Thermalism within the Atlantic Eixo
There is no doubt that the great medicinal and thermal mineral wealth of Galicia and Northern Portugal is a resource of great strength for the development of a respectful tourism that can respond to the changing needs of today's tourists. Around this wealth and together with other local products and resources, it is possible to offer the traveler a complete experience.
The Foro Termal do Eixo Atlántico is made up of the following entities:
In Galicia: Caldas de Reis, Carballo, Diputación de Lugo (including Lugo capital), Diputación de Ourense (Ourense capital and O Carballiño) and Ponteareas and region.
In Northern Portugal: Amarante, Guimarães, Santa Maria da Feira, Terras de Bouro, Vila Pouca de Aguiar and Vizela.
Galicia (in alphabetical order)
Caldas de Reis
Located in the northwest of the province of Pontevedra and on the bank of the Umia River, the municipality of Caldas de Reis is part of the Comarca do Umia, together with the municipalities of Cuntis, Moraña, Catoira, Valgas, and Portas.
This area has been inhabited without interruption since prehistoric times since it is located at a crossroads of natural routes that give it a strategic position (which makes it an obligatory passage for pilgrims on their way to Santiago). It also has a favorable climate and stands out for its thermal waters.
Due to the fact of being inhabited for so many centuries, its cultural heritage is extensive. Possibly, the Tesoro de Caldas, known as Tesoro de Caldas, stands out for its unique character, dating from the Bronze Age. Nor can we forget the witnesses of many other eras: forts, Romanesque churches, etc.. Its natural resources are also worthy of mention, the union of the Umia river with the Botanical Garden and Carballeira, declared of Cultural Interest, presents more than a hundred species from all continents.
Of course, thermalism is also fundamental in the area, a fact that is even reflected in the toponym "caldas". The source of As Burgas and the spas of Acuña and Dávila are protagonists of local thermalism.
It is located in the historic center of Caldas de Reis. The creation of the Acuña Health Resort (today Relais Termal) dates back to the beginning of the 19th century when the priest Pedro Acuña y Malvar began its construction.
Its water declared of public utility in 1813, is chlorinated, sodium, and bicarbonated, especially suitable for respiratory and rheumatological problems.
All information about Hotel-Balneario Acuña
Like the Balneario Acuña, the Hotel-Health Resort Dávila is located in the historic center of Caldas de Reis.
Their water is chlorinated, sodium, and bicarbonated, specially indicated for chronic and persistent upper airway processes: rhinitis, pharyngitis, and chronic laryngitis; and respiratory tract: bronchitis and asthma.
They are also suitable for the treatment of chronic and persistent upper airway processes: rhinitis, pharyngitis, and chronic laryngitis; and respiratory tract: bronchitis and asthma.
All information about Balneario Dávila
- Fountain da Burga
Archaeological remains provide evidence that the water that today feeds Fonte da Burga already was enjoyed by the first inhabitants of the area, the Cilenos. The Romans enhanced the use of these waters, but it was not until 1881 when the municipality, with the mayor Antonio Román López at the helm, endowed the fountain with the appearance it has today, within the typology of the spout fountains. The water flows through two spouts decorated with lions' heads.
The Fountain Fountain.
The water, the same that feeds the spas of Dávila and Acuña, is by its mineralization chlorinated, sodium, and bicarbonate. At this point, it flows at about 45ºC and has beneficial indications for pathologies associated with the respiratory tract, digestive and dermatological processes.
Today the Fonte da Burga is still free for the public. It is located in the street Laureano Salgado s/n, in Caldas de Reis.
Carballo
Located in the comarca of Bergantiños, of which it is the capital, the village of Carballo is located in the heart of Costa da Morte, in the province of A Coruña. Thanks to its strategic location, Carballo was populated since ancient times -of which numerous vestiges from different periods bear witness-.
Carballo has been inhabited since ancient times.
Carballo has a spa of medicinal mineral waters, which is also the only one of all the Costa da Morte. Its sulfurous waters have been known since antiquity for their properties.
