Imagine transforming your stopover into a rejuvenating wellness retreat in Portugal— without additional air transportation costs. It is now possible with the TAP Air Portugal flight Stopover Programwhich allows travelers to explore Portugal for up to 10 days between flights.

From thermal springs and yoga retreats to scenic hikes and farm-to-fork dining, you can use your layover time to recharge your body and mind among Portugal’s beautiful and diverse landscapes. With direct flights from major American cities in Lisbon and Port and connections to Europe and Africa, TAP makes it easier than ever to incorporate wellness into your travel plans. Here’s how to make the most of your extended wellness stopover in Portugal.

Visit the Peneda-Gerês National Park

Courtesy of Pousadas de Portugal

An hour’s drive from Porto, Peneda-Gerês National Park it seems like another world. Here, native eagles soar over the mountains and valleys surrounding ancient stone villages.

For something refreshing, visit Fecha de Barjas Waterfall, also known as Tahiti Waterfall, near the village of Gerês. Keep an eye out for wild Garrano horses. These hardy little creatures have roamed these hills for centuries. The rugged eight-kilometer trail from Campo do Gerês to Calcedónia offers stunning views of the park’s diverse landscapes, from lush forests to rocky peaks.

Courtesy of NC-ND AT Porto and the North

When it comes to accommodation, look for Pousadasa network of luxury hotels often located in historic buildings, such as castles, monasteries, convents and other culturally significant sites. You can also get closer to nature at the park’s glamping and camping sites.

Swim at The river beaches of central Portugal

Courtesy of ARPT Center of Portugal

Imagine swimming in a calm river, surrounded by pristine nature. In Foz d’Éguatwo sparkling rivers meet under a picturesque stone bridge. PiódãoWith its houses built of schist stone (a local metamorphic rock that is easily divided into slate-like layers) along the hillside, it looks like something out of a fairy tale and is also perfect for relaxing. swimming on a hot day. These Schist Villagescharacterized by distinctive dark stone buildings, constitute a unique feature of the landscape of central Portugal.

Consider staying in a traditional shale house, many of which have been reimagined as cozy guesthouses. Some villages also have small family hotels combining traditional architecture and modern comfort.

Immerse yourself in the thermal baths of São Pedro do Sul

Are you feeling tense because of the trip? Linger in central Portugal to enjoy the thermal waters of Sao Pedro do Sul. These baths have been soothing ailments since Roman times. You can enjoy modern spa treatments in a historic setting at Balneário Rainha D. Amélia, a beautifully restored 19th-century public bath.

This ultra-relaxing spot is easily accessible from Viseu, an attractive Iron Age town located about 80 km east of Porto. From Viseu, it’s a 30-minute drive or a short bus ride (check timetables as services are limited) to São Pedro do Sul.

After your swim, return to Viseu to admire its grand historic buildings with a glass of local Dão wine. Spa hotels are popular here, offering direct access to thermal treatments. For a more intimate experience, search quintastraditional rural estates transformed into guest houses.

Discover the beautiful historic villages of Monsanto and Sortelha

The dreams of hikers and photographers, Portugal Historic villageslike Monsanto and Sortelha, seem frozen in time. In Monsantohouses squeeze between, under and even into giant rocks. The rough trails around from Sortelha the medieval walls offer incredible views of the surrounding countryside. This dramatic setting may sound familiar to some: Monsanto served as the filming location for House Targaryen in the first season of Dragon Housethe blow Game of Thrones prequel.

Many historic villages offer unique stays in century-old houses or even parts of castles, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Portugal’s rich history.

Enjoy the Queen’s Hot Springs

For centuries, the Caldas da Rainha (“Queen’s Hot Springs”) is a favorite wellness destination of the Portuguese high society. After a bath in the city’s famous thermal waters, discover the fanciful ceramics of the Bordallo Pinheiro Factory. The José Malhoa Museum houses an impressive collection of Portuguese art from the 19th and 20th centuries. Don’t leave without tasting the local pastry, Cavacas das Caldas, crunchy, sugar-coated treats. Look for boutique hotels or guesthouses inspired by art and decorated with local ceramics for a truly Portuguese experience..

Explore the Algarve

THE Algarve it’s not just about the beaches (although those are quite spectacular). Try a yoga class on the cliffs of Sagres, with the Atlantic on the horizon. Surf schools in Aljezur cater for all levels. Golfers can play the Monte Rei course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, which offers a challenge with stunning views.

For a change of pace, head east to the charming town of Tavira, known for its Roman bridge, historic churches and traditional architecture. The boats make the short trip from here to the sand Ria Formosa Natural Parka maze of lagoons, islands and sandy peninsulas home to abundant flora and fauna.

The Algarve offers a wide range of places to stay, including secluded five-star resorts with spas and ecolodges focused on sustainability and farm-to-fork food. Glamping is becoming more and more popular and the warm temperatures invite long nights under the stars.

Go hiking and visit thermal baths and wineries in the Azores

A quick flight from Lisbon and you are in the Azores archipelago, refuge of natural well-being, where nine windswept islands offer very different experiences. In São Miguel, dive into the iron-rich waters of Poça de Dona Beija-your skin will thank you. THE Terra Nostra Garden In Furnas lies a botanical paradise with a geothermal pool at its heart.

For a truly breathtaking view, head to Sete Cidades, where a volcanic crater forms twin lakes contrasting blue and green. It’s no wonder it’s one of the most photographed places on the islands. In peaceful Terceira, there are more cows than people (the dairy products from these happy, free-roaming cows are out of this world), and the Algar do Carvão lets you walk through the heart of a volcano extinct.

Rustic-chic properties and eco-tourism are widespread in the Azores. Look for farm stays or camp houses for a taste of island life. Stylish eco-friendly retreats are growing in popularity across the islands. Some properties even have private thermal pools.

TAP Air Portugal’s stopover program makes exploring these Portuguese wellness gems more accessible than ever. The airline’s extensive network includes daily flights from seven U.S. gateways to more than 60 destinations in Europe and Africa (including seven domestic destinations in Portugal). With the Stopover program, you can extend your stopover in Portugal for up to 10 days without additional airfare costs, leaving you plenty of time to explore these wellness destinations.

Additionally, Stopover passengers have access to more than 500 exclusive offers and discounts from more than 150 domestic partners, a level of value unmatched by other airline stopover programs. This wealth of options allows travelers to truly experience the best of Portugal, from its spas and restaurants to its cultural attractions.

Whether you’re planning a trip to Europe or Africa, why not end it with a wellness adventure in Portugal? Take advantage of TAP’s Stopover Program, recognized as one of the world’s best stopover programs by leading North American travel publications, to rejuvenate your body and mind in Portugal’s beautiful and diverse landscapes. Your well-being will thank you.