Mealhada

Mealhada is a municipality in the Aveiro District, in the Centro region of Portugal. It lies in the Bairrada wine region, an area renowned for its sparkling wines and diverse white wines, and for a rich culinary tradition. The administrative seat is the town of Mealhada, and the municipality is divided into several civil parishes.

The local economy traditionally revolves around agriculture and viticulture, with many vineyards and fruit farms. In recent decades, tourism has grown, driven by gastronomic tourism centered on the region’s signature dish, Leitão da Bairrada (roast suckling pig), and by wine tourism related to the Bairrada DOC.

The region’s restaurants are known for preparing Leitão as a specialty, often roasted in clay ovens. Cultural life in Mealhada includes rural-heritage sites, religious buildings, and markets that reflect its agrarian roots. Festivals and events related to wine and food are common, attracting visitors from across the region. The municipality also serves as a corridor for travelers touring the central Portugal hinterland and the Bairrada wine route.