The natural resources are undoubtedly one of the best assets of the area of Carballo, highlighting its beaches - especially the Razo-Baldaio Natural Area (beaches well known in the surfing circuit - and the fall of Rus and Entrecruces, among others.
The Razo-Baldaio Natural Area (beaches well known in the surfing circuit) - and the fall of Rus and Entrecruces, among others.
The rest of some baths rediscovered in the 18th century testify that in Carballo the Romans already enjoyed the waters that today feed the Carballo Spa. After discovering the remains and, after investigating the spring and verifying its benefits, the owner of the land builds a house hospital.
In the nineteenth century, the Count of Torre Penela improves the facilities of the spa and, with it, the fame of the place grows. Around the waters, also grows the town and its communications. Today they have the Q for Tourist Quality.
The water of Carballo is sulfurous, sodic, and carbonated, with weak mineralization. They are especially indicated for rheumatic conditions (arthrosis, arthritis, gout, tendinitis, fibromyalgia...), fractures, and sprains, as well as for respiratory, digestive, circulatory, or hormonal problems. Its emergence temperature is 42ºC.
All information on the Balneario de Carballo
Council of Lugo
In Galicia, there are more than 300 cataloged thermal and mineral-medicinal springs. In addition, the tradition with these waters is traditional and dates back to ancient times. The province of Lugo is no exception, since in the area the origins of thermalism date back to Romanization.
The province of Lugo is no exception.
At the end of the 19th century, the most important stage of thermalism in the area began, with the Balneario de Guitiriz as the absolute protagonist. Later, the offer is extended with the balneario Río Pambre, in Palas de Rei, and that of Augas Santas, in Pantón
In any case, not only the waters of the spas are important in Lugo, but also the multiple springs that exist in rural areas: O Incio spring, A Rogueira in O Courel, the old spas of Céltigos in Sarria, Mouriscados in Chantada, Frádegas in Antas de Ulla or the Charca do Alligal de Vilalba.
LUGO CAPITAL
The city of Lugo is the oldest in Galicia, it is the capital of the province of the same name and its origins date back to Roman times -specifically to the year 25 BC-. Its Roman past is evident in the many vestiges of this period that are found in the city: the wall, the Roman bridge, or the baths themselves.
Of course, the attractions of this city are many others. Among them is the cathedral, which houses the medieval carving of the Virgen de los Ojos Grandes, or the whole of its historic quarter, an ideal place to enjoy the local gastronomic offer. We cannot forget the natural environment, not only around the capital but in the whole province of Lugo.
Located on the outskirts of the city, in a natural enclave next to the river Miño, the Hotel Balneario y Termas Romanas de Lugo offers visitors a rest, as well as a thermal circuit and treatments and a range of restaurants.
Their waters are specially indicated for rheumatic, respiratory, and skin conditions and disorders resulting from stress and physical exhaustion. Due to their mineralization, they are sulfurated-sodium, bicarbonated, and hyperthermal waters.
In addition, this Spa Hotel has the added value that in its center are the Roman Baths, whose construction dates back to 15 BC and is part of the very important Roman legacy of the city of Lugo. It is advisable to consult the opening hours at this link.
All information about the Balneario de Lugo
GUITIRIZ
Guitiriz is part of the Comarca de A Terra Chá and is about 40 kilometers from the capital of the province. It has about 290 km2 of extension, which makes it one of the largest municipalities in the region. It is almost bordering the province of A Coruña, from which it is separated by the Sierras da Loba and Cova da Serpe, as well as the Cordal de Montouto.
It is believed that Guitiriz had a Celtic origin and that the Romans already knew the properties of the thermal springs. Since the fourteenth century, the territory of the region would become part of the domains of the Andrade, an important noble family.
The council has a great historical and cultural heritage and great natural wealth. In fact, Guitiriz is part of the Terras do Miño Biosphere Reserve and in its territory is also located the ZEC Parga Ladra Támega. In addition, it is important to note that the Northern Road to Santiago passes through the lands of Guitiriz.
