Located on the banks of the Tua River, Mirandela is a lively city in northeastern Portugal known during Roman times as “Caladunum”. Its hilltop core is clustered with beautiful churches and palatial residences while it’s also surrounded by wooded slopes where olive trees are grown.
Things to do in Mirandela
Spanning the Tua River is the Ponte Medieval de Mirandela, an arched bridge that stretches 238 metres in length. It is believed to have been constructed in the 16th century and has been altered several times since, mostly due to damage caused by flooding. At the western end of the bridge is the charming chapel of the Santuario de Nossa Senhora do Amparo.
Near the eastern end of the bridge is the Museu da Oliveira e do Azeite, which is dedicated to the history of olive oil production in the region. It encompasses a hydraulic oil mill that is over 100 years of age and is still in good working condition. After learning about the cultivation of olives and the process of transforming them into oil, you can taste the finished product.
In the summer months, you can refresh with a swim at the Praia Fluvial de Mirandela, a riverside beach with grassy lawns and shady trees. You can stretch your legs on the waterfront trail or watch all the comings and goings from the Flor de Sal restaurant. Elevated views across Mirandela can be enjoyed from the Miradouro da Cidade, which can be accessed via a winding road that leads to the west of the town.
Getting around Mirandela
Mirandela is around 1.5 hours’ drive from Porto and Francisco Sa Carneiro Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe, North Africa and the United States. Regular buses connect to Mirandela and the town centre is compact enough to explore on foot.