Chaves(Portugal) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Chaves, the top hotel is Hotel Termas de Chaves, a luxury spa resort nestled beside the ancient Roman thermal baths. This award-winning property blends Roman architecture with modern comfort, offering mineral-rich hot springs, wellness treatments, and panoramic views of the surrounding hills. For a more authentic experience, Pousada do Castelo – housed in a restored medieval castle – provides elegant rooms with views of São Miguel Church and easy access to historic sites. Both offer exceptional service and immerse guests in Chaves’ rich heritage.

The best area to stay in Chaves is the historic city center, located just steps from the Roman ruins, São Miguel Church, and Thermal Baths Square. This walkable district features charming cobbled streets, local cafes, and boutique accommodations like Casa da Praça. Staying here ensures convenient access to cultural attractions, dining options, and seasonal events such as the Chaves Thermal Festival. It’s also an ideal base for day trips to nearby natural parks and the Douro Valley.

Chaves' thermal culture is one of Europe’s oldest, dating back to Roman times when the city was known as Aquae Flaviae. The natural mineral-rich waters, sourced from deep underground springs, are renowned for their healing properties. The Roman Baths Complex remains fully operational today, offering traditional treatments like thermal mud wraps, steam inhalation, and cold-hot plunge therapy. Visitors can also explore the Thermal Museum, which displays artifacts from the Roman era, making Chaves a living testament to centuries-old wellness traditions.

Visitors should not miss touring the Roman Ruins & Thermal Museum, where they can walk through ancient bathhouses and view preserved mosaics. Attend a local pottery workshop to learn about Chaves’ famed red clay ceramics. Evening visits to São Miguel Church, with its stunning Gothic-Baroque façade, are unforgettable. Don’t miss the annual Chaves Thermal Festival in September, featuring live music, folk dances, artisan markets, and traditional food tastings—offering a true immersion into the town’s vibrant cultural soul.

Must-try dishes in Chaves include Roasted Duck with Honey Sauce (Pato Assado com Mel), a regional specialty; artisanal bread with local cheese; and Avelã Tart, a sweet pastry made with walnuts and honey. Many restaurants, such as Restaurante O Forno, use thermal spring water in their cooking, enhancing the flavor profile. Pair these with a glass of Vale do Tâmega wine or local craft beer for a full taste of northern Portugal’s culinary identity—where tradition meets terroir.

Yes, Chaves is highly family-friendly. The city offers safe, pedestrian-friendly streets and numerous child-appropriate activities: children’s pools at the thermal baths, guided tours of Roman ruins, and interactive workshops like pottery-making. Hotels such as Hotel Termas de Chaves provide family suites and organized kids’ programs, including treasure hunts and storytelling sessions. The annual Thermal Festival also includes dedicated family zones with games and performances, making it perfect for multi-generational travel and cultural learning through play.

Chaves is easily accessible by train via Comboios de Portugal (CP), with direct services from Porto (approx. 90 minutes). The city center is compact and walkable, with free shuttle buses connecting major attractions like the thermal baths and main square. Electric bike rentals are available for exploring nearby trails. For nature lovers, car rentals allow quick access to scenic areas such as Monte de São Mamede and the Serra da Arada Natural Park, ensuring seamless exploration across urban and rural landscapes.

Chaves has a temperate climate with distinct seasons. Spring (March–May) brings mild temperatures and blooming flora, ideal for sightseeing. Summer (June–August) is warm (avg. 28°C), but the thermal baths remain refreshing. Autumn (September–November) offers crisp air and golden foliage—perfect for hiking and the Thermal Festival. Winter (December–February) is cool and damp (avg. 8°C), but indoor thermal facilities operate year-round, making it an excellent destination for wellness retreats and cozy escapes.

Top photo spots in Chaves include the Roman Ruins, with their dramatic arches and stone columns against a clear sky; São Miguel Church, especially at golden hour when sunlight highlights its Baroque façade; the Thermal Baths Square, where fountains and century-old trees create a fairy-tale ambiance; and the old town alleys, lined with colorful facades and floral balconies. Capture the interplay of light and shadow on the ancient walls at dusk, using a wide-angle lens or smartphone time-lapse for cinematic results.

Chaves’ nightlife is quiet and culturally rich, centered around community and tradition rather than clubs. Enjoy evening strolls along the Thermal Square, illuminated by soft lights. Visit cozy tascas (local taverns) for homemade wine and tapas. Some hotels host live folk music nights or poetry readings. During the Chaves Thermal Festival, expect nighttime parades, light installations, and open-air concerts—creating a magical atmosphere that celebrates the town’s heritage in a relaxed, inclusive way.