Three are the mineral-medicinal springs that spring up in Guitiriz: San Xoán de Lagostelle -or Fuente de los Santos-, the Balneario de Pardiñas -or Santo Domingo- and the spring of Valdovín. They spring at 15ºC, which labels them as cold. They are indicated against digestive disorders, skin, kidneys, and liver.
There are in the area of Guitiriz other less known -or less exploited- springs: Veiga da Braña spring (A Ferreira, Parga), O Portopulgo spring (Parga), Fonte de Santo Alberte (San Breixa), San Benito spring (Pígara), Fonte do Campo da Virxe de Bascuas (San Salvador),...
This is a spa for public use, by historical rights acquired. It is only 2.5 kilometers from the municipal center. It is located, concretely, in the parish of San Xoán de Lagostelle, in the place of Pardiñas.
The Spa is located in the parish of San Xoán de Lagostelle, in the place of Pardiñas.
The Pardiñas Spa takes shape in a small building that shelters the thermal spring and is inserted in a natural setting, surrounded by trees. The water flows from a pipe decorated with a fish figure. The fountain works from Monday to Saturday, from 9.00 to 12.00 (it is necessary to notify in the chalet nº 1 of the complex to be able to enjoy the waters)
The water is sulfur-fluorinated and flows at 15ºC -which is why it is considered cold-. They are indicated for hepatic affections and biliary and digestive system ailments. Treatment is by ingesting water.
These facilities are within the Water Route, a hiking route of about 20 kilometers in length, which seeks to link the North Way of Santiago with the three best-known fountains of Guitiriz: Fonte de Pardiñas, Fonte de Valdovín in Parga and the Fonte de San Xoán in Lagostelle. The route starts from the place of San Alberte (in the parish of Sambreixo).
All information about Balneario de Pardiñas
- Fountain of San Xoán de Lagostelle
This fountain, also known as Fonte dos Santos is located in the nearby vicinity of the famous Hotel Balneario de Guitiriz, currently closed. The fountain appears surrounded by a natural wooded area of more than 40 hectares.
The composition of its water, of weak mineralization, is oligo metallic acratopic
(with a predominant composition of sodium bicarbonate) and sulfurated. They were declared public utility in 1902 and flow at 15ºC. Anti-inflammatory and detoxifying, they are especially indicated for hepatic treatments, for the urinary system, dermatology (psoriasis, eczema), stress, rheumatism (arthrosis and locomotor system in general), and renal lithiasis.
From free access, the hours of access for the hydroponic cure (water intake) are from 8.00 to 12.00. They should be taken in small quantities, on an empty stomach and it is advisable that their intake is accompanied by slow walks.
The specific address of the fountain is: Avenida do Balneario s/n, 27300 Guitiriz (Lugo)
- Fountain of Valdovín
In the village of Parga, known for its Feira dos Callos, the Valdovín Fountain is located on the left bank of the Parga River. The stone that collects water from the fountain was made by a stonemason in 1950. At the beginning of the 21st century, the area was conditioned and the fountain was restored.
The water flows here at 15ºC(which is why it is considered cold) and is sulfurous and fluoridated. They are indicated for liver ailments, kidneys, skin conditions, and digestive problems. The treatment is by hydroponic cure (water intake) and access is free.
PALAS DE REI
Palas de Rei is part of the comarca of A Ulloa. Numerous vestiges attest to the long history of this municipality: the castreña culture (especially the Castro de Aurela), archaeological and megalithic remains, from the Roman era - case of the XIXth road, of union between Lucus Augusti and Brácara Augusta (today coinciding with the Primitive Way to Santiago)-, numerous Romanesque churches that arose around the French and Primitive Ways to Santiago or the also medieval Pambre Castle, etc.
Palas de Rei not only has an extensive historical and cultural heritage, but also the natural resources of the area are extensive. Highlights include the Torrentes de la Mácara or the ZEC Serra do Careón, the only place in Galicia where the Santolina Melidenses plant grows.
Situated in the Cercanías del Castillo de Pambre and surrounded by forests with native species, the Hotel Balneario Oca Ría de Pambre is open all year round, closed for only 3 weeks in January.
