S�o Pedro do Sul

Nested in the green valley of Laf�es and framed by the mountains of Arada, Gralheira and S�o Mac�rio, S�o Pedro do Sul is particularly known for its thermal spa, with mineral and medicinal waters that were already used by the Romans for their curing powers, and later also sought by Afonso Henriques, Portugal's first king (12th century), who would give the town its first charter.

Nowadays, the thermal spa of S�o Pedro do Sul has modern equipment and several leisure facilities, being one of the most important of Portugal, with an average of 25 thousand visitors every year. From its early period, the Roman balneum and the Afonso Henriques pool may still be seen and are of great archaeological and architectural interest.

Otherwise, the county is rich in terms of archaeology, visible in remains such as the fortified settlement of C�rcoda, at the Serra da Arada mountains, dating from the Bronze Age and the Roman period, or the settlement of Senhora da Guia, at the parish of Bai�es, also from the 7th century B.C.

Yet more fascinating is the �Written Stone� of Serrazes, an important specimen of rupestral art where the surface of a rock displays enigmatic geometrical figures.

Besides this valuable past, the county of S�o Pedro do Sul also benefits from a priviledged natural landscape, with hills covered by lush green vegetation and streams of clear water, small villages of typical schist houses (such as Pena or Covas do Rio), or the fertile valley of Laf�es with its pastures, orchards, vegetable plots and vineyards.

Also worth visiting are the typical village of Manhouce, on the slopes of the Gralheira mountain, and Santa Cruz da Trapa, with the impressive ruins of the Convent of Saint Christopher (12th century) and ancient manors.

In terms of gastronomy, the veal from Laf�es is famous, but visitors will also find excellent roast kid and home-made ham and bread on the highland zone.

| Hotels (4) | Pensions and Boarding Houses (5) | Aparthotels (1) | Youth Hostels (1) | Manor & Farm Houses (1) |