Portugal is renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, but it also boasts some of the best natural hot springs and thermal spas in Europe. Whether you're seeking a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life or looking to enhance your wellness routine, Portugal's hot springs, known in Portugal as "termas" offer the perfect sanctuary.
From the lush green hills of the north to the sun-kissed beaches of the south, these thermal spa retreats provide a unique blend of natural beauty and therapeutic benefits. Join us as we explore six must-visit hot springs and spas in Portugal, each promising an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling refreshed and revitalised. Dive into the healing waters and discover why these thermal havens are among the best in Portugal!
Termas de Vidago
The Vidago Palace Resort is a luxury five-star hotel with a Belle Époque style, that includes a fabulous thermal spa. Surrounded by incredible green forests and a minimalist atmosphere, a visit to these facilities is a relaxing and unforgettable experience.
Designed by the renowned architect Álvaro Siza Vieira, this spa boasts two pools, saunas, Turkish baths, ice fountains, sensorial showers, a gym, and over 20 rooms dedicated to beauty, wellness, and therapeutic treatments.
Renowned for its therapeutic benefits for individuals with digestive disorders, allergies, asthma, and migraines, this spa has garnered numerous prestigious accolades, including the coveted title of "Best Luxury Destination Spa" at the World of Luxury Spa Awards. Additionally, it was honoured as one of the world's best hotel spas by Condé Nast Johannsen’s Luxury Spas in both 2015 and 2016. Importantly, access to the spa is open not only to hotel guests but also to visitors staying in local accommodations, including short-term rentals listed on Rentalia, ensuring everyone can experience its rejuvenating offerings.
Termas do Luso
Nestled in the heart of the Buçaco mountains in central Portugal, the Luso hot springs offer a modern, refined, and minimalist spa experience perfect for those seeking holistic wellness. Part of the Grande Hotel do Luso complex, the spa seamlessly blends the elegance of a historic hotel with contemporary amenities, including the hot spring spa and the Malo Clinic Spa Luso, a state-of-the-art rehabilitation medical centre.
These Portuguese hot springs provide a sanctuary for health and well-being, specifically targeting metabolic disorders, urinary tract issues, muscular system challenges, and chronic respiratory diseases. Alternatively, you can indulge in a variety of beauty treatments designed to promote relaxation and rejuvenation. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Luso, this tranquil setting fosters harmony between body, mind, and soul.
What’s more, all spa facilities at the Grande Hotel do Luso are open to everyone, not just hotel guests, making it accessible to all. For those seeking a rejuvenating experience on a budget, short-term rentals are available, offering an affordable way to unwind and rejuvenate.
Termas do Gêres
Termas do Gerês, located within the breathtaking Peneda-Gerês National Park in northern Portugal, is renowned for its natural hot springs, which are rich in minerals and celebrated for their therapeutic properties. The thermal waters, reaching temperatures up to 68°C (154°F), are believed to help alleviate various ailments, including rheumatism, respiratory issues, and skin disorders. The modern spa facilities offer a range of treatments, including hydrotherapy, massages, and wellness therapies, complemented by indoor and outdoor thermal pools that allow guests to soak in the healing waters while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Set amidst lush forests and rugged mountains, Termas do Gerês is not just a spa but a tranquil haven for nature lovers and wellness seekers alike. The national park provides numerous hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. With a focus on relaxation and overall wellness, the spa promotes mindfulness and rejuvenation, making it accessible for both locals and tourists. Whether visiting for a day or staying longer, Termas do Gerês offers a unique opportunity to unwind and recharge in a serene natural setting.
Termas de Unhais da Serra
In the middle of the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, you will find the Mountain Spa Aquadome, integrated into the H2otel Congress & Medical Spa in Unhais da Serra. This is a health and wellness destination that offers many therapeutic and beauty treatments centred on physical and spiritual rehabilitation.
As the first Portuguese mountain spa and one of Europe's largest, this facility stands out. It's divided into distinct sections: AquaTermas, specializing in respiratory diseases; AquaFisio, featuring an impressive osteopathic and physiotherapy center; AquaCorpus, combining oriental and western cosmetic techniques; and AquaLudic, boasting themed pools. A visit promises a truly incredible experience, making it one of the finest spas in Portugal for a relaxing escape.
- Find your holiday rental in the Serra da Estrela National Park
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Termas das Caldas de Monchique
All of our "termas" have been in the northern half of the country so far, but the South of Portugal also has its own spa destination: the Villa Termal das Caldas de Monchique Spa Resort is a wellness destination located in the Algarve. According the resort itself, it is "the only Thermal Spa in the Algarve and the South of Portugal!"
These Portuguese hot springs are renowned for their mineral-rich waters, infused with bicarbonates, sodium, and fluorine, which offer therapeutic benefits for muscular pain, various ailments, and respiratory issues. A visit to this delightful spa is not just a getaway; it’s a journey towards enhancing your well-being, whether you seek relaxation or wish to indulge in rejuvenating cosmetic treatments.
To extend your spa experience, consider staying at the hotel located within the same complex, providing convenient access to all facilities. Alternatively, if you desire more time to explore the beautiful surroundings, the region boasts charming holiday homes that make for a wonderful accommodation option, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the tranquility of the area.
Furnas, the Azores
Our final destination takes us to the Azores to discover one of the best natural hot springs in Portugal. The volcanic origins of São Miguel Island make the area a thermal paradise, and Furnas is home to one of the best examples of steamy, iron-rich pools that are surrounded by lush vegetation and tropical trees.
In Furnas, Azores, where various thermal pools and hot springs abound, the Furnas thermal pool is a standout. Immerse yourself in hot water surrounded by subtropical Atlantic forest greenery—palms, ferns, and conifers—creating a truly unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
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