Vizela combines a well-established thermal spa scene with garden culture, pilgrimage traditions and culinary heritage. These themes offer different starting points for planning your trip: you can focus on the thermal waters, explore historic sites and routes, or take your cue from the festivals and regional specialities.
Thermal Waters and Health
The thermal spa facilities at Termas de Vizela include a dynamic pool. Different water movements and pressure levels are used to massage specific areas of the body. The Termas also use the therapeutic properties of natural mineral water for disease prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and maintaining good health.
This brings together two aspects of the wellness offering: a specific pool with massage functions and the broader therapeutic use of the mineral water. If you want to make this the main focus of your trip, both aspects give you an idea of what defines Vizela’s thermal profile.
Gardens and Mini Golf
Parque das Termas de Vizela is part of the Rota do Baixo Minho historic gardens route. In 2020, it was granted the status of a historic garden. The park can therefore be viewed both as part of this route and as a historic garden in its own right.
Parque das Termas is also home to Campo Municipal de Minigolfe Fonseca e Castro. Its course has 18 holes for mini golf and Peter golf. This provides a specific recreational activity within the park, alongside its significance as a historic garden.
The Passadiços de Vizela
The Passadiços de Vizela offer another way to spend time outdoors: they are a linear footpath approximately six kilometres long. Its length and linear layout make it easy to think of this as a distinct route. In format, it differs from the 18-hole course in Parque das Termas.
Bridge, Sanctuary and Romaria
Ponte Velha de Vizela was built in the Middle Ages, before the 15th century. Popular tradition, however, attributes Roman origins to the bridge. The medieval dating and the story of its Roman origins are two distinct layers of its history.
Santuário de São Bento das Peras is located at an altitude of about 410 metres and offers panoramic views of the city of Vizela and the surrounding valley. Every year, the Romaria de São Bento das Peras, organised by the Confraria de São Bento das Peras, draws tens of thousands of people from across the Vale de Vizela and neighbouring municipalities to the sanctuary. The site is therefore a place for both enjoying the views and taking part in an annual religious celebration.
Festivals and Culinary Heritage
In June, the city of Vizela holds Vizela Romana. The programme includes street entertainment, music, dancing, performances and parades, as well as Roman games, a military camp and falconry. The Feira do Bolinhol, organised by the city council, is also part of the March celebrations marking the city’s anniversary. If you want to plan your trip around one of these festivals, check the specific event date in advance.
Bolinhol has been part of Vizela’s gastronomic heritage for more than 130 years. The city council also lists Bacalhau à Zé do Pipo as a typical dish. There are three wine producers in the Vizela area, each with its own vineyards and a range of wine brands. Over the years, their wines have received national and international awards and represent the Vinho Verde region. Vizela’s culinary profile thus ranges from a long-standing local tradition to wines associated with the Vinho Verde region.
Discover more destinations: Santa Eulália.
Return to the main travel overview: Vizela.
