# Termas de Sandim

> The Sandim Mineral Waters Trail runs through the parish of Edral along the Way of St James, passing by the carbonated springs of Sandim, the rock formations of Ferreiros and villages characterised by hazel groves and pastures. The route includes the option of a shorter version and ends next to the last hostel on the Way of St James in the municipality.

URL: https://naturasports.pt/en/percurso/termas-de-sandim

- **Activity:** Percurso Pedestre
- **Distance:** 14.3 km
- **Elevation gain:** 533 m
- **Elevation loss:** 532 m
- **Altitude:** 447–839 m
- **Estimated time:** 4h
- **Route type:** Loop
- **Best season:** Spring, Summer, Autumn
- **Code:** VNH_PPR12
- **Centre:** [Vinhais](https://naturasports.pt/en/centro/vinhais)
- **GPX:** https://naturasports.pt/percurso/termas-de-sandim/export-gpx

Sandim was once renowned for its natural carbonated mineral waters, which rise in the Rio Mente — sodium bicarbonate waters, historically used for the digestive system. The route passes about 1 km from the spring and makes a full tour of the Edral parish, with the Camino de Santiago coinciding along several stretches.

From Sandim it heads west to Segirei, along a path parallel to the Rio Mente, to the edge of the municipality (bridge and picnic area). It returns towards Ferreiros — where a rock formation shelters the village from the north winds. Past the Chapel of Santa Luzia, the well-marked Camino de Santiago leads to Edral (a chance to shorten the route midway). From Edral, the route returns through farm tracks, among chestnut groves and pastures, to Brito de Lomba and then straight to Sandim, passing the Camino de Santiago hostel, the last in the municipality.

## Quick answers

### How long is the Termas de Sandim route and how much climbing does it have?

14.3 km, with 533 m of elevation gain. It is a loop route.

### How long does the Termas de Sandim route take?

About 4h (estimated time).

### When is the best time to ride or walk the Termas de Sandim route?

Recommended season: spring, summer, autumn.

### Where does the Termas de Sandim route start?

The route belongs to the Vinhais centre.

### Is the Termas de Sandim route waymarked?

Yes, the route is waymarked on the ground.

### Where can I download the GPX for the Termas de Sandim route?

The GPX track is available at https://naturasports.pt/percurso/termas-de-sandim/export-gpx.