The village of Paradela is a mythical place. This is where you will see “the first morning sun in Portugal”!

There are several charming villages in Portugal. There are villages that captivate us with their beauty, others captivate us with the landscape in which they are located, with their natural beauty. There are Portuguese villages that stand out for their monuments (castles, churches, bridges).

However, there are villages that glow thanks to some oddities. For example, there is a village that gives us “the first sun in the morning”!

Paradela: the Portuguese place where the sun rises early

Location

Hotel Paradela is located in Tras os Montes. The union of the parishes of Ifanes and Paradela is part of the municipality of Miranda do Douro with an area of ​​13.8 km². The village of Paradela is located about 16 km from the administrative centre, in the extreme northeast of the territory, at the easternmost point of Portugal.

This cluster is located in the Douro International Natural Park. It is present in the International Douro and Angueira Valley Special Protected Area (Bird Directive) and in the Douro International Site (National List of Sites). The small village of Paradela is currently home to very few people. The population is less than 200 people.

Story

Judging by the archaeological monuments found in this area, it can be argued that many people, different peoples, passed through this land. The primitive settlement of this land must go back at least to the Celtic period. There is archaeological evidence to suggest that the continuity of this human settlement was secured by the period of Roman rule.

Thus, the Celts were the first to use these lands. Later it was the Romans; the Germans followed him; and later also the Arabs, whose influence was reflected in toponymy.

The first historical mention of this agglomeration is in a document dated 1145. The document states that the village belongs to the Archbishop of Braga, who had an inn here.

Tin mines played an important role in the area. The first mention of the existence of these tin mines is in a 19th century document.

In a decree dated February 6, 1855, the concession for its exploration is attributed to the Portuguese and two Spaniards, who were the authors of the discovery. Tin mines played a decisive role in the development of the territory. In addition to the mines, which gave the locals a lot of work, other important areas for the local economy were cattle breeding and farming.

Curiosity

This village is used to people getting up early. In this village, people wake up earlier than in the rest of the country, and the justification for this is simple. This is due to the location of the village. Since it is located in the eastern part of Portugal, it is in this village that the sun rises first.

Top attractions in or near Paradel

natural beauty

Aldeia da Paradela is part of a territorial space that enchants with its natural landscape. The stunning scenery is best seen from Miradoro das Torres.

The largest chestnut tree in the Douro International Park grows in Paradel. Castanea sativa Miller is a chestnut that is considered the largest tree of its kind.

People

Locals proudly talk about their past. The collective memory makes the village and the parish especially attractive. People talk vainly about their traditions.

They share their knowledge of smuggling and trade relations with neighboring Spain. Mirandese turns out to be another local attraction.

Peña das Torres viewpoint

At this point, where the Douro River flows into Portugal, one can access a privileged view of the Douro River and the rocky uplands. Some choose the viewpoint at Peña das Torres to enjoy the most morning sunset in the country.

dam

The Castro Dam was built by the Spanish and is another local attraction. The dam can be seen from the Penha das Torres observation deck. The cement monster is present in a space where there are several building types and a church nearby. Local houses are abandoned.

other attractions

Among the biggest local attractions: the mother church. The cemetery chapel is another place worth visiting.

The Pendonico Cross is another local attraction. The Preguis Fountain is charming. Casa do Dízima is another local attraction. Peña do Mouro is also worth a visit. In addition to the Roman ruins, there are watermills that attract the attention of everyone who visits this village.

holidays

Feast in honor of St. Sebastian takes place on January 20th. The feast in honor of the Ascension of the Mother of God takes place on the last Sunday of August.

Sunrise at the Penha das Torres viewpoint

Video from: E-book Cold Earth.

Wondering where to eat in Paradel or Miranda do Douro?

We have collected several places where you can taste authentic gastronomic dishes. These are restaurants that serve the best local cuisine.

Hotel Parador Santa Catarina

Address: Largo da Pousada, 5210-183 Miranda do Douro.

Contacts: (+351) 273 431 255 / 273 431 005 / (+351) 273 431 065

Additional Information, here.

Viewpoint Restaurant

Address: Rua do Mercado nº 53/55, 5210-210 Miranda do Douro.

Contacts: (+351) 273 431 259 / [email protected]

Additional Information, here.

Restaurant D. Joao III

Address: Estrada Nacional 218, 5210-209 Miranda do Douro.

Contacts: (+351) 273 431 053 / [email protected]

Additional Information, here.

Restaurant Santa Cruz

Address: Rua Abade de Baçal nº61, 5210-201 Miranda do Douro.

Contacts: (+351) 273 431 374 / (+351) 273 431 341 / [email protected]

Additional Information, here.

Restaurant O Mirandes

Address: Urbanização do Juncal, 5210-209 Miranda do Douro.

Contacts: (+351) 273 432 823 / (+351) 273 432 154 / [email protected]

Additional Information, here.

Wondering where to stay in Paradel or Miranda do Douro?

Here are some quality guidelines:

Casa D’Augusta Farm Stay

Address: Rua do Lagar nº 3 5210-345 Vila Chã de Braciosa

Contacts: (+351) 934 918 779

Additional Information, here.

Hotel MiraFresno ***

Address: Rua 1º de Maio nº 2, 5210-191 Miranda do Douro.

Contacts: (+351) 273 430 030 / (+351) 273 430 039 / [email protected]

Additional Information, here.

Casa dos Edras

Address: R. Principal, 5210-170 Aldeia Nova – Miranda do Douro.

Contacts: [email protected]

Additional Information, here.

Local accommodation Flor do Douro

Address: Rua do Mercado nº7, 5210-210 Miranda do Douro.

Contacts: (+351) 273 431 186 / (+351) 273 417 273 / [email protected]

Additional Information, here.

Freixios Post Office – Country House

Address: Rua da Igreja, 5210-333 Freixiosa.

Contacts: (+351) 919 858 194 / [email protected]

Additional Information, here.

Useful information:

GPS location: 41°34’32.6″ N, 6°11’33.2″ W

How to get a?

The village of Paradela is a fantastic place, as here you can see the “first morning sun in Portugal”! The entrance to this small village is carried out along the roads M 542-1 and M 1125.

Miranda do Douro Tourist Office

Address: LG. Child Jesus of Cartoline, 5210-191 Miranda do Douro

Contacts. 273 430 025 / [email protected].

Schedules:

Open from October 1 to April 30: from 9:00 to 12:30 / from 13:30 to 17:00.

Open from May 1 to September 30: from 9:00 to 12:30 / from 13:30 to 18:00.