The water is sulfurized, fluoridated, and bicarbonated-sodium. They emerge at a temperature of 16ºCand are especially indicated for the locomotor and respiratory systems, skin diseases, rheumatologic and anti-stress.
Its facilities are divided into a collective area and another of cabins, where treatments are performed. The Oca Río Pambre Spa has a team of specialists who can advise among the various techniques and treatments available.
All information about the Balneario Río de Pambre
PANTON
Three rivers surround the territory of Pantón: Cabe, Sil, and Miño. This municipality belongs to the region of Tierra de Lemos, inserted in the heart of Ribeira Sacra lucense. The valleys of the three rivers mentioned above alternate with the peaks of the Montes de San Paio. The impressive Sil river canyon is the natural border between the province of Lugo and the province of Ourense.
Among depressions and mountains settled various religious orders during the Middle Ages. Of these Romanesque buildings remains are preserved. These include churches such as San Fiz de Cangas, Santo Estevo de Atán, San Miguel de Eiré, or San Vicente de Pombeiro, as well as the Cistercian monastery of Ferreira.
Of course, the natural heritage is also an important resource of the area, ideal for the hiking lover, who will enjoy beautiful routes such as the viewpoints of the Cruz or Pena Pombeira, the Fervenza de Augacaída, or the Castro of Merce. You can not forget the own Route of the Ribeira Sacra de O Miño.
The wine connoisseurs can also enjoy the wines of the area: mencía, godello, albariño; varieties that grow on the steep slopes of the banks of the Sil and Miño rivers.
Inaugurated on July 19, 2006, the Aguas Santas spa remains open all year round, except for the 2nd and 3rd week of January (consult specific dates). In the vicinity of the place where the current spa is located, there was an old spa founded in the mid-nineteenth century which achieved great fame for the benefits of its waters. The old spa would cease to operate in the mid-twentieth century. The facilities were abandoned and would be destroyed by fire (the ruins are preserved as a testimony of its existence and there are projects for its recovery). It survived, however, the old pond of the spa, visited by the neighbors of the area.
Conceived as a glass cube, the spa has more than 2000 m2 and seeks to integrate into the landscape and offer visitors contact with nature during their stay.
The water is bicarbonated, sulfur and sodium. They emerge at a temperature of 18ºC. Due to their mineral characteristics, they are suitable for hepatic, rheumatological, dermatological, respiratory, otorhinolaryngological, and gastric problems.
All information about Iberik Aguas Santas Balneario & Golf
Council of Ourense
If there is a province that stands out for its support for thermalism, this is Ourense. And the fact is that the thermal tradition throughout the province of Ourense goes back many centuries, even before the Roman invasion.
OURENSE CITY
The city of Ourense is a great destination to enjoy the benefits of the thermal waters. Many theories point, in fact, that the existence of thermal waters in the territory is the origin of the very toponym of Ourense.
In the very center of the city are these fountains that take advantage of the water gushing at high temperatures. The fountains of As Burgas that we know today were built between the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries. The set was listed as a Historic Artistic Site in 1975 and Cultural Interest in 2007.
The fountains of As Burgas that we know today were built between the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries.
All information about the Burgas
If you move a little away from the city center, visitors can enjoy the so-called Thermal Route, which begins on the right bank of the Miño river, a few meters from the Millennium Bridge. Starting from this point, there are 7 thermal spaces: A Chavasqueira, O Tinteiro, Muíño da Veiga, Termas de Outariz, Piscinas de Outariz, and Burga de Canedo, in addition to the Reza fountain at the end of the route.
O CARBALLIÑO
O Carballiño, the capital of the region, tourist town, and seaside resort, was born at a crossroads. It is located in the interior of the province of Ourense and arose directly related to the fair created by the monastery of Oseira in the seventeenth century. Throughout its history, it has remained closely linked to local economic development, centered on agricultural livestock and commercial activity.
Also, as we pointed out, this area -near the provincial capital- has half a dozen areas of great thermal importance. Of course, the most famous are the Gran Balneario do Carballiño or Caldas de Partovia, but there are also others that are more unknown.
