12 Best Hot Springs Near Lisbon (2026 Guide)

There is a specific kind of tiredness that settles into your bones when you live in or visit a city like Lisbon. It’s a good tiredness, the kind earned by climbing the seven hills, chasing trams, and eating your weight in pastéis de nata. But it’s there, a dull ache in your calves, a tightness in your shoulders from hauling camera gear and shopping bags. For years, I thought the only cure was a weekend on the Algarve or a flight to somewhere with a different skyline. Then, I discovered the secret that the Romans knew, that the Moors cherished, and that modern Lisboetas fiercely protect: the hot springs.

Portugal is thermally blessed. The Iberian Plate is a restless thing, and along its seams, it leaks heat. This isn't just about spa culture; it's about a geological gift that bubbles up in the most unexpected places. In 2026, with wellness tourism booming, these springs are more accessible and more luxurious than ever. But they also remain stubbornly rustic, places where old men play cards in the steam and time slows to the rhythm of a dripping tap.

This guide is a labor of love, born from years of testing, soaking, and driving down dusty tracks in search of the perfect temperature. I’ve categorized these 12 spots to help you find exactly what you need—whether that’s a romantic soak for two, a muddy adventure with the kids, or a full-blown luxury escape. Pack your swimsuit and a sense of wonder. The water is waiting.

The Unmissable Trio: Caldas da Rainha, São Pedro do Sul, and Chaves

If you only have time for one thermal trip from Lisbon, make it one of these. They are the heavyweights, the historic heart of Portuguese thermalism, each offering a completely different flavor of restorative soak.

1. Termas da Rainha (Caldas da Rainha)

Caldas da Rainha, the "Queen's Spa Town," is where you feel history’s weight. The town grew around a hospital founded by Queen D. Leonor in the 15th century after she discovered the miraculous healing waters. The vibe is wonderfully old-world, a place of tiled facades, manicured parks, and a pace that feels deliberately slower than the capital.

The heart of the experience is Termas da Rainha itself. You can’t miss the grand, slightly stern building. Inside, it’s a labyrinth of history and healing. The public thermal pool is my go-to recommendation for an authentic, affordable soak. It’s not fancy. The water is rich in sodium bicarbonate and has a distinct, earthy smell and a slightly slippery feel. It’s warm, not scalding, hovering around 33°C. Slipping into that water is like stepping into a communal memory; you share the space with locals who have been coming for generations. It’s healing water, not party water.

For a more structured experience, the hydrotherapy circuits are fantastic. You move through a series of pools—some with powerful jets, others still and warm—saunas, and steam rooms. It’s a full-body reset that leaves your skin impossibly soft. The town itself is a joy to explore. Don’t miss the Museu de Cerâmica, housed in the former thermal hospital, and the quirky park filled with sculptures by the local artist Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro. Caldas is the perfect blend of treatment and tourism.

What to do after your soak: Walk across the street to the Parque D. Carlos I and breathe in the cypress trees. Grab a coffee and a salgado (savory pastry) at a café on the main square and just people-watch. It’s a town that invites you to do nothing at all.

2. São Pedro do Sul (Viseu District)

If Caldas da Rainha is elegant, São Pedro do Sul is monumental and wild. Nestled in the heart of the Dão region, this is a place where the thermal water comes out of the ground at a staggering 68°C. The Romans called it Aquis Bouribus, and you can still see the ruins of their baths. The modern spa complex is a beautiful, sprawling affair that feels like a 1970s interpretation of a Roman palace, and I mean that in the best possible way.

The main attraction for the public is the Complexo Termal. It features several large, outdoor thermal pools. The "piscina grande" is massive, and the water has that silky, mineral-rich quality that makes you feel buoyant. There’s a palpable sense of community here; families, elderly couples, and solo bathers all share the space in a gentle, silent communion. It’s incredibly therapeutic for rheumatic and respiratory conditions, but it’s also just glorious for melting away stress.

The town is dominated by the Serra da Estrela, the highest mountain range in mainland Portugal. This means the air is crisper, the landscape more dramatic. After your soak, you can drive up into the mountains for a short hike or visit the stunning Cascatas do Arnal, a series of waterfalls just a few minutes from the town center.

What to do after your soak: You are in one of Portugal’s premier wine regions. Drive 15 minutes to the Quinta da Pellada for a tour and tasting of the legendary Dão wines. The rugged landscape produces complex, elegant reds that are the perfect complement to a day spent in the earth’s embrace.

3. Termas de Chaves (Vila Real District)

Up near the Spanish border, Chaves feels like a frontier town, and its hot springs are legendary. The Romans were here, too, building a bridge that still stands. The water here is some of the hottest in Portugal, reaching up to 73°C at the source. It’s a sodium-bicarbonate-sulfate water, known as "généreuse" for its therapeutic properties.

The most iconic experience is the Termas da Barca. Here, you’ll find the famous "Gémeas" (Twins), two large, open-air thermal pools set right on the banks of the Tâmega River. Soaking in these while watching the 2,000-year-old Roman bridge is a truly special experience. The water is intensely hot, and you’ll see locals expertly mixing the hot spring water with the cold river water using a wooden tap system. It’s a lesson in thermal engineering passed down through the ages. There’s also a more modern indoor facility with a stunning glass roof.

Chaves is also a gastronomic destination. It’s famous for its castanhas (chestnuts) and, more importantly, its presunto (cured ham). The Presunto de Chaves has a PDO status, and the marbled, nutty flavor is unforgettable. A plate of thinly sliced presunto, a loaf of bread, and a glass of local wine after your soak is a match made in heaven.

What to do after your soak: Walk across the Roman Bridge (Ponte Romana) and explore the medieval center of Chaves. The town has a beautifully preserved historic core with Manueline windows and charming squares. It’s a place that feels ancient and alive all at once.

The Day Trip Specialists: Hidden Gems & Rustic Charms

These are the springs you can tackle in a day. They are less about grand architecture and more about the raw, unfiltered joy of soaking in nature or in a beautifully rustic setting.

4. Poça da Barca (Caldas da Rainha)

I’m listing this separately from the main Termas da Rainha because it offers a completely different experience. While the big building is for structured hydrotherapy, Poça da Barca is the old-school, outdoor public pool. Think of it as the neighborhood soaking spot.

It’s a simple, rectangular pool, outdoors, with a metal roof to keep out the worst of the weather but open at the sides. The water is the same magical Caldas water, but here the vibe is pure local. You’ll see elderly men in their speedos debating politics, mothers with their toddlers, and solo bathers reading the paper. It’s cheap (a few euros for an hour), it’s social, and it’s deeply authentic. There’s no frills, no fancy changing rooms, just a simple locker, a shower, and the warm, healing water. For the budget-conscious traveler or anyone wanting to see how thermal culture functions in the daily life of a Portuguese town, this is the spot.

5. Termas do Sulfureto (Alcafache - Viseu)

This is a true hidden gem, located very close to São Pedro do Sul but offering a wilder, more intimate experience. The Termas do Sulfureto are famous for their sulfurous water, which has a very distinct "rotten egg" smell (don’t be alarmed, it’s the sulfur, and it’s where the healing magic lies!). The facilities are basic, almost spartan, which is part of their charm.

There are indoor pools and a fantastic outdoor pool that feels like a natural lagoon. Because it’s less famous than São Pedro do Sul, it’s often much quieter. You can have the place almost to yourself on a weekday. The water is incredibly hot and mineral-dense, and it’s a favorite among Portuguese people who suffer from skin conditions or arthritis. It’s a place for pure, unadulterated soaking. There’s no spa treatment menu, no aromatherapy diffusers, just you and the transformative power of the earth’s heat.

6. Fonte Santa de Monforte (Portalegre District)

Deep in the Alentejo, the "Portugal Profundo" (Deep Portugal), lies the tiny village of Monforte and its miraculous Fonte Santa. The water here emerges from the ground at a perfect 28°C, making it ideal for prolonged soaking without the shock of extreme heat. It’s sodium-bicarbonate water, rich in fluorine, and it’s been used for therapeutic purposes since at least the 18th century.

The setting is rustic and peaceful. There’s a large outdoor thermal park with several pools of varying temperatures and depths. It’s a fantastic spot for families because the water is gentle, and there’s plenty of space for kids to splash around safely. The town itself is sleepy and charming, perched on a hill with a small castle. This is a place to escape the tourist trail completely. You’ll be sharing the water with locals who have been coming for generations. It’s a genuine slice of Alentejan life.

The Coastal & Urban Escape: Hot Springs by the Sea or City

Not every thermal escape requires a long drive into