Moving further into the Douro Valley, we arrive in Covelinhas, where life revolves around grapes tending while exulting the so much awaited harvest. Covelinhas stands as a testament to the legacy of time, given that the ancient “castros” of this village were built around 202 BC, when the Romans began to fortify the towns to defend themselves against their enemies. Already at the beginning of Portugal’s monarchy, Covelinhas had regional importance, such that King Afonso Henriques (first Portuguese king) gave it a charter in the 12th century.

According to tradition, this small village was formerly called Covelas and contained so many veins of precious metal that The elders joke about the people of Covelas throwing gold at goats, thinking they were throwing simple stones.

Covelinhas is home to the Chapel of Santo António, an important religious site, and the annual Sheep Fair, a nod to its pastoral roots, is a major event, drawing locals and tourists alike.