O Carballiño has much to offer the visitor: thermal experiences, nature, cultural heritage (Temple of Veracruz, for example), gastronomy (especially known is its octopus), gastronomic and popular festivals (Carnival, Fiesta de la Cachucha, Magosto, etc.), etc.
The first baths building was inaugurated at the beginning of the 19th century, the current appearance is due to the work of the architect Daniel Vázquez Gulías, author of the glazed building erected in 1900. The Gran Balneario is fed by the most important spring of mineral-medicinal waters in the area and its setting is on the left bank of the Armenteiro River, surrounded by a grove of oak and beech centenarians.
All information about the Gran Balneario de O Carballiño
Various researchers speak of already the Romans enjoying the waters of this health resort which is located 2 kilometers from the town of O Carballiño. During the Middle Ages would be the monks of the monastery of Oseira who benefited from their properties, until it comes into municipal hands in the nineteenth century, a century in which it would open its doors as a "modern" spa. After a reform, in 2017, this spa with a long history reaches our days fully adapted to the present and inserted in the natural space that surrounds it.
All information about the Balneario de Caldas de Partovia
- Baniño de Arcos
Also in the capital of the region, O Carballiño, is located the one known as O Bañiño de Arcos, at the banks of the Arenteiro river. Equipped with a fountain and pond with cover, it is located at the end of the walk that runs along the banks of the Arenteiro river. The waters that flow here are indicated for dermatological and hepatic conditions.
Ponteareas and region
Located on the banks of the river Tea, Ponteareas is a municipality in the province of Pontevedra. It is also the capital of the comarca of Ponteareas.
No doubt one of its most famous festivals is that of Corpus Christi, when large and spectacular floral carpets are made by hand in the streets of the town. This festival has been declared of International Tourist Interest since 2009.
Many are the historic remains that the visitor can find in the area, witnesses of the many centuries of population: prehistory, castrexa, Roman, Romanesque, medieval or modern times. Outstanding monuments are the church of San Miguel, the Town Hall, the factory of Curtidos Garra (today Municipal Library and Museum), etc.. Not forgetting, of course, the abundant natural resources.
Mondariz, a thermal village par excellence, shows various facilities and buildings that are a reflection of its great history: the Gran Hotel, the Baranda, the Sanatorium, the Fuente de la Gándara... Since the end of the 19th century, Mondariz was one of the most important spas in Spain.
It is known that its water was used since Roman times, but it was in 1873 that the Mondariz Spa reached greater fame. The growing prestige forced the expansion of the facilities at the end of the 19th century, which lasted until 1973 when it was necessary to rebuild the spa after a major fire.
The waters of the Mondariz spa are hypothermal, bicarbonated, sodium, radioactive, and carbogaseous. They are especially indicated for rheumatological, dermatological, digestive, cardiovascular, renal, respiratory, and endocrinological conditions
All information about the Balneario de Mondariz
- Fountain of Gándara
The Gándara Spring is located within the Mondariz Spa complex, next to the grounds of the Old Grand Hotel of Mondariz. The Gándara spring was discovered in 1872 by Sabino Enrique, although the remains found indicated its exploitation in earlier times. It is the second spring of medicinal waters discovered in Mondariz (after the Troncoso Fountain, some 800 meters away) and the sick used to go to it for cures by ingestion of mineral-medicinal water.
The building that protects the fountain reaches 28 meters and is remodeled in a dome of bronze and glass, supported on columns. It is a space open to visitors free of charge and has become the most representative symbol of Mondariz.
Mondariz.
This spring has hypothermal, medium mineralization, bicarbonated, sodium, radioactive, and carbogaseous waters. The upwelling temperature is about 17ºC. The access is free and is open to visitors on a permanent basis.
- Fountain of Troncoso
This is, no more and no less, than the first spring of medicinal waters discovered in Mondariz. The author of its discovery was the parish priest Don Domingo Blanco Lage, in 1862, when crossing the river he came across a spot where bubbles were gushing. After verifying the benefits of the waters, works were carried out to condition the fountain and protect it from the floods of the Tea River.
