Santa Maria Maior Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

The municipality is limited to the north by Spain, to the east by the municipality of Vinhais, to the southeast by Valpaços, to the southwest by Vila Pouca de Aguiar and to the west by Boticas and Montalegre. The main access routes are EN103 (starting in Neiva, near Viana do Castelo, where it connects with the EN13, and extends through a landscape that is multifaceted by the East of the Alto Minho, and throughout the North area of ​​Trás-os- Montes, passing through places like Braga, Chaves, Vinhais, until finishing in Bragança) and the A24 (Chaves-Viseu). It also has an industrial zone with several regional companies. It can be said that it is an entrepreneurial city because, in terms of tourism, it presents rural tourism houses and good restaurants for the great lovers of Transmontana gastronomy.
The municipality is limited to the north by Spain, to the east by the municipality of Vinhais, to the southeast by Valpaços, to the southwest by Vila Pouca de Aguiar and to the west by Boticas and Montalegre. The main access routes are EN103 (starting in Neiva, near Viana do Castelo, where it connects with the EN13, and extends through a landscape that is multifaceted by the East of the Alto Minho, and throughout the North area of ​​Trás-os- Montes, passing through places like Braga, Chaves, Vinhais, until finishing in Bragança) and the A24 (Chaves-Viseu). It also has an industrial zone with several regional companies. It can be said that it is an entrepreneurial city because, in terms of tourism, it presents rural tourism houses and good restaurants for the great lovers of Transmontana gastronomy.

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Forte de São Francisco Hotel

Forte de São Francisco Hotel

4 out of 5
Rua Terreiro da Cavalaria Chaves
The price is AU$107 per night from 19 Mar to 20 Mar
AU$107
19 Mar - 20 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Chaves. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool and room service. Popular attractions Forte de Sao Francisco and Chaves Railway ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (266 reviews)
The room was very clean and the staff were polite and helpful. A very interesting place to stay. The breakfast was very good.

Reviewed on 19 Feb 2026

Forte de São Francisco Hotel
Ibis Styles Chaves

Ibis Styles Chaves

3 out of 5
Rua 25 Abril Chaves Vila Real
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$104 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
AU$104
15 Mar - 16 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Chaves. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Roman Baths and Palace of Justice and Ponte ...
Ibis Styles Chaves
Castelo Hotel

Castelo Hotel

4 out of 5
Rua da Muralha Chaves
Stay at this spa hotel in Chaves. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (156 reviews)
super cold room during arrival - AC set to 19 deg...but i think it was even colder issue with electricity at morning empty shower gel in shower - observed late night (before sleep) when i was wet in shower already

Reviewed on 11 Nov 2025

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Castelo Hotel
See all 91 properties in Santa Maria Maior
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Chalets Avelino Carolino, Perfect for creating MEMORIES, ECO and PET Friend

Chalets Avelino Carolino, Perfect for creating MEMORIES, ECO and PET Friend

Chaves Vila Real
Stay at this holiday home in Chaves. Enjoy laundry facilities, in-room fireplaces and air conditioning. Popular attractions Chaves Castle and Torre de Menagem ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Tinoco
Fantástico local! Muito bem equipado e com excelente aspecto. Aconselho mesmo

Reviewed on 26 Jan 2025

Chalets Avelino Carolino, Perfect for creating MEMORIES, ECO and PET Friend
Downtown Charming Apartments - Apartamento Poldras

Downtown Charming Apartments - Apartamento Poldras

Chaves
Stay at this apartment in Chaves. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Roman Baths and Palace of Justice and Museu de Arte Sacra ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
New apartment, very clean, and great location (heart of the city).

Reviewed on 23 Aug 2025

Downtown Charming Apartments - Apartamento Poldras
Casa com 3 Quartos , Central em Chaves

Casa com 3 Quartos , Central em Chaves

Chaves Vila Real
Stay at this holiday home in Chaves. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Chaves Railway Museum and Centro Cultural de Chaves ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
Nice
Clean, spacious and well equipped. Missing nothing. I will stay here again next time I am in Chaves. Recommended!

Reviewed on 23 Oct 2023

Casa com 3 Quartos , Central em Chaves
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Chaves Castle

After visiting Chaves Castle, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Santa Maria Maior. Discover the area's hot springs and countryside.

Chaves Castle

Roman Baths and Palace of Justice

You can learn about the history of Santa Maria Maior when you stop by Roman Baths and Palace of Justice. Discover the area's hot springs and countryside.

Roman Baths and Palace of Justice

Golf Course Vidago Palace

Enjoy a round of golf in Vidago at Golf Course Vidago Palace. While in the area, you can find time to visit its spas.

Golf Course Vidago Palace

Chaves Railway Museum

You can study the exhibits at Chaves Railway Museum, a museum with a story of its own, during your holiday in Santa Maria Maior. Discover the area's hot springs and countryside.

Chaves Railway Museum

Forte de São Neutel

You can find out about the history of Santa Maria Maior with a stop at Forte de São Neutel. Discover the area's hot springs and casinos.

Forte de São Neutel

Forte de Sao Francisco

Learn about the local history of Santa Maria Maior with a stop at Forte de Sao Francisco. Discover the area's hot springs and casinos.

Forte de Sao Francisco