Chaves Cycling Road Trip

Posted 2 weeks ago by Mike

As spring graced us with its warm embrace, we couldn’t resist the call of adventure. The forecast promised beautiful weather, so we packed our bikes and set off on a last-minute road trip to explore the captivating landscapes of Portugal.

Day 1: Montalegre Awaits

Our first stop was Montalegre, where a 50 km bike ride awaited us. The ancient castle perched on the hilltop, surrounded by a breathtaking valley and mountains, set the perfect backdrop for our journey. As we rode, the hillsides were adorned with vibrant swaths of purple heather in full bloom. The meandering paths along creeks, rivers, and over picturesque dams made this ride truly unforgettable!
After working up quite the appetite, we were eager to find a good lunch spot. However, Montalegre is a small village, and our options were limited. We ended up settling for a cafe at the InterMarche supermarket. Not the most charming of meals, but hey, it was food!
Later, we drove to Chaves and checked into our hotel, which turned out to be a hidden gem at a reasonable price. It featured a spa that felt like heaven after our adventurous day, and we were pleasantly surprised by the delightful breakfast.

Day 2: Relaxation at the Termas de Chaves

The next morning, we decided to indulge in some relaxation at the Termas de Chaves. These new mineral spring water pools boasted a stunning design with tiered pools, cascading waterfalls, and a beautiful grotto. However, we were disappointed to find the water was only at regular pool temperature—not the hot springs we were hoping for. This was the second time in Portugal we encountered lukewarm water at a supposed hot spring! At least the sun was shining, making the experience enjoyable despite our expectations.

A Soapy Surprise

Our final stop in Chaves was a visit to an artisanal soap store. I’ve been eager to check out Terras Rustica Soaps after hearing about them from Nair’s posts on the Braga Expat Facebook group. We loaded up on soaps, shampoos, and balms, and even got a tour of the soap factory! Now I think I have enough soap to last me a year! 🧼✨

A Journey to Remember

Reflecting on our trip, we had a fantastic time exploring this stunning part of Portugal. The natural beauty here might just be my favorite in the country! I’m definitely looking forward to returning for more cycling adventures—maybe even planning a bikepacking tour next time.
Bye for now…