Spouting from this source are hypothermal waters, strongly mineralized, bicarbonated, sodium, radioactive and carbogaseous. The upwelling temperature is about 15ºC. The access is free and is open to visitors on a permanent basis.
- Termas municipales de Teáns (Salvaterra do Miño)
From the province of Pontevedra and the metropolitan area of Vigo, Salvaterra de Miño is located at the confluence of the valleys of the rivers Tea and Miño. It is on the border with the Portuguese border and offers visitors a beautiful natural environment and an extensive historical heritage. Highlights include its fortress, the castle of Doña Urraca, the Casa del Conde, the parish church of San Lourenzo, or A Canuda Park.
In the parish of Oleiros, is the Termas of Teáns, considered the largest outdoor hot springs in Galicia. It is known that these waters were exploited since ancient times, however, its current appearance is due to the works carried out in 2019. It is an enclosure of more than 3000 square meters, where visitors can enjoy bathing facilities, green areas, and a public park. The thermal facilities have 4 pools: 3 large ones of about 140 square meters each and a small, shallower one.
The thermal waters of the Termas of Teáns are especially indicated for respiratory, digestive, and dermatological ailments. They emerge at a temperature of 42ºC and contain chlorine, sulfates, bicarbonates, and sulfur. The Teáns hot springs are free and are open all year round with the following timetable: Summer (June to September): Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm and Winter (October to May): Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Are you looking for relax in Portugal?
HAVE A LOOK TO OUR WEB BROWSER FOR ALL WELNESS HOTELS IN PORTUGAL
Northern Portugal (in alphabetical order)
Amarante
It is a Portuguese municipality, belonging to the district of Porto and part of the inter-municipal community of Támega and Sousa. Watered by the Támega river, Amarante is protected by the O Marao and ABoboreira mountain ranges, closely linked to the surrounding nature. In addition, Amarante has been a UNESCO Creative City since 2017.
It has its origins in the primitive peoples who inhabited the Aboboreira mountain range. However, it grows in importance from the hand of San Gonzalo, who settles in the area after his pilgrimage to Rome and Jerusalem.
It has its origins in the primitive villages that inhabited the Aboboreira mountain range.
For those who dare to visit the city of Amarante, encourage you to walk on foot, especially its historic center, where the following monuments stand out: the bridge of San Gonçalo, the church, and convent of San Gonçalo, the Municipal Museum Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso or the churches of Sao Domingos and San Pedro.
The first historical reference to these thermal baths is recorded in 1726, with the book Aquilégio Medicinal by Francisco da Fonseca Henriques. In 1895 is attributed the first concession of the thermal license of Amarante, was transferred to the local Concello in 1968.
On January 19, 2019, the current Thermal Baths of Amarante were inaugurated. These are located in the heart of the city center and have views of the Támega River.
Amarante Thermal Baths.
All information about the Termas de Amarante
Guimarães
Guimarães is a municipality located in northern Portugal, specifically in the district of Braga. Its historic center was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2001.
The history of Guimarães begins many centuries ago, already in the Copper Age, as attested by its various archaeological sites. Of course, it continues in Roman times. However, the shape of the city we know today is attributed to the noble Vimara Perez, who would be the first count of the Portucalense County (under the orders of the king of Asturias), a fact that is associated with the birth of the Portuguese national identity. These events occurred in the ninth century.
In the 10th century, the important Monastery of San Mamede was founded, which would become a major focus of attraction and growth for the town. Also in this locality was born, in the 12th century the first Portuguese king, Afonso Henriques, and the town would be fundamental in Portugal's struggle for its independence.
The visitor can not miss visiting its historic center and its various monuments: the Castelo de Guimarães, the Praça de Sao Tiago and Largo da Oliveira, the Paço dos Duques de Bragança, Monte da Penha, ... In addition to its heritage, Guimarães also offers an important cultural and sports program, to which to add the nature of the area. All this makes it a destination more than worthy of a visit.
