The Vizela Boardwalks are one of the newest attractions in Minho, quickly becoming popular among both locals, who use them for running and walking, and visitors, who can explore a hidden side of Vizela and the northern coastal region of Portugal.
This is a linear path, meaning that you must retrace your steps to return to the starting point, resulting in a total walk of 12 km (about 7.5 miles). Although the route mainly comprises boardwalks, some sections are on dirt paths and in the Vizela thermal park.
Entry to the Vizela Boardwalks is free and not monitored. The route is well-marked and signposted, so it is virtually impossible to get lost.
Vizela Boardwalks – general information
- Name – Vizela Boardwalks
- Start – Roman Bridge of Vizela
- End – Rompecias Waterfall
- Distance – 6 km (12 km round trip)
- Time required – 3 to 4 hours
- Difficulty – Moderate, mainly due to distance.
- Max/min altitude – 213/115 meters (700/377 feet)
- Elevation gain – 100 meters (328 feet)
- Type – Linear
- Signage (1-5) – 5
- Highlights – Boardwalks, Roman Bridge, Vizela Thermal Baths, typical Minho rural landscape, Rompecias Waterfall.
Our Experience on the Vizela Boardwalks
The Vizela Boardwalks can be started from various locations, with the most popular being the Vizela Thermal Baths Park and the Roman Bridge. Even within the Thermal Baths Park, there are multiple starting points. This is the only area with a long stretch without boardwalks, which makes sense given the park’s nature.
Since we hadn’t yet walked the boardwalks, we started at the Roman Bridge and completed the entire route. The trail begins with a boardwalk staircase next to the Roman Bridge and the Picnic Park. The trailhead is marked and easy to find.
The first few meters are quite intriguing, as we walk along a suspended boardwalk within the Vizela River’s riverbed. We pass under a bridge. This section is interesting but not accessible for those with reduced mobility, although it’s easy for others.
Eventually, we ascend and leave the riverbed, entering the Thermal Baths Park. We’ll be walking along the Vizela River, and there are no boardwalks during this section. Inside the park are several cafés, so if you want to take a break before hitting the main boardwalks, this is your chance.
You’ll also find a footbath in the thermal park, which is extremely pleasant, especially in winter and after the walk. We suggest you don’t stop now but save some time at the end to enjoy it. The waters are from the thermal baths.
Exiting the thermal baths, we’ll re-enter the boardwalks and begin the main part of this beautiful walk. From here, the path is mostly on boardwalks, with short stretches of a few dozen meters on dirt or parallel paths.
The landscape is initially quite rural, crossing fields of crops, vineyards, orchards, and other plantations. The trail is mostly flat, with only slight inclines. Over 5 km, you only gain 100 meters (328 feet) in elevation.
The boardwalks are well-marked and signed. They follow the Vizela River until reaching the Ribeira de Sá, where they begin to follow this stream. The boardwalks are visually pleasing, with wooden structures forming shaded tunnels, creating charming views.
After about 3 km (1.9 miles), we reach Ribeira de Sá, which marks approximately the halfway point. If you prefer not to complete the full route, this is a good spot to turn back, allowing you to start from here another day.
From Ribeira de Sá, the route crosses cornfields until we enter a more wooded area in the last 1 to 1.5 km (0.6 to 0.9 miles). Once in the forest, we first glimpse a small waterfall created by a dam, and a few hundred meters later, we arrive at our final destination: the Rompecias Waterfall.
As you can see from the photos, the waterfall is surprisingly beautiful. Before the opening of the boardwalks, it was an unknown cascade to most.
How to Return to the Starting Point
After enjoying the location, you need to return the same way, as the only option is to retrace your steps along the boardwalks. Since the waterfall has no other access points, you must walk back. Keep this in mind when planning your hike.
How Much Does Hike the Vizela Boardwalks Cost?
