Chaves

Day Trips

Start with a guided stroll across the iconic Ponte Romana spanning the Tâmega River, soaking in centuries-old masonry. Pop into the Espaço Museológico do Banho to imagine daily life in ancient Aquae Flaviae as you wander among the preserved bath ruins. Enjoy a strong Portuguese coffee at a riverside café to fuel the rest of the morning.

Wander through the Museu Militar and admire artifacts that chart Chaves’s strategic importance from Roman times onward. Explore the Roman arch ruins near Alto da Forca and learn about urban planning and architecture in antiquity. Stop at a local tasca for a light lunch of petiscos before continuing your historical exploration.

Return to the riverfront as the sun sets, capturing the golden glow on the stone bridge. Savor a dinner of roasted trout served with regional vegetables at a cozy restaurant. Finish the night with a glass of verde wine under the stars on a terrace overlooking the Tâmega.

Head to the Mercado Municipal early to browse stalls brimming with smoked sausages, local cheeses and fresh produce. Chat with friendly vendors to learn about Trás-os-Montes’ paprika-spiced chouriço and traditional olive oils. Savor a warm pastel de carne alongside a robust Portuguese espresso.

Join a hands-on cooking workshop to master regional dishes like posta à Transmontana and caldo verde. Visit a family-run olive oil mill just outside town to taste award-winning extra-virgin olive oil. Round off with a leisurely countryside lunch featuring your own culinary creations.

Return to Chaves for dinner at a rustic tasca, pairing homemade sardines with a crisp Vinho Verde. Sample desserts such as tigelada or barrigas de freira. End the night with a paseo through the lanternlit streets of the historic quarter.

Start the day with a serene yoga session along the banks of the Tâmega River, listening to the gentle flow of water. Rent a stand-up paddleboard to glide across calm waters beneath the Renaissance-era bridge. Pause at a riverside café for a fresh fruit smoothie and homemade pastel de nata.

Cycle the scenic Ciclovia do Tâmega trail, weaving through orchards and olive groves alongside the river. Pack a picnic of local olives, cheese and cured meats to enjoy in a shaded riverside park. Watch fishing egrets and kingfishers at the river’s edge as you relax on a grassy bank.

Embark on a leisurely sunset boat cruise, admiring Chaves’ skyline lit by warm evening hues. Dine at a terrace restaurant with panoramic river views, savoring grilled peixe fresco and seasonal vegetables. Conclude with a digestif at a nearby wine bar while the bridge lights gleam over the water.

Set off before dawn for Alvão Natural Park, arriving as sunlight filters through ancient oak and pine forests. Tackle the well-marked trail to the Albufeira do Cabril viewpoint, where sweeping valley vistas unfold. Sip a thermos of Portuguese coffee while breathing in the crisp mountain air.

Continue along the Rio Olo path to the thunderous Fisgas de Ermelo waterfalls, pausing for a riverside picnic of local bread, cheeses and wine. Watch water cascade over moss-covered rocks and feel the mist on your face as you explore smaller footpaths. Photograph wildflowers that line the trail before returning to the park’s heart.

Drive back to Chaves and unwind at one of the town’s thermal baths, letting mineral-rich waters soothe tired muscles. Enjoy a simple meal at a family-run taverna, feasting on hearty cozido à portuguesa. Stroll under a canopy of stars through Chaves’ old town to end the day on a peaceful note.

Begin at Caldas de Chaves, the town’s venerable thermal complex dating back to medieval times. Soak in warm sulphurous waters in the elegant Roman-style bathhouse and feel centuries of healing spa rituals surround you. Step outside for a fresh coffee at the spa café overlooking manicured gardens.

Tour the historic Hospital Termal, an art-nouveau jewel that once catered to royalty and nobility. Indulge in signature treatments—mud packs, massages and inhalation therapies—guided by local spa specialists. Recharge with a light lunch of regional salads and broa corn bread in the tranquil spa lounge.

Sample mineral-rich thermal waters from a glass fountain—an age-old local custom said to invigorate digestion. Dine at a nearby restaurant offering modern takes on traditional spa cuisine, featuring local meats and seasonal produce. Finish with a leisurely stroll through the illuminated spa gardens under the night sky.

