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Chaves
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Cross‑border flavour
Straddling the Portuguese–Spanish frontier, Chaves offers a culinary hybridity that goes beyond the obvious. While the city’s own stew, carne à lagareiro, is served in modest taverns, a short walk across the bridge lands you in a Spanish enclave where pintxos are paired with Vinho Verde. The subtle peppery notes of the local Alentejo olives mingle with the sharper manchego of the neighbouring region, creating a tasting itinerary that reads like a map of Iberian terroir. For the discerning palate, ordering a ‘dual‑border tasting menu’ at a family‑run eatery provides a narrative of centuries‑old trade routes told through flavour.
Thermal heritage, modern wellness
The Roman baths that gave Chaves its ancient reputation have been re‑interpreted by contemporary spa operators. While the historic sites remain intact for a quick cultural dip, nearby wellness centres now blend the mineral‑rich waters with Nordic‑inspired hydrotherapy circuits. Visiting in early autumn, when the crowds thin, allows a seamless transition from a guided walk among stone arches to a private soak in a temperature‑controlled pool, complete with aromatic rosemary infusions sourced from local farms. This juxtaposition of archaeology and modern health practice makes a day in Chaves feel both grounded and restorative.