The Vizela Boardwalks are free to access and have no entry restrictions. As mentioned earlier, there are multiple entrances, and walking only part of the route is possible. Just keep in mind that there are no exits at the end of the boardwalks near the waterfall.
Best Time to Hike the Vizela Boardwalks
The boardwalks can be hiked year-round. While they are much more enjoyable without rain and in mild temperatures, nothing prevents you from hiking if you choose to do so.
Minho is the region with the mildest summer temperatures in Portugal, but we recommend avoiding the peak summer heat, especially on the hottest days. Although the trail has long shaded sections, there are also areas without cover, which can make the hike less pleasant.
Who Can Hike This Trail?
One of the great advantages of the Vizela Boardwalks is that they are suitable for almost everyone. Hikers can complete the route in sections, with multiple entry and exit points along the way. Additionally, a few stairs along the trail make it accessible to individuals with reduced mobility, including wheelchair users.
The only less accessible part is near the Roman Bridge, where several stairs descend to the riverbank and climb back up to the Thermal Park. However, even there, it’s possible to enjoy views of the boardwalks and the landscape from the park without descending the stairs.
The route is mostly flat, so it poses little physical difficulty and no technical challenges. The only challenge is the distance; if you opt to hike the entire route in one day, it’s about 12 km (7.5 miles), which may not be feasible for everyone.
If you can’t manage 12 km (7.5 miles) in one day, you can split the hike, doing Vizela to Ponte de Sá and back one day, and then Ponte de Sá to the waterfall and back another day. Ponte de Sá is roughly the trail’s midpoint, has access to the boardwalks, and offers some parking options.
What to Bring for the Vizela Boardwalks?
The boardwalks simplify the hike, so you don’t need specialized equipment. Here’s what we suggest you bring:
- Plenty of water (at least 1 liter per person, but bring more in the summer).
- Snacks or lunch for the hike; there are a few cafés in Vizela Park, but nothing after you leave the park.
- Comfortable walking shoes—hiking boots are not necessary.
- Comfortable clothing.
- Sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen in summer.
- Warm clothing in winter. We recommend layering to adjust to temperature changes.
- Camera and phone for the many photo opportunities. Your phone can also be used as a GPS.
- A small backpack to carry everything.
How to Get to the Vizela Boardwalks?
The various entrances to the Vizela Boardwalks are marked on Google Maps, but if you want to walk the entire route, you should head to the Roman Bridge (Ponte Romana) in Vizela to start your hike.
The boardwalks’ starting point is right next to Maquias Bar, in the center of Vizela, and very close to the Thermal Park. Although some people start directly from the Thermal Park, the short walk between the Roman Bridge and the Thermal Park is quite interesting and distinct from the rest of the route, making it a worthwhile experience.
The distance from Vizela to Porto is about 53 km (33 miles), which can be covered in less than 50 minutes. However, consider potential traffic delays and parking, and allow about an hour. Braga is closer, at around 30 km (19 miles), which can be done in about 30 minutes.
If you don’t have a car, Vizela has excellent train access from Porto and Guimarães, as it lies along that line. The train ride from Porto to Vizela takes about an hour, while it’s only 20 minutes from Guimarães. From the Vizela train station to the start of the boardwalk, it is just a 10-minute walk.
Where to Stay When Visiting the Vizela Boardwalks?
Vizela is not a tourist city, but it offers some accommodation options, notably the Hotel das Termas de Vizela, right at the start of the trail.
Although it’s a thermal hotel, it’s reasonably priced and offers an interesting experience. It has a thermal spa with massage rooms and treatments. It also features a dynamic pool with thermal circuits, a Vichy shower, and respiratory treatments. For more information, check here.
However, as mentioned earlier, getting to Vizela from Porto and Braga or Guimarães is relatively quick. Therefore, staying overnight in the city isn’t necessary.
If you’re in Porto, we recommend checking out this article, which explores the best neighborhoods to stay in the city and the best hotel options in each area.