Have you heard about Industrial Tourism? This type of tourism has emerged in recent years and has won millions of fans around the world.

In the industrial tourism, companies, organizations and museums open their doors for ordinary people to visit the facilities and get to know their mode of production up close. Through this experience, the tourist is able to acquire knowledge and get to know the local culture from another perspective.

In the North of Portugal, this type of tourism is more common. With a very varied economy and traditional productions, the region is one of the nationals highlights in the field of industrial tourism. Therefore, if you want to discover the North of Portugal through this innovative perspective, it is possible to explore companies from the main economic sectors in the country!  As you will see below, there are companies from various branches of activity such as Cooperage, Headgear, Footwear, Fashion, Textile, Technology, Canning and much more!

We present  8 industrial spaces that can be visited within the scope of Industrial Tourism!

Note: Due to the conditions of the Covid 19 pandemic, there may be restrictions on visits!

Visits require a reservation at least 5 days in advance.

Cooperage Josafer – Esmoriz

In the wine industry, the wooden barrels are much more than a container to transport or save wine. They add flavor and complexity to the drink, molding it and making a strong contribution to the soul of a wine.

A cooperage is the art of making barrels. And it all starts with simple wooden slats. Josafer is part of the museological network of Ovar, making their facilities into a live museum, whose mission is to safeguard the memory and cultural heritage of the family company Josafer.

Visit days: Every day with the exception of the months of August and public holidays
Schedule: Friday to Sunday: 10h00 - 12h30 / 14h00 - 17h30
Number of visitants: Min. 5 - Max. 50
Language: Portuguese, English
Visit duration: 60 minutes
 

Headgear Museum – São João da Madeira

From na old hat factory, was born the Headgear Museum. Unique in the Iberian Peninsula, the museum is a tribute to the men and women who made the hat industry one of the most important activities in the history of the municipality.

Visit days: Tuesday to Sunday
Schedule: Friday to Sunday: 10h00 - 12h30 / 14h00 - 17h30
Number of visitants: Min. 5 - Max. 25
Language: portuguese, english e french
Visit duration: 60 minutes

VIARCO – Pencil Factory

The only pencil factory in Portugal from 1907. It keeps an history with more than 100 years and continue to preserve century-old machines.

“Entering the factory is like taking a trip to the time of the Industrial Revolution

and the manufacturing complexes that the history books describe. ”

Visit days: Monday afternoon, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thurday and Friday morning
Visits interruptions : August, Holidays and vacations (on request)
Pre-booking: 5 days
Number of visitants: Min. 5 - Max. 20
Minimun age: 4 years
Language: Portuguese, English and French
Visit duration: 60 minutes

Molaflex - Matresses

Molaflex Matresses, S.A, started its activity in São João da Madeira in 1951. It is a company that invests in innovation, through the constant introduction of new technologies, combined with the group's know-how, being a pioneer in the manufacture of spring mattresses in Portugal.

Visit days: Monday afternoon, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday morning
Visits interruptions: August, Holidays and Vacations (on request)
Pre-booking: 5 days
Number of visitants: Min. 5 - Max. 20
Minimum age: 10 years
Languages: Portuguese, English and French
Visit duration: 45 minutes

RAMIREZ CANNED 1853

At Ramirez, there is a duality that makes those who work there proud. On the one hand, they are the oldest canning factory on the planet in operation - founded in 1853 by the Spanish Sebastian Ramirez – by the other hand, they are also the most modern and ecologic of the sector worldwide and one of the 5 bests food industries, according to the opinion of several international auditors.

With production of around 45 million cans a year, it receives visitors from all over the world.

Store and Museum: without prior appointment

Groups: appointments with at least 30 days in advance

Visit days:  every day, during the week
Visits schedule:  Mornings at 10:00
Pre-booking: just for groups
Number of visitants: Individuals and groups
Minimum age: 7 years
Language: English and Portuguese
Visit duration: 30 minutes

NORTENHA TEXTILE

Founded in 1954, Nortenha Textile Company, is an industry specialized in the confection of fashion articles.

With high quality products in circular mesh, it has won its recognition among major international brands.

Visit days:  Tuesday
Visit Schedule:  9:00h to 10:00h
Pre-booking: Yes, 15 days
Number of visitants: maximum 10 people
Minimum age: only tourism: unique contexte
Languages: portuguese
Visit duration: 40 minutes

Ave Textile Industry Museum

Fonded in 1987, is located in an area strongly marked by the Textile industry.

In addition to the historical contextualization of the industrialization of Vale do Ave, this museum exhibits a unique collection of textile machines that document the process of spinning to weaving.

The Museum is installed in the old Wool Spinning and Weaving factory - A Lanifícia do Outeiro, Lda. - Founded in 1920.

Visit days:  Monday to Fridays
Visits Schedules:  10h00 to 17h00
Pre-booking: 5 days ins advance
Number of visistants: minimum and maximum if any: With the current conditions 5 people, post pandemic about 25 people

Minimum age: Not specified
Languages: Portuguese
Visit duration: 45 to 60 minutes

Chocolat Factory - Casa Grande

The visit starts with a question, almost rhetorical: “Who wants a chocolate?” The experience includes a workshop where the participants do their own chocolat to take home.

Visit days:  2ª to 6ª
Visits Interruptions: No
Pre-booking: Yes, at least 2 weeks in advance
Number of visitants: 15 to 25 visitants
Minimum: 6 years
Language: Portuguese,Spanish and English
Visit duration: 45 minutes

You can create your own circuit or request the organization of a visit organized by our Groups and Events department with the best suggestions we have for you in any industrial area: [email protected]