A few kilometers from the town of Guimarães, is the village of Caldas das Taipas, which its ancient thermal stay is striking. The use of the waters dates back to Roman times, as attested by an inscription from the time of Trajan that speaks of the search for and use of the medicinal mineral waters of the place.
The banhos vellos would be replaced by new facilities at the beginning of the 20th century. In recent years, moreover, the Taipas Termal brand has been created, which brought hand in hand the creation and development of new products, related to novel concepts such as thermal spa or natural cosmetics. In 2015 was inaugurated the thermal spa of Caldas de Taipas, which also has a health clinic. The search for excellence is the driving force behind these facilities, which combine classic thermalism with spa and wellness tourism.
The water that feeds this spa emerges at a temperature of 30ºC and, due to its mineralization, is hyposaline, sulfurous, sodium, silicate and fluorinated. Due to their characteristics, they are particularly suitable for pathologies of the respiratory apparatus of the upper airways, rheumatic and musculoskeletal pathologies, and skin pathologies.
All information about Taipas Termal
Santa Maria da Feira
The town of Santa Maria da Feira is located in the district of Aveiro, within the inter-municipal community of Grand Metropolitan Area of Porto.
It is especially famous for its castle, whose origin dates back to the 11th century, and is located on an elevated point, overlooking the city. Santa Maria da Feira also has very interesting museums: the Museu do Papel, Museu Convento dos Lóios and the Museu de Santa Maria de Lamas.
Santa Maria da Feira also has some very interesting museums.
In addition, its International Street Theater Festival Imaginarius and the Medieval Journey in the Lands of Santa Maria, the largest medieval recreation of the Iberian Peninsula in which the whole city travels to the Middle Ages which takes place every summer for about 12 days, are also known.
The Middle Ages.
The visitor cannot forget to try the traditional fogaça. It is a delicious cake made with butter and egg, characterized by its flavor of cinnamon and lemon zest.
These hot springs are located in the village of Caldas de São Jorge, located just 25 kilometers from Porto. They are especially known for the therapeutic qualities of their sulfurous waters, ideal for the treatment of diseases related to the respiratory tract, skin, and muscular-therapeutic aspects. The waters nourish this spa spring at 23ºC.
The treatments are designed to suit the measure of the visitor, always giving priority to prevention and health rehabilitation, but we cannot forget the relaxing component that a visit to these facilities can provide.
It is worth noting that Termas de São Jorge has pediatric thermalism services, especially focused on treating respiratory conditions in children, without ever forgetting the fun.
All information about the Termas de Sao Jorge
Are you looking for relax in Portugal?
HAVE A LOOK AT OUR WEB BROWSER FOR ALL WELNESS HOTELS IN PORTUGAL
Terras de Bouro
Terras de Bouro is a municipality located in the district of Braga. It is a mountainous area and its territory extends through the sierras of Gerês and Amarela (inserted, therefore, in the Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gêres), as well as the valleys of the rivers Homem and Cávado. For this reason, it is an ideal area for lovers of adventure tourism and hiking.
There are several traces of the population of this point already in Roman times, among which the Roman Way XVIII and numerous milestones stand out. Of course, at the cultural level, Terras de Bouro has much more to offer: traditions, songs, dances, pilgrimages, religious art, etc.
Already known to the Romans, the waters that nourish the Termas do Gerês have maintained their fame over the centuries. It would be in the eighteenth century, during the reign of Dom João V, when the first bathhouses were built. At the end of the 19th century, these modest bathhouses were transformed into Thermal Hotels, which would reach the present day fully renovated and adapted with the most modern techniques.
In addition to its exceptional location, in the heart of the Parque Natural da Peneda-Gerês (the only natural park in Portugal), the waters that nourish these facilities are exceptional for their mineral content. Numerous are treatments offered by the Termas do Gerês facilities.
All information about the Termas do Geres
The Termas de Moimenta hot springs are located in the village of Terras de Bouro, 12 kilometers from the entry point to the Peneda-Gerês Natural Park, the only natural park in the country. It is an exceptional area for the practice of adventure and sporting activities, especially hiking.
