Hugging the north bank of the Douro River, Baião is a sprawling municipality in northern Portugal. It encompasses rolling hills blanketed in vineyards and dotted with small towns, including the main settlement of Baião. The area is renowned for its megalithic monuments constructed around 6,000 years ago.
Things to do in Baiao
You can delve into the local history at the Museu Municipal de Baião, which explores the occupation of the region from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages. Learn about life in Baião during the Bronze Age and the Christian reconquest, with a highlight of the exhibition a model featuring 120 human figurines. Also on site is an interpretive centre dedicated to the region’s wine industry.
A short drive north of Baião is the Dolmen Chã de Parada, which has been dated back to the 4th millennium BC. Comprised of nine supports, it features an access corridor and is decorated with engravings. Also nearby is the Conjunto Megalitico da Aboboreira, another impressive funerary monument built during the Neolithic period.
For magnificent views across the Douro River and its surrounding vineyards, head to the Miradouro de São Silvestre do Cimo do Douro. Located at an altitude of 530 metres, the viewpoint is home to the Capela de São Silvestre, a charming chapel topped by a large cross. Be sure to swing on the Baloiço de São Silvestre while admiring the village of Mesão Frio and watching birds of prey soaring on the thermals above.
Getting around Baiao
Baião is around an hour’s drive from the centre of Porto and Francisco Sa Carneiro Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Regular buses connect to Baião and the town is compact enough to explore on foot. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around the region.