Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Vizela, Portugal

Vizela is a spa town located in Portugal’s Norte region, characterized by a landscape adorned with towering coniferous hills and granite outcrops.

The utilization of Vizela’s mineral-rich hot springs began with the Romans; however, today, the town exudes a Belle Époque ambiance, particularly at its spa and the elegant surrounding park.

During this period, Vizela also became renowned for its bolinhol, a sumptuous sponge cake drizzled with icing, which serves as an excellent accompaniment for afternoon tea.

Furthermore, numerous charming attractions are scattered throughout the area, including a historic Roman bridge and various hilltop sanctuaries offering breathtaking mountain vistas. Notably, the World Heritage city of Guimarães is conveniently located just 15 minutes away by car.

Let’s explore the top activities to engage in while visiting Vizela:

1. Parque das Termas de Vizela

In the 1880s, horticulturist José Marques Loureiro introduced hundreds of trees, both indigenous and exotic, around the thermal springs for the benefit of its visitors.

These trees have since grown into towering specimens, bringing dramatic character to this park, which bursts into a myriad of blooms during April and May.

The hot springs continue to be complemented by a luxury spa hotel that has recently been refurbished. Additionally, visitors can find cafes along the banks of the Vizela River, a playground for children, and a mini-golf course where the “Mini-golf European Championship” took place in 2016. Where the Vizela River curves beside the park, a bar and a newly established outdoor bathing area await.

2. Caldas de Vizela

Following enhancements made to the spa complex in the 1870s, it became a favored destination for affluent Portuguese and British aristocracy.

During the evenings, extravagant balls were hosted in the park, and Vizela quickly earned the title “Rainha das Termas de Portugal” (the Queen of Portugal’s Spas). Although the spa complex experienced a decline during the 20th century, it was restored in 1982. The area boasts numerous springs of sulphurous and sodium-enriched water, ranging in temperature from 15°C to 65°C, with a daily output exceeding one million liters.

Individuals seeking relief from skin, rheumatic, musculoskeletal, and respiratory conditions visit to immerse themselves in the nourishing waters and experience shower massages.

3. Ponte Velha de Vizela

This bridge, which spans the Vizela River along the Roman route connecting Braga and Amarante, has been standing in some form for approximately 2,000 years and is officially listed as a National Monument.

Several characteristics distinctly identify it as a Roman bridge: the semi-circular arches, the prominent cutwater in the center, and the two hollow chambers.

Notably, these hollow chambers are a hallmark of Roman bridge design, crafted to alleviate the load on the vaults and to allow water to flow through during floods.

4. Praça da República

Vizela’s principal square is a cultured area, featuring long rows of plane trees, outdoor café terraces, and ice cream vendors during the summer months.

The thermal springs are also redirected into a fountain within the square.

The Bica de Água Quente is a recently restored hot water spout, where it is customary to step down to the tank and dip a finger into the warm sulphurous water.

Be advised, however, that local folklore suggests anyone who partakes in this ritual may have little desire to leave the town thereafter.

5. Jardim Público Manuel Faria

Adjacent to the square, a beautifully designed garden features another fountain fed by the springs of Vizela.

The garden includes flowerbeds arranged in formal patterns, a bandstand, a tree-lined walkway, and a grand staircase leading up to street level.

At the base of the stairs, visitors can enjoy a coffee or cold beverage at the café.

A striking feature of the garden is the statue titled Vizela Romana, which symbolizes the town’s Roman heritage.

6. Santuário de São Bento das Peras

Perched atop the 410-meter high hill of São Bento is the sanctuary of the same name.

Visitors can drive up the winding road or take a walk; however, many prefer to walk, particularly on July 11, when hundreds participate in a procession to the chapel in honor of the saint’s feast day, which is a sight to behold if one is in the area.

Even outside the feast day, a visit is still highly recommended.

In truth, while the modern chapel is noteworthy, the Xisto panoramic restaurant offers an impressive view of the Vizela Valley and the enormous granite boulders strewn across the summit.

7. Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Pombeiro

Nestled within a tranquil green valley, this monastery is designated as a National Monument with origins dating back to the 9th century.

The monastery flourished during the 1100s when it received privileges and support from Portugal’s first king, Afonso Henriques.

Aside from the imposing facade featuring a rose window flanked by pointed spires, little remains of the original Romanesque buildings due to continuous expansion into the Early Modern period.

This has resulted in the Baroque grandeur of the choir and altar, radiating opulence with their adorned woodwork and intricate mouldings.