It seems that the origin of these hot springs is in the healing of some girls who, after having contracted leprosy and following the indications of the local pharmacist, healed their wounds thanks to the waters of the place. Subsequent studies showed that, indeed, the water that gushed from that spot had medicinal properties, especially indicated against respiratory, rheumatic, and skin conditions.
All information about the Termas de Moimenta
Vila Pouca de Aguiar
This is a Portuguese village belonging to the district of Vila Real, of the region of Trás-os-Montes, in Northern Portugal. It is in one of the Portuguese regions where the relief is more accident, whose landscape is defined by the alternation of plains and embedded valleys. The landscape of the area is of enormous beauty and, in fact, a third of the area is protected, included in the Alvão-Marão Site, of the Natura 2000 Network.
The human presence in the territory dates back to ancestral times, due to the rich natural resources of the region, among which the mineral waters stand out. Numerous are the vestiges of very different eras: dolmens and antas, the gold mines of Tresminas -from Roman times-, the medieval Roqueiro Castle of Aguiar da Pena, and the origin of the Traditional Onion Fair or, of course, the Thermal Park of Pedras Salgadas.
The 20th-century history of Vila Pouca de Aguiar is directly associated with the thermal park of Pedras Salgadas, less than 7 kilometers from the center of the village, and of great fame during the first half of the 20th century.
Pedras Salgadas Spa & Nature Park is a 4-star tourist complex. The complex offers accommodation, circuit and thermal, spa, and beauty treatments. The Thermal Spa, renovated by the architect Siza Vieira, has a wide range of facilities to delight visitors, a large indoor pool with water circuits, a sauna and a Turkish bath. In addition, Pedras Salgadas also has a restaurant, cafeteria, chapel, and the so-called Pedra's Experience.
All information about Pedras Salgadas, Spa & Nature Park
Are you looking to relax in Portugal?
HAVE A LOOK AT OUR WEB BROWSER FOR ALL WELNESS HOTELS IN PORTUGAL
Vizela
The Portuguese town of Vizela is located in the district of Braga and takes its name from the river that runs through the village. It is about 20 minute's drive from Guimaraes and a little further from Braga.
In 1787were found, in the Republic Square of Vicela, the first testimonies of the ancient Roman baths. Since ancient times, the identity of the city has been linked to the enjoyment of the thermal waters, which were already used by the Celts and later by the Romans.
But there are not only thermal baths in Vicela, but it is also important to highlight other Roman vestiges, as is the case of its bridge, part of the road that linked Braga with Mérida. Vicela was also an important key in Portuguese history, for example, the Anglo-Portuguese Treaty of Alliance between King Ferdinand and the Duke of Lancaster was signed in this territory in 1372.
In the last decades of the 19th century, a beautiful park was created in Vicela, the green lung of the town, designed by the experts José M. Loureiro and Jerónimo Costa. From the top of the hill where it is located, where the San Bento de las Peras Sanctuary is located, you can see beautiful landscapes
The visitor cannot forget to taste the local gastronomy-such as the bacalhau á Ze do Pipo (cod loins, covered with mashed potato and mayonnaise and au gratin) or the sweet bolinhol - or visit its wine cellars, an example being the Caves Casalinho.
The thermal facilities of Vizela come into operation in 1892, although -as we have already indicated- their enjoyment dates back many centuries. The hot springs can be enjoyed both in the spa and in the open-air fountains.
The sulfurous, sodium, and hyperthermal waters that flow in Vizela are sulfurous, sodium, and hyperthermal and are indicated against rheumatic, respiratory, or dermatological ailments. As a curiosity, it should be noted that thanks to the quality of the water, this water was exported
The spa is surrounded by a park. In addition, above the spa and next to the church, is the so-called Parque das Termas, created in the 19th century. At this point, you can enjoy the hot springs in the open air.
All information about Termas de Vizela
Subscribe to our newsletter and
GET OUR FREE GUIDE "7 TIPS TO PREPARE YOUR RELAX GETAWAY!
