Chaves: Thermal Baths, History and Trails along the Tâmega

Chaves combines Roman thermal history, fortifications, museums and trails along the Tâmega with distinctive culinary traditions. When planning a trip, you can choose between culture, observing nature, hiking, cycling and a route along historic sites. The city is therefore suitable as a starting point for very different types of holiday days, without having to commit to just one travel idea.

Thermal Baths and a Dynamic Urban History

The Termas Medicinais Romanas de Chaves are classified as a national monument. The thermal water is also one of the town’s distinctive features: at the AC2 spring, it emerges at a temperature of 76 °C. The Termas de Chaves offer programmes that combine health, well-being and relaxation in harmony with nature. Anyone interested in the historical and present-day significance of the thermal springs will find a separate focus for trip planning here.

Among the historic landmarks is the Pelourinho de Chaves, which is classified as an Imóvel de Interesse Público. It symbolises judicial autonomy and was re-erected in 1910 after being dismantled in 1870. The Ponte Romana de Chaves stands in the centre of Chaves over the Tâmega River. Together with the fortifications, it tells of the site’s strategic role: During the war with Castile following the declaration of national independence, Chaves became the most important fortress in Trás-os-Montes. The defensive system was strengthened in the following years, up to 1668, through the construction of the Forte de São Neutel.

Older architectural history is also present. The surviving remains of the medieval fortifications were probably built during the Gothic period, possibly in the 13th century. The Romanesque church of Santa Maria Maior was probably built in the 12th century on foundations dating from the Visigothic period. For a trip focused on history and architecture, this creates several different themes that can easily be spread across individual sightseeing segments.

Museums, Literature and Local Crafts

The Museu da Região Flaviense preserves Chaves’s historical heritage and contributes to its enhancement. It has been housed in the Paço dos Duques de Bragança since 1978; its collections are primarily archaeological in nature. The Museu de Arte Contemporânea Nadir Afonso was built to a design by the architect Álvaro de Siza Vieira. It is also the headquarters of the foundation whose mission is to promote and disseminate the work of Nadir Afonso. The building includes an auditorium, a library, a shop and a bar.

The Roteiro Camoniano offers literary discoveries. It leads to the house where Luís Vaz de Camões is traditionally said to have been born, as well as to other places associated with him. In Vilas de Nantes in the municipality of Chaves, traditional ceramics made from black clay are produced. The place is one of four locations in Portugal where this production takes place. This is complemented by a culinary discovery: Pastéis de Chaves are among the specialities for which Chaves is known.

Trails along the Tâmega and Nature in the Surroundings

The Ecovia do Tâmega connects Chaves and Verín along the riverbank and forms a cross-border ecological corridor. It is an almost flat route that can be used on foot or by bicycle. If you prefer a manageable, active day out, this type of route offers a different perspective on the landscape from a walk through the historic areas.

Another option is the Ecovia Internacional do Tâmega e do Corgo, an approximately 12-kilometre hiking and cycling route along the former Corgo railway line. Some sections run alongside the Tâmega River and offer beautiful landscapes. The Trilhos de visitação do Património natural e cultural de Chaves also include 80 kilometres of rural paths along the Tâmega. Anyone planning a longer hike or cycling tour can choose between these different routes according to the desired length of the day. The Caminho Interior Português to Santiago de Compostela, which comes from the direction of Viseu, also passes through Chaves.

The Tâmega lagoons are located nearby. They were created artificially through sand extraction and serve as a bird sanctuary as well as a resting and breeding area for several migratory bird species. Nature observation thus adds another reason to visit alongside the city’s cultural and active offerings.

Which Accommodation Suits Your Trip Plans?

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Chaves, it is worth first deciding on your preferred focus. For those interested in culture, thermal history, fortifications, churches and museums take centre stage. Anyone who enjoys travelling on foot or by bicycle can consider the Ecovia do Tâmega, the approximately 12-kilometre route along the former Corgo railway line or longer rural paths. For a trip with a distinctive regional character, ceramics made from black clay, Pastéis de Chaves and the literary traces of the Roteiro Camoniano are also options.

Chaves also provides a clear point of orientation for a touring holiday: Kilometre 0 of Portugal’s Estrada Nacional 2, the EN2, is located at the roundabout of the Jardim Público de Chaves. When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore consider whether you want to experience Chaves primarily as a cultural destination, as a starting point for trails along the Tâmega or as a stop along a longer road trip.

For further regional orientation, you can also discover Bustelo, Alijó, Vales, Vila Real, Mondim De Basto, Vila Pouca De Aguiar, Peso Da Régua and Montalegre.

Back to the overarching travel overview: Vila Real.