Visitors can also explore the remnants of an incomplete Neoclassical cloister, initiated in the early 1800s but left unfinished following the monastery’s dissolution in 1834.

8. Caves do Casalinho

Located in Vizela is one of the oldest wineries in the Vinho Verde region: Caves do Casalinho, which began operations in 1944 and is set across 30 hectares of vineyards midway up the Vizela Valley.

The idyllic setting is perfect for viticulture, positioned on a gentle slope boasting effective drainage and abundant sunshine.

Guests can tour the old winery, where the original press and vintage vats remain intact.

Caves do Casalinho produces diverse varieties of wine, including robust, fruity reds commonly found in the Douro Valley and Alentejo. However, the must-try wines are the fresh and refined Vinho Verde offerings crafted from Loureiro and Arinto grapes.

9. Capela de Nossa Senhora da Tocha

The precise date of construction for this chapel remains a topic of debate among historians.

However, its Pre-Romanesque design suggests it dates back to the early medieval period.

This compact structure consists of a single nave and chancel.

The interior walls remain bare except for the intricately sculpted merlons along the roof and the small belfry.

Situated atop a hill, the chapel’s scenic location enhances its allure, complemented by a belvedere offering expansive views of the surrounding countryside.

10. Tagilde

This modest parish is historically significant as the site where the world’s longest-standing alliance between two nations was established.

The Treaty of Tagilde was signed in 1372 between King Fernando I and John of Gaunt, the Duke of Lancaster.

This alliance united Portugal and England against the Castilian and Aragonese kingdoms in Spain, forming the first legal foundation for a partnership that has endured for nearly 650 years.

To commemorate this historic event, a granite obelisk was erected outside the Igreja Matriz in 1953, featuring the medieval Royal arms of Portugal and England.

11. Casa de Sá

A lesser-known attraction, yet one worthy of a visit, is this Baroque mansion located in the countryside southeast of the town.

Casa de Sá is privately owned; nevertheless, the exterior is noteworthy, featuring gates decorated with pinnacles, pilasters, and pediments.

Literary enthusiasts may find interest in the fact that several notable figures, including authors José Régio and Camilo Castelo Branco, have passed through these gates.

12. Citânia de Sanfins

Navigate the winding mountain road to this archaeological site, which is almost unparalleled on the Iberian Peninsula.

The earliest remnants found at Citânia de Sanfins date to the 5th century BC, with the settlement reaching its zenith approximately 300 years later.

During this period, it served as the hub for a broader region, housing at least 3,000 inhabitants.

The site is characterized by its dry-stone walls from numerous houses, many of which were built in a circular format.

Noteworthy features include the pedra formosa, a carved stone situated near the public baths, and the nùcleo familiar, where a complete house has been reconstructed, including a thatched roof, offering a rare insight into historical living conditions in these settlements.

13. Guimarães

In Vizela, you are conveniently situated just 10 kilometers from a UNESCO World Heritage City that should not be overlooked—Guimarães.

Recognized as the supposed birthplace of Afonso Henriques, this city has played a pivotal role in shaping Portuguese history.

The historic center of Guimarães is stunningly picturesque, with bustling streets leading to ancient squares, such as Largo da Oliveira.

This square is named after a solitary olive tree dating back to the Middle Ages and is home to an evocative Gothic monument commemorating the 14th-century Battle of Salado.

The Palace of the Dukes of Braganza serves as another remarkable Gothic landmark and is linked to the lineage that later evolved into the Portuguese royal family.

14. Monte da Penha

Approaching from the south, visitors may drive directly to the sanctuary perched atop the Penha Mountain, which towers above Guimarães.

Alternatively, one might consider leaving the vehicle in the city and utilizing the cable car for a return fare of €5.

The vistas are breathtaking, and from the summit, one can gaze all the way to the ocean on clear days.

At this location, an Art Deco sanctuary church built in 1930 attracts pilgrims throughout the summer months.

However, many visitors might prefer to explore the expansive granite boulders and surrounding woodlands.

15. Local Flavours

If there is one delicacy that Vizela is particularly known for, it is the bolinhol, or pão de ló coberto.

This moist, rectangular sponge cake, crowned with icing, is a culinary highlight.

The prime location to purchase one is the Casa de Pão de Ló Delícia, operational since 1880. The recipe likely predates this establishment, having possibly originated in the Carmelite Convent in Guimarães during the medieval era.

For a savory option, traditional dishes such as roast kid goat (cabrito), roast veal (vitela), and salted cod (bacalhau) baked with potatoes, onions, and garlic are highly recommended.