Health and Wellness tourism

It is in the Northern region of Portugal that we find the highest concentration of natural mineral waters in the country, along with a generous selection of thermal spa resorts offering visitors not only the quality and diversity of waters, but also a rich natural, architectural, and cultural heritage.

The thermal resorts of Porto and Northern Portugal offer experiences that go far beyond relaxation: massages, treatments with local products, and the allure of the Atlantic’s salty waters are just a few of their secrets.

These spas promote health, a stronger immune system, and a healthy lifestyle, complemented by contact with nature, balanced nutrition, and physical activity. Discover, feel, and immerse yourself.

The mineromedicinal waters of Amarante, renowned for their therapeutic properties, were first mentioned in 1726 in Aquilégio Medicinal by Francisco da Fonseca Henriques. Inaugurated in 2019 on the banks of the Tâmega River, the Amarante Thermal Baths were designed to offer a complete and revitalizing experience.

The thermal techniques applied here are tailored to each individual, ensuring that the benefits of the waters are maximized for the treatment of respiratory system diseases, as well as rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions.

Surrounded by lush greenery in the heart of Minho, in the municipality of Amares, between Braga and the Peneda-Gerês National Park, Caldelas Thermal Spa offers mineral springs and a modern spa facility. The spa provides a wide range of treatments that go beyond stress relief, with a particular focus on digestive disorders, skin conditions and rheumatic diseases.

Available therapies include an active pool, therapeutic showers (jet, circular, Vichy), hydromassages, immersion and steam baths, mud applications, and relaxing massages. Balneotherapy practices and the drinking of thermal water complement the treatments, offering a revitalizing experience paired with healthy eating.

Renowned for their healing powers and affectionately called “holy waters,” the Carvalhelhos Thermal Spa is located 800 meters above sea level, at the foot of an ancient pre-Roman hillfort and surrounded by the stunning landscape of the Barroso Mountain Range Park. This serene natural setting offers visitors rest and balance - an idyllic place to relieve stress and reconnect with nature.

The Carvalhelhos thermal waters are particularly recommended for the treatment of skin conditions, dermatological issues, as well as digestive and circulatory disorders. The spa offers immersion baths and hydromassage therapies, among others, providing deeply relaxing and restorative experiences that help to rebalance the body naturally.

With a tradition spanning centuries, the Chaves Thermal Baths are fed by unique thermal waters that spring at 76ºC. The Flaviense Bathhouse, which attracts thousands of visitors annually, helps prevent and treat musculoskeletal disorders, digestive system issues, and respiratory conditions.

In addition to classic treatments, the Chaves Thermal Baths offer short-duration programs, relaxing spa and wellness experiences, and an exclusive line of thermal dermocosmetics, Aquae. Set in a region of stunning landscapes, excellent gastronomy, and a welcoming community, these thermal baths provide visitors with a complete wellness experience, tailored for all ages, including specific pediatric thermal programs.

Vidago, located in the municipality of Chaves, is renowned for its rich history and tradition in the use of thermal waters, whose healing properties gained prominence in the 19th century. Between 1875 and 1877, King D. Luís visited this village regularly, boosting its reputation as a premier thermal destination. The fame of Vidago’s waters crossed borders, with awards received in Madrid, Paris, Vienna, and Rio de Janeiro between 1876 and 1889.

Today, the tradition lives on through the modern Vidago Educational Thermal Spa, inaugurated in 2014 in the restored building of the former railway station.

Featuring contemporary architecture integrated into a peaceful setting, the Spa offers treatments and programmes tailored to each visitor’s needs. The Vidago Thermal Waters are recommended for treating conditions of the nervous system, circulatory, respiratory and digestive systems, skin disorders, rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. In addition to traditional thermal therapies, the facility offers a wide range of wellness experiences.

Surrounded by 100 hectares of pine and cedar trees scented with rosemary and lavender, the Vidago Palace Thermal Spa is a refined haven where tranquility reigns. With a history dating back to the 17th century, the exclusive thermal waters of Vidago, drawn directly from pure granite rock springs, are renowned for their therapeutic and healing properties, and are integrated into a variety of treatments offered at the Vidago Palace Spa.

