church) and the fine round tower close by, both with striking Romanesque decorations from the 12th century. Teampull Mór, the lower church, dates from the early 13th century and has a beautifully moulded south window. It was extended to the east in about 1300, while later additions include a residential wing to the north and the Maguire Chapel to the south, with 17th century heraldic slabs. St Mary's Augustinian Priory on the hilltop dates from the middle 15th and early 16th centuries, with church, tower and small north cloister. In its graveyard stands an unusual, intricately-carved cross of the middle 15th century. - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devenish_Island - https://web.archive.org/web/20120224043140/http://www.culturenorthernireland.org/article.aspx?art_id=746
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In the graveyard are several interesting stones, probably the most noted one is known as the Bishops stone, this odd shaped stone has been altered and reused several times, originally thought to have been a carved figure similar to those on nearby White Island. Another stone with a lot of history is the large slab standing west of the bishops stone, one side of the stone bears at least twelve cup-shaped hollows, see image above right, which suggest this maybe a multiple bullaun stone/cup marked stone that has been reused as an early Christian cross slab, as on the obverse face is a Greek cross in a circle with a bifurcated stem. Situated south of the bullaun stone is a holed stone, as the image shows this stone is half embedded in the ground. Immediately to the West of the holed stone is a broken 1.2 metre high stone pillar. This stone may have been damaged. http://www.megalithicireland.com/Killadeas.htm
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The magnificent Enniskillen Castle is situated in the heart of Enniskillen on the banks of the River Erne. The castle was founded in the 15th century by Hugh 'The Hospitable' Maguire and belonged to the Maguire family for centuries. Between 2007 and 2013 a massive refurbishment took place so that the castle could be opened to the public. Today you can explore the castle grounds and learn about this landmarks rich history.
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Run past the beautiful Castle Coole, a magnificent 18th century manor house set in a gorgeous 1,200 acre wooded landscape park.
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Castle Coole is one of the most magnificent Neo-classical houses in Ireland set in a 1,200 acre (490 ha) wooded estate. Built in the 18th century, the grand mansion was home to the Earls of Belmore. The 7th Earl Belmore gave the manion to the National Trust in 1951. The house was originally constructed as a summer retreat and cost £57,000, the equivalent of around £20 million today. It is set amongst beautiful parklands dotted with oak, ash and beech trees. Some of the land is given to local farmers to graze their cattle and sheep. You can visit the mansion and its grounds for an insight of how life would once have been for its wealthy inhabitants and their staff. Entrance to the grounds costs £5 per adult.
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Built in the 16th century, Enniskillen Castle has many stories to tell – from Irish rebellions against English rule to sieges and protection from the threat of French invasion. In the 1950s, the castle was decommissioned as an army barracks and opened as a heritage centre. Today, you can visit the museum to learn about the region's history. The castle is open from 9.30am to 5pm (Monday to Friday) and from 11am - 5pm on weekends.
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The primary attraction is the Côa Valley Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its extensive open-air Paleolithic rock art. Key sites within the park include Penascosa, Canada do Inferno, Ribeira de Piscos, and Fariseu. Additionally, the Côa Museum offers a comprehensive introduction to the rock art and its history.
The Côa Valley is situated in northern Portugal, at the confluence of the Côa and Douro rivers. It's part of the Alto Douro Wine Region, famous for its vineyards and Port wine production.
Beyond the Paleolithic rock art, the region is rich in history. You can visit charming historic villages like Vila Nova de Foz Côa, Almendra, Castelo Melhor, and Freixo de Numão, many featuring medieval fortress walls, Romanesque churches, and Baroque manor houses. The nearby village of Almeida also boasts a mighty fortress.
Yes, the Côa River Valley itself is a significant natural feature with impressive gorges. You can find breathtaking panoramic vistas at numerous viewpoints, such as the São Gabriel Viewpoint in Castelo Melhor. The region is also part of rewilding initiatives, offering opportunities to observe diverse wildlife.
The Côa Valley offers various outdoor activities. You can explore the landscape via the Côa Walkways (Passadiços do Côa) or embark on longer journeys along the Côa Valley Grand Route. For specific routes, you can find options for easy hikes, running trails, and cycling routes in the area.
Yes, the Côa Valley offers family-friendly experiences. The Côa Museum provides interactive exhibits suitable for all ages, and guided tours of the rock art sites can be an educational adventure. The natural landscapes and easy walking trails also provide opportunities for family outings.
The Côa Valley can be visited year-round. For pleasant weather for outdoor activities and exploring the rock art sites, spring and autumn are ideal. If you visit in late winter or early spring, you might witness the beautiful almond blossom festival.
Access to the Paleolithic rock art sites within the Côa Valley Archaeological Park is primarily through guided tours, often conducted in 4x4 vehicles. These tours are essential for visiting sites like Penascosa, Canada do Inferno, Ribeira de Piscos, and Fariseu. It's advisable to book tours in advance.
Yes, the Greater Côa Valley is a significant focus of rewilding initiatives in Portugal. These efforts aim to restore natural ecosystems, and visitors may observe returning wildlife such as wild boar, roe deer, red deer, various birds of prey, and even the Iberian wolf.
Within the Greater Côa Valley, you can find the Malcata Nature Reserve, known for its oak forests and riverine gorges, and the Faia Brava Natural Reserve, which features cork oak and holm oak forests, contributing to the region's rich biodiversity.
Absolutely. The Côa River is a tributary of the Douro River, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its vineyards. The confluence offers scenic views, and the historic Douro railway line ends at Pocinho, near Foz Côa, providing access to river cruises and the Alto Douro Wine Region.


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