Galafura Viewpoint

The Miradouro de São Leonardo de Galafura stands on Monte de S. Leonardo, east of the village of Galafura, in the municipality of Peso da Régua (União de Freguesias de Galafura e Covelinhas). It is one of the best-known viewpoints in the Douro and is linked to the writer Miguel Torga, who described the river here as "sublimated".

From the height, the eye follows the Douro valley and the terraced slopes, reaching the areas of Armamar, Sabrosa, Tabuaço, Fontelo and Valença do Douro. The region also has the Miradouro de Casal de Loivos, another viewpoint over the Douro.

What you will find here

• A tile panel with a text by Miguel Torga, who wrote that here "it is not a panorama the eyes contemplate: it is an excess of nature".
• A geodetic marker and a picnic area with stone benches and shade.
• A chapel whose annual festivities are mentioned by Roteiro do Douro; sources differ on whether it stands at the viewpoint itself or nearby.

History and altitude

According to the Peso da Régua municipality's page, a Roman settlement once existed on this hill, and Roman wells and mining sites can still be seen. The altitude varies by source: 566 metres on the municipal page and about 640 metres in other tourism publications, so the figure should be treated as approximate.

Getting there

The municipality gives the route as the N 313-1 road to Galafura and then a municipal road to the viewpoint. The municipality of Peso da Régua has more places to visit in the region. For up-to-date information, contact the Câmara Municipal.