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Portugal Hot Springs: Chaves, Geres and Luso Thermal Baths
Last updated October 22, 2026 · 2 min read
Popular searches:Termas de Chaves · Termas Geres · Termas de Luso · Termas Gerês · Termas Do Geres
Portugal has a long thermal tradition, known locally as termalismo. Most springs are in the mountainous north and centre, and nearly all feed spa buildings rather than open pools.
Termas de Chaves
Chaves, near the Spanish border, was the Roman town of Aquae Flaviae, named for its springs. The water is among the hottest in Europe, emerging at around 70°C, and the modern spa uses it for pools and treatments. The town also has a Roman bridge over the Tâmega river.
Termas do Gerês
The village of Gerês sits inside Peneda-Gerês National Park, Portugal’s only national park. Its thermal spa is a good base for hiking among granite peaks, waterfalls and river pools.
Termas de Luso
Luso, near Coimbra, is famous for its bottled mineral water and for the Buçaco forest next door. The spa offers pools and treatments, and the forest has palace gardens and walking paths.
Tips
Spas often run medical treatment programmes alongside day passes, so check which areas are open to day visitors. Spring and autumn are quieter than August. Browse the Portugal map or see Spain next door.
Listed Portugal hot springs
See all 30 Portugal springs on a map.
| Hot spring | Water temp | Type | Nearest town |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poça da Dona Beija | Not recorded | Developed | Furnas |
| Caldas de Sangemil Free | 120°F | Developed | Cabanas de Viriato (3 mi) |
| Termas de Chaves | 163°F | Developed | Chaves |
| Termas do Gerês | Not recorded | Developed | Vieira do Minho (7 mi) |
| Caldas da Cavaca | Not recorded | Developed | Aguiar da Beira (4 mi) |
| Caldas da Felgueira | Not recorded | Developed | Canas de Senhorim (2 mi) |
| Ponta da Ferraria Free | Not recorded | Developed | Mosteiros (3 mi) |
| Termas da Ganhoteira | Not recorded | Developed | Alvito (9 mi) |
| Termas de Caldelas | Not recorded | Developed | Caldelas |
| Termas do Luso | Not recorded | Developed | Luso |
| Caldas de Canavezes | Not recorded | Developed | Marco de Canavezes (1 mi) |
| Caldeira Velha | Not recorded | Developed | Ribeira Grande (3 mi) |
| SPA Termal de Pedras Salgadas | Not recorded | Resort | Sobreira (10 mi) |
| Termas das Caldas da Saúde | Not recorded | Developed | Santo Tirso (2 mi) |
| Termas das Caldeiras | Not recorded | Developed | Ribeira Grande (3 mi) |
| Termas de Longroiva | Not recorded | Developed | Mêda (3 mi) |
| Termas de São Jorge | Not recorded | Developed | Lobão (1 mi) |
| Termas de Vizela Free | Not recorded | Developed | Caldas de Vizela |
| Villa Termal das Caldas de Monchique Spa Resort | Not recorded | Resort | Monchique (2 mi) |
| Termas das Águas Santas de Besteiros | Not recorded | Developed | Mértola (10 mi) |
| Termas de Amarante | Not recorded | Developed | Amarante |
| Termas de Manteigas | Not recorded | Developed | Manteigas (1 mi) |
| Áqua Quente | Not recorded | Natural | Lajes das Flores (4 mi) |
| Fonte Quente | Not recorded | Developed | Leiria |
| Musée des Termes | Not recorded | Natural | Monção (10 mi) |
Frequently asked questions
Where are the best hot springs in Portugal?
Northern and central Portugal have most of them. Chaves, Gerês and Luso are the best known, and all have modern spa facilities.
How hot are the springs at Chaves?
Chaves has some of the hottest springs in Europe, with water emerging at around 70°C. The spa cools it for bathing and treatments.
Can you soak for free in Portugal?
Most Portuguese thermal springs are piped into paid spas. The classic experience is a day pass at a spa.