Have you started thinking about booking vacations and getaways? Around here, we love Lisbon, but we’re also fans of travel outside inside, such as spa destinations.
To escape the stress of everyday life and the work, it’s important to disconnect and relax.
Whether, for example, with the practice of rural tourism, or by “escaping” to destinations with hot springs and spas. Whatever your preferences, relaxation is the watchword.
From the north to the south of Portugal, there are several thermal baths, but the properties of the waters and the period of operation vary.
For this reason, we advise you to always check with the place you want to visit, the specifics of the waters and the seasonality (or not) of the opening to the public.
For the time being, this article is intended as an informative and geographical reference. But, before the roadmap, a bit of history.
The origin of spa and relaxation destinations
In Portugal, it was around the time of the ancient Roman Empire that thermal treatments became widespread.
The Romans’ fondness for public baths spread to various territories. There are even some traces of that time that have survived to the present day.
For example, in Chaves, in the district of Vila Real, you’ll find one of the most important Roman thermal complexes on the Iberian Peninsula.
But with the fall of the Roman Empire, thermal customs were lost, only to return a little later, in the midst of the Renaissance.
Around here, it is said that the world’s first thermal hospital originated in Portugal, in Caldas da Rainha, in the 19th century. XV. Surprising, right?
Spa and relaxation itinerary
There are spas that close during the low season (winter), but others that remain open all year round.
As we said, it’s best to check with the spa resorts. In any case, here are some spa and relaxation destinationswithin 2h30 (or a little more) of Lisbon.
Table Of Contents
Vimeiro Thermal Baths
Just over an hour from Lisbon is the first spa destination on our list, Termas do Vimeiro.
Its history dates back to the 19th century, as early as 1845, when some descriptions noted the existence of two baths near the water springs, on both banks of the Alcabrichel River, which attracted those seeking treatment for their health problems.
Today they are one of the best known in the country, and one of the biggest highlights is their proximity to the sea, which makes this a unique spa resort.
Address: Rua Fonte dos Frades (Maceira)
Thermal season: June to September
Caldas da Rainha Thermal Baths
About 1h20 drive from Lisbon, Caldas da Rainha is home to one of the greatest symbols of Portuguese thermalism.
This is where what is considered to be the oldest thermal hospital in the world was established, founded by Queen Leonor, in 1485.
Address: Largo Rainha Dona Leonor (Caldas da Rainha)
Thermal season: March to December
Piedade Thermal Spa
Termas da Piedade is also just over an hour from Lisbon, near Alcobaça.
The thermal waters of Piedade are very old and have healing properties that have been recognized since Roman times. In the Middle Ages, the Cistercian monks, lords of the neighboring Monastery of Alcobaça, built the first spa on this site, making it possible for those in need to enjoy it.
Address: Rua Manuel Rodrigues Serrazina (Termas da Piedade – Your Hotel and Spa, in Fervença, Alcobaça)
Spa season: every day: Spa & Beyond on a daytime basis, Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sundays from 9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m: Spa & Beyond on a nightly basis, Fridays and Saturdays from 9pm to midnight
Ladeira de Envendos Thermal Spa
The Ladeira de Envendos Thermal Baths are set in spectacular surroundings, almost two hours from Lisbon , in the municipality of Mação.
For over a hundred years, they have offered a range of thermal practices that make use of the hydro-mineral richness of the water that springs from the rock at 21ºC, in abundant flow, in the so-called Hot Water Gorge .
Therapies at this spa destination are indicated for the treatment of illnesses in various areas, including the digestive and respiratory systems, skin, rheumatism and musculoskeletal disorders.
Address: Envendos (Mação, Santarém)
Thermal season: from May to October, Monday to Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m
Curia Thermal Spa
The Hotel das Termas – Curia, in the municipality of Anadia, is located about 2h30 by car from Lisbon, but is well worth a visit.
Open all year round, these spas have unique characteristics. A getaway to the region also means tasting the famous Bairrada suckling pigs.
Termas da Curia also has a unique Art Deco Buvette where you can drink the thermal water.
Address: Termas da Curia Spa Resort (Anadia)
Thermal season: every day from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m
Luso Thermal Spa
The Termas de Luso are one of the best-known spa destinations in the country and are surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Serra do Bussaco.
They are about a 2h30 drive from Lisbon, and have an innovative Medical Spa concept supported by three complementary facilities: Classic Thermalism, Thermal Spa and Medical Center.
Its distinctive facilities allow you to recover the perfect balance between Body, Mind and Soul, providing a truly unique experience for all visitors.
Address: Rua Álvaro Castelões (Luso)
Thermal season: High season from July 1 to September 30, Monday to Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; medium and low season from October 1 to June 30, Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m
