Roman bridge of Trajano spanning the Tamega River in the ancient frontier city of Chaves

Private Day Tour

Chaves, Ancient Keys to the North

A Roman Frontier Town Where Hot Springs Have Healed the Weary for Two Millennia

Book Your Chaves Tour
Around 8 hours
Luxury Mercedes minivan
Fully private
145 km from Porto

Private Day Tour

Ancient Keys to the North

Named for the Latin word for keys - for it commanded the gateway between Portugal and Spain - Chaves is one of the most historically layered towns in northern Portugal. Two-thousand-year-old Roman baths, a medieval castle, baroque churches, and warm thermal springs that still bubble up beneath the town make it a destination of rare historical depth.

Duration

Around 8 hours

Vehicle

Luxury Mercedes minivan

Format

Fully private

Distance

145 km from Porto

Private Day Tour

Book Your Chaves Tour

Wonders of Chaves

Named for the Latin word for keys - for it commanded the gateway between Portugal and Spain - Chaves is one of the most historically layered towns in all of northern Portugal. Romans built their bridge and baths here two thousand years ago; medieval kings raised their castle above the river; baroque architects graced the squares with churches of grand ambition. Today, warm thermal springs still bubble up beneath the town, and the atmosphere remains that of a place that has known importance for a very long time.

The Roman Bridge of Trajano

Spanning the Tâmega river on seventeen elegant stone arches, the Trajan Bridge at Chaves is one of the finest surviving Roman structures on the Iberian Peninsula. Built in the 2nd century AD during the reign of Emperor Trajan, it carried the road that linked Braga and Astorga - two of Rome's most important cities in Hispania. Two inscribed milestones still stand on the bridge, their Latin text worn but legible after nearly two thousand years. To cross it on foot is to walk directly in the footsteps of Roman legions, medieval pilgrims, and countless generations of travellers before you.

The Medieval Castle and Battlements

Rising above the town on a rocky spur, the castle of Chaves is a formidable piece of medieval military architecture, built and rebuilt over centuries to guard the vital northern frontier against Castilian invasion. Its great square keep, the Torre de Menagem, now houses a fine regional museum with collections of Roman artefacts, medieval arms, and local ethnography. The walls and battlements can be walked for panoramic views over the Tâmega valley, the thermal gardens below, and the wild highlands of Trás-os-Montes stretching to the distant horizon - a landscape of elemental, untamed beauty.

The Thermal Baths

Chaves sits above one of the hottest natural spring systems in Portugal - thermal waters that emerge at over 70 degrees Celsius and have been used for healing since at least Roman times. The Romans knew this place as Aquae Flaviae, the waters of Flavius, and built elaborate bath complexes here that served the entire northwestern corner of their Iberian empire. Today, the elegant thermal spa in the riverside gardens continues that ancient tradition, offering treatments in waters rich in sodium bicarbonate. Even those not taking the waters can enjoy the beautiful thermal gardens, a tranquil green oasis at the heart of the town.

The Historic Centre and Praça de Camões

The heart of Chaves is the Praça de Camões, a generous baroque square flanked by the Igreja Matriz and the town hall, shaded by venerable chestnut trees and furnished with café tables that invite lingering. The surrounding streets of the historic centre conceal baroque churches of surprising grandeur, granite-fronted houses with elaborate coats of arms, and the quiet rhythm of a northern Portuguese market town going about its ancient business. Chaves is also famous for its smoked presunto ham and chouriço sausage - the local delicatessens are temples to some of the finest cured meats in the country.

Suggested Flow

A Roman and Thermal Town Day

Chaves is a long but rewarding outing, best paced around the old town, the bridge, and the thermal heritage.

08:00

Depart Porto

Pickup at your hotel or address and an early drive north into Trás-os-Montes.

10:30

Roman bridge and centre

Begin with the river bridge, castle area, and old quarter.

11:30

Thermal heritage

See the spa gardens or thermal area and hear the Roman story behind them.

13:00

Lunch in Chaves

Pause for regional food, including the local meat pie if you want a classic stop.

15:00

Old streets and return

Finish with more time in the centre before the longer return drive.

What Is Included

  • Private luxury vehicle with your dedicated guide
  • Door-to-door pickup and dropoff in Porto
  • Walk across the Roman bridge and through the historic centre
  • WiFi on board throughout the day
  • Mineral water and snacks
  • All mandatory insurances

Not Included

  • Thermal bath entry at Termas de Chaves (optional)
  • Chaves Regional Museum entry (small fee)
  • Lunch
  • Personal expenses

Your Chaves Experience Includes

  • Private door-to-door transport from Porto in a luxury Mercedes
  • Professional bilingual guide with deep knowledge of northern Portugal's Roman and medieval history
  • Scenic drive through the dramatic landscapes of Trás-os-Montes
  • Flexible itinerary - Roman bridge, castle, thermal gardens, and historic centre
  • Local restaurant recommendations for famous Chaves presunto and regional cuisine
  • Return journey to Porto at your preferred time
The ancient Roman bridge of Trajano spanning the Tâmega river at Chaves

Good to Know

Before Your Chaves Day

A few things to know before visiting this ancient frontier city.

How old is the Roman bridge?

The Trajano Bridge was built by the Roman Emperor Trajan around 100 AD, when Chaves was the Roman city of Aquae Flaviae. Much of the original Roman stonework still stands, making it one of the best-preserved Roman bridges on the Iberian Peninsula.

Can we try the thermal waters?

Yes. The Termas de Chaves (thermal baths) have been in operation since Roman times and remain open to visitors. The mildly radioactive bicarbonate sodium waters are famous for treating digestive conditions and rheumatism. A short soak is a memorable and genuinely Roman-feeling experience.

What are the chouricas de Chaves?

Chaves is famous throughout Portugal for its smoked sausages (chourica and presunto). The local pork-curing tradition dates back centuries and the products are considered among the finest in the country. Buying some to take home is strongly recommended.

How long is the drive from Porto?

Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes each way via the A7. This makes Chaves one of the longer day trips from Porto, so an early start is advisable to maximise time in the town.

Is there a military museum in the castle?

Yes. The castle keep houses the Museu Militar de Chaves with a collection of weapons, uniforms, and artefacts documenting the town's frontier military history from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.

Want to go deeper into Trás-os-Montes? Discover our Bragança day trip

Discover Two Thousand Years of History in Chaves

Let us take you to this ancient frontier town where Romans, kings, and thermal springs await

Book Your Chaves Tour