The harmony between the historical elegance of the Vidago Palace and the contemporary, fresh, minimalist design of its spa elevates the wellness experience to a new level. With therapies aimed at treating rheumatic, musculoskeletal, digestive, respiratory, skin, and nervous system conditions, the Vidago Palace Spa offers unique and memorable moments, in perfect harmony with nature and the sophistication of the setting.

The history of the Caldas das Taipas thermal baths is deeply marked by the presence of the Romans, as evidenced by the remains of the original thermal baths located on the same site where the first “Banhos Velhos” once operated. In the early 20th century, new facilities replaced the old ones, and in 2015, the thermal complex was fully renovated to include a modern Health Clinic. Under the brand Taipas Termal, the venue offers classical thermal treatments, SPA and wellness services, along with a line of exclusive cosmetic products.

The sulphur-rich waters of Caldas das Taipas, a local natural treasure, are recommended for the treatment of respiratory, dermatological, and osteoarticular conditions. Located in the municipality of Guimarães, on the right bank of the Ave River, these thermal baths combine a unique historical heritage with the high quality and modernity of the services provided.

With unquestionable architectural beauty and historical heritage, the Melgaço Thermal Spa has its most iconic feature in the Buvette of the main spring. This monumental pavilion, completed in 1915, is a remarkable example of iron architecture. Built over the spring catchment area, it sits below ground level, accessible by three wide staircases leading to the center, where the spring is located. Complementing this setting, the Bathhouse, inaugurated in 1924, blends harmoniously into the Thermal Park, flanked by the Bouça Nova stream and surrounded by lush vegetation.

The waters from the two springs (main spring and new spring) are renowned for their therapeutic properties and are recommended for the treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, digestive system conditions, osteoarticular disorders, and respiratory diseases such as allergic rhinitis and chronic bronchitis.

The Tesal Centre – Monção Thermal Spa is a modern 21st-century thermal complex equipped with advanced hydrotherapy technology. Its mineral-medicinal waters, emerging at 49.5°C, stand out for their unique composition: hyperthermal, hyposaline, sulphurous, sodium-rich, lithinated and fluoridated. Located by the river, in a relaxing setting with beautiful surroundings, the centre offers ideal conditions for thermal treatments.

The therapeutic benefits of Monção’s waters cover a range of conditions, including rheumatic diseases (osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, arthritis), respiratory issues (sinusitis, asthma, bronchitis), and dermatological problems (psoriasis, eczema, hives). They are also effective in combating stress, depression, and mental exhaustion, thanks to their regenerating, toning, and anti-inflammatory effects.

The Thermal Resort of Entre-os-Rios, also known as Termas da Torre, is located in a historic area dating back to the 12th century, where Quinta da Torre once stood — the estate of the paternal aunt of Egas Moniz, tutor of the first king of Portugal. Renowned for its extraordinary medicinal waters, the resort was granted its first operating license on 13 September 1894.

Surrounded by stunning gardens and a park with rare and exotic trees, this resort is a haven of tranquillity and well-being. Its thermal waters are recommended for the treatment of respiratory diseases, rheumatism, and musculoskeletal conditions, offering a revitalising experience in perfect harmony with the region’s natural and historical richness.

Around 30 km from Porto, the Termas de São Vicente, part of the modern Palace Hotel & Spa, are located in a vast natural park with walking trails, a tennis court, and a chapel. Adjacent to the complex lies the Luso-Roman Bathhouse of São Vicente, a remarkable archaeological site that showcases classic Roman thermal architecture.

The thermal waters of São Vicente are renowned for their therapeutic properties and are recommended for treating respiratory conditions (such as sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and chronic bronchitis) as well as rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia). Combining an exceptional physicochemical composition with advanced thermal technology and a specialised medical team, a visit to this spa offers a unique opportunity to relax, care for your health, and discover a site of exceptional natural and historical heritage.

In the village of Caldas de S. Jorge, bathed by the serene waters of the Uíma River, lies Termas S. Jorge, an oasis of tranquility. Renowned for its long-standing tradition in Portuguese thermalism, it combines innovative techniques with specialized medical services, delivered by an experienced team that ensures excellent care.

The sulfur-rich waters of Termas S. Jorge are particularly recommended for treating musculoskeletal conditions, chronic or allergic skin diseases, and respiratory disorders. With personalized programs for prevention, health promotion, and rehabilitation, this haven, where time seems to slow down, is the perfect place to restore your energy.

With a history dating back to Roman times, the Caldas da Saúde Thermal Spa was rebuilt on 19th-century bathhouse structures and reopened in 1994. It offers a wide range of services that combine traditional thermal therapies with modern solutions to maintain physical and mental well-being.

Strategically located near the junction of the A3 and A7 highways, with easy access from Porto, Braga, and other northern regions, Caldas da Saúde specializes in the treatment of respiratory, skin, and musculoskeletal conditions. Complementing the treatments, the Health Club and Thermal Spa offers relaxation and fitness experiences.

The Moimenta Thermal Spa combines modern therapeutic facilities with the natural richness of a mountainous region. Located in the town of Terras de Bouro, just 16 km from the entrance to the Peneda-Gerês National Park, this spa is the perfect starting point to explore the area's unparalleled natural and cultural heritage.

Its mineral waters are notable for their unique composition, rich in cerium, silica, and silver, which promotes the regeneration of skin conditions and mucous membranes in the respiratory system. Specializing in the treatment of respiratory and rheumatic conditions, this spa offers an incomparable experience in a stunning natural setting.

Natural beauty, cultural richness and gastronomy - these are just some of the compelling reasons to visit the Gerês Thermal Baths. Located in the heart of the Peneda-Gerês National Park, Portugal’s only national park, this site includes the Águas do Gerês hotel, the Thermal Park, swimming pools, and a modern thermal and spa facility.

Specializing in the treatment of metabolic diseases (weight loss, pre-diabetes, cholesterol), as well as digestive disorders, liver and gallbladder issues, and chronic rheumatism, the Gerês Thermal Baths are also a powerful ally in relieving stress, fatigue, and sedentary lifestyle effects.

Located in the iconic building of the former Thermal Bathhouse, carefully restored by architect Álvaro Siza Vieira, the Pedras Salgadas Thermal Spa perfectly blends the charm of the past with a modern and functional aesthetic. With large windows and an emphasis on natural light, the Art Nouveau interiors have been transformed into a contemporary space where nature and well-being are in perfect harmony.

The therapeutic power of the gaseous-carbonated waters of Pedras Salgadas, widely recognized by the scientific community, is used to treat rheumatic, musculoskeletal, respiratory, digestive, and metabolic-endocrine diseases. Divided into wet zones for hydrotherapy and dry zones focused on beauty and wellness treatments, the spa features 14 treatment rooms, a heated indoor pool, sauna, Hammam (Turkish bath), hydromassage, and relaxation areas, offering a complete and restorative experience.

Located in Maceira, in the municipality of Vimioso, district of Bragança, the Vimioso Thermal Spa features state-of-the-art technology and advanced practices, using the unique properties of its sulphurous waters to provide treatments that promote health, leisure and well-being.

Specializing in the treatment of respiratory, rheumatic, and musculoskeletal conditions, the Vimioso Thermal Spa offers personalised programmes and modern techniques, supervised by a medical team and specialised professionals.

Since 1873, the Vizela Thermal Baths, established by the Companhia de Banhos de Vizela, have played a crucial role in the development of the city, boosting tourism, hospitality, and local commerce. The main spa facility began operating in 1881, even before the full completion of construction. After several periods of interruption, the thermal baths were reopened in 2012 under the management of the Tesal Group and now welcome hundreds of visitors each year who seek the benefits of its thermal waters.

Specialising in the treatment of rheumatologic conditions (such as osteoarthritis, arthritis, and lower back pain), respiratory issues (including chronic sinusitis, asthma, and otitis), and dermatological problems (like dermatitis and psoriasis), the Vizela Thermal Baths are also dedicated to alleviating modern-day ailments such as stress and anxiety.