10km/6mi southwest of Guimaraes, attractively situated on both banks of the Rio Vizela, is the spa of Caldas de Vizela (pop. 3,000), with sulfurous springs which were already being frequented in Roman times. There are altogether 55 springs with an abundant flow of water at temperatures ranging from 16°C/61°F to 65.6°C/150°F, used for the
treatment of bronchial and skin ailments, rheumatism, and conditions of the joints. There is an attractive park on the banks of the river (swimming, rowing) where a week of events is staged annually at the end of August, including folk dancing, various sporting competitions, clay pigeon shooting, etc.
Within easy reach of Caldas de Vizela are the late 17th C. pilgrimage chapel of Sao Bento (4km/2.5mi) and the 12th C. Romanesque church of Sao Miguel de Vilarinho (3km/2mi), with a 12th C. Gothic cloister adjoining the church.