Remains of a Roman thermal bath attest to the use of the Termas during the Romanisation period; trail options range from around three kilometres on the Ecopista do Vouga to 15.8 kilometres on the Rota do Castro do Banho. Thermal history, cultural sites and routes of varying lengths give your stay in São Pedro do Sul a clear focus.

Thermal baths with a Roman history

The thermal water at the Termas de São Pedro do Sul is sulphurous and contains bicarbonate, sodium and fluoride. The site’s long history of use is also part of its story: the Roman thermal complex was used continuously for 2,000 years and is classified as a National Monument.

Excavations at the ruins of the Roman thermal bath uncovered pools, water drainage channels, columns and column shafts, capitals, inscribed stone slabs, cladding and other structural features. The finds range from parts of the water system to architectural details and inscribed stones.

Routes by distance and character

The Ecopista do Vouga runs for around three kilometres between São Pedro do Sul and the Termas. It follows a former railway line alongside the Vouga River. Two bridges along the route are considered historically and architecturally valuable. This short connection is therefore very different in length from the longer circular routes.

The Rota da Cárcoda is a 14.6-kilometre, moderately challenging circular walking route. At 15.8 kilometres, the Rota do Castro do Banho is slightly longer, also moderately challenging and circular. It starts at the Termas de São Pedro do Sul on the left bank of the Vouga. Both routes are specified as circular and moderately challenging.

The Rota de S. João Jerusalém is 12.7 kilometres long and follows a circular route over the Ponte Nova to São Pedro do Sul. It returns to the historic centre via the Parque do Lenteiro do Rio. Its route thus combines a crossing over the bridge with a return through the park to the centre.

The Rota da Cárcoda runs through the Serra da Arada, south of the Douro. The Serra da Arada is part of the Serra da Freita e Arada Natura 2000 site (PTCON0047), which is also important for wolf conservation. Another leisure option, the Bioparque de São Pedro do Sul, has a picnic area, playground, swimming pools and other leisure and recreation facilities. Canoeing is one of the leisure activities at the Termas; check whether it is available during your stay before travelling.

Buildings and archaeological sites

The Solar da Lapa is a 17th-century building at the entrance to the historic centre of São Pedro do Sul. Another trace of the past leads to the Palácio dos Marqueses de Reriz: Queen Amélia stayed there several times in the late 19th century. These two details offer different perspectives on the town’s architectural history.

A Pedra da Escrita is a monument made from a vertically split block of rock. Its flat, east-facing surface is completely covered with engravings. These include simple and concentric circles, square chequerboard patterns and cup marks, also called cupules. Visitors interested in archaeological markings will find a highly specific visual language here, rather than a single abstract symbol.

Archaeological structures were also uncovered at Castro do Banho: more than 30 dwellings, mostly circular. Along with the finds from the Roman thermal bath, this site offers another way to explore the region’s history.

Discover more destinations: Serrazes, São Martinho Das Moitas, Covas do Rio, Santa Cruz Da Trapa.

Back to the main travel overview: São Pedro Do Sul.