Vizela: Thermal Waters, Park and Heritage

Vizela offers a range of themes to shape your trip: thermal waters, garden culture, a linear walking trail, an annual pilgrimage, history and regional cuisine. If you’re looking for hotels in Vizela, you can start by deciding which of these themes you’d like to focus on during your stay.

Thermal Waters and Health

The natural mineral water is at the heart of the Termas de Vizela. The thermal baths harness its therapeutic properties for disease prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and the maintenance of good health. The thermal facilities also include a dynamic pool. Different water movements and pressure levels are used to massage specific areas of the body.

Park, Walking Trail and Leisure

The Parque das Termas de Vizela is part of the historic garden route Rota do Baixo Minho. In 2020, it was designated a historic garden. The park is also home to the Campo Municipal de Minigolfe Fonseca e Castro, an 18-hole course for miniature golf and petergolf. The Passadiços de Vizela offer another kind of activity: a linear walking trail approximately six kilometres long. The park course and the trail differ in layout and activity: one offers miniature golf and petergolf on 18 holes, while the other is a linear route of approximately six kilometres.

Pilgrimage and History

Another, more religiously themed attraction is the Santuário de São Bento das Peras. It stands at an altitude of about 410 metres and offers panoramic views of the city of Vizela and the surrounding valley. The Romaria de São Bento das Peras, organised by the Confraria de São Bento das Peras, draws tens of thousands of people every year from across the Vale de Vizela and neighbouring municipalities to the sanctuary. The views and the recurring pilgrimage offer two different perspectives on the same place: landscape and religious tradition.

The Ponte Velha de Vizela was built in the Middle Ages, before the 15th century. Local tradition, however, attributes Roman origins to it. The bridge thus brings together two different periods: a medieval date and a separate local tradition.

Events and Regional Cuisine

Cultural events offer additional dates to plan around. In June, the city of Vizela holds Vizela Romana. The event features street entertainment, music, dancing, performances and parades, as well as Roman games, a military camp and falconry. In March, the Feira do Bolinhol is among the celebrations organised by the city council for the city’s anniversary. If you want to plan your trip around a festival, check the dates for the relevant year before booking. The two festivals mentioned take place in different travel months: Vizela Romana in June and the Feira do Bolinhol in March.

Regional cuisine offers its own points of interest. Bolinhol has been part of Vizela’s gastronomic heritage for more than 130 years; Bacalhau à Zé do Pipo is one of the city’s typical dishes. The Vizela area is home to three wine producers, each with its own vineyards and different wine brands. Their wines have received national and international awards over the years and represent the Vinho Verde region. Together, the pastry, typical dish and wines offer a glimpse into different aspects of the region’s food and wine culture.

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