São Miguel de Arcos
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São Miguel de Arcos
- Residents: 800 approx.
- Province: Oporto
Information
Get to know São Miguel de Arcos
São Miguel dos Arcos is a picturesque municipality located in the northern region of Portugal, specifically in the district of Braga. This charming place combines the natural beauty of its surroundings with a rich cultural history, making it an ideal destination for those seeking an authentic and peaceful experience in the heart of the Minho region.
São Miguel dos Arcos is known for its religious festivals, particularly the feast of São Miguel, which is celebrated in honor of the town’s patron, the Archangel Michael. These festivities include processions, traditional music, dances, and a wide variety of events that bring together locals and visitors in a festive atmosphere.
Location
How to get there
The fastest option to reach this town would be to fly to Porto, as Porto Airport is the closest to São Miguel dos Arcos. Once in Porto, it would be as simple as taking a train or a bus from the city center heading to Braga, where we will need to transfer to head towards São Miguel dos Arcos.
If we choose to travel by road, we should use Madrid as a reference point, taking the A-6 towards A Coruña. We will cross the border into Portugal and continue on the A-3 until we reach Porto. From Porto, we will take the A28 heading north and then the N206 to São Miguel dos Arcos.
History / Culture
What to see
São Miguel Church
The Church of São Miguel dos Arcos is one of the main points of interest in the town. This religious building, which gives the town its name, is a historic construction with traditional architecture. The church is an important symbol for the locals and has a rich history linked to the devotion to the Archangel Michael.
Old Town
The small old town of São Miguel dos Arcos retains many features of the traditional villages in the Minho region. Here, you can stroll through its narrow cobbled streets, enjoy the stone houses, and observe local life in its authentic setting.
Braga
Just about 20 minutes by car, Braga is a historic city with many places of interest, such as the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, the Braga Cathedral, and impressive architecture.
Guimarães
About 40 minutes by car, it is a city declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, known as the birthplace of the Portuguese nation.
Information of interest
Local police
Public Security Police
+351 252 648 400
Fire department
+351 252 648 300
Civil protection
+351 21 391 39 33 (Portuguese Red Cross)
Town hall
+351 252 248 700
Health center
+351 252 648 600
Tourism office
Avenida do Brasil, 100, 4480-668 Vila do Conde / +351 252 648 700
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Recommended
Gastronomy
In São Miguel dos Arcos and the Minho region, the cuisine is known for traditional dishes such as cod (prepared in various ways), arroz de cabidela, the tasty cozido à portuguesa, and the light caldo verde soup. Other typical delicacies include francesinha, the fluffy pão-de-ló, and Queijo da Serra cheese. Additionally, Vinho Verde, fresh and young, is an ideal drink to accompany meals. Rojões (fried pork) and octopus salad are also local delights, perfect for an authentic gastronomic experience in the region.
In this area, you can also enjoy the local cider, known as “sidra de Minho.”
Recommended
Festivals and Pilgrimages
Local festivity
September 14th: Holy Cross Festival
Local festivity
September 29th: São Miguel Festival (Patron Saint Festival)
Portuguese Way
On foot
25 stages