Climb the cobbled paths to the imposing Castelo de Chaves, perched on a hilltop overlooking the city and river. Explore tall battlements, ancient dungeons and panoramic terraces as guides regale you with tales of medieval battles. Capture sweeping morning vistas of terracotta rooftops and verdant valleys beyond.

Descend into town to visit the Igreja de Santa Maria Maior, admiring its intricate Manueline portal and ornate gilt altars. Wander through the cloisters of the Church of São Francisco, marveling at carved wooden choirs and centuries-old frescoes. Pause for lunch at a nearby tavern serving hearty soups and grilled meats favored by medieval pilgrims.

Return to the castle precinct to witness the sunset casting golden hues over the ancient walls. Dine at a traditional churrasqueira, savoring charcoal-grilled lamb and regional rices paired with robust local red wine. End the night with a gentle stroll along the fortress ramparts beneath a blanket of stars.

Head to Chaves’s main square as vendors set up colorful stalls for a traditional festival, selling handcrafted ceramics, lace and local delicacies. Immerse yourself in the cheerful atmosphere as musicians unpack accordions and bruschettes waft through the air. Sample warm vinho quente and regional pastries while chatting with friendly artisans.

Witness a lively procession honoring the town’s patron saint, complete with ornate floats and rhythmic drumming. Join in folk dances performed in authentic costume, learning steps from locally trained instructors. Refuel with festival fare—grilled sausages, pastelaria sweets and refreshing beer—served at bustling food tents.

Gather in the plaza for open-air concerts showcasing regional folk bands and contemporary artists. Watch a vibrant fireworks display lighting up the sky in brilliant bursts over the medieval walls. Close out the night with a nightcap at a nearby bar, swapping stories with locals about festival lore and traditions.

Venture 20 minutes southeast of Chaves to Lake Venda Nova, arriving at dawn as mist drifts across the calm waters. Rent a kayak to paddle peacefully under cypress-lined shores, spotting waterfowl and turtles sunning on logs. Stop on a small island to sip coffee and watch the sunrise paint the sky in pinks and oranges.

Spread a blanket on a grassy bank for a leisurely picnic of cured sausages, local cheeses and fresh bread picked up at Chaves’ market. Take a refreshing swim in crystalline water before hiking a short trail to a hidden waterfall. Explore nearby picnic spots shaded by oak trees, perfect for an afternoon siesta in nature.

Return to Chaves to enjoy dinner at a riverside terrace, reminiscing over the day’s serene lake vistas. Pair your meal with a fruity Douro white wine poured by the glass. Finish with a digestif on the terrace while gazing at Chaves’ illuminated old town across the Tâmega.

Take a scenic drive through vine-draped hills into the Alto Douro Wine Region, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape. Arrive early at a family-run quinta for a private vineyard tour, learning grape-growing techniques passed down through generations. Sample freshly pressed grape must and kick off the tasting with a crisp white varietal overlooking terraced slopes.

Enjoy a leisurely pairing lunch in the quinta’s rustic dining room, savoring local specialties like roast kid and smoked cheeses alongside vintage ports. Stroll through barrel cellars lined with centuries-old wood and marvel at the artful symmetry of grape vines above. Capture panoramic views of the Douro River snaking through the valley from a hilltop terrace.

Cruise downriver aboard a traditional rabelo boat, sipping tawny port as you drift past sun-kissed vineyards and ancient stone walls. Return to Chaves for a late dinner at a cozy restaurant, pairing fresh trout with a ruby port reduction. Toast under the night sky to the flavors and vistas of the Douro.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the terrace of a historic pousada, sipping coffee and nibbling on freshly baked croissants. Spend the morning revisiting favorite spots in the old town—popping into boutiques for souvenirs and admiring sunlit plazas. Pause at the Roman hot springs one last time to reflect on your journey.

Treat yourself to a final spa ritual at the Caldas de Chaves thermal baths, indulging in a signature sulphur mud treatment and massage. Wander the thermal gardens, inhaling aromatic pine and eucalyptus as you relax on a sun-drenched bench. Grab a light salad at the spa café before heading back to your room for a siesta.

Dress up for a farewell dinner at a renowned Chaves restaurant, selecting a tasting menu that showcases the region’s finest cheeses, meats and wines. Toast to ten days of discovery with a glass of aged port under soft candlelight. Step outside afterwards for a final stroll through lantern-lit streets, listening to the gentle murmur of the Tâmega as you bid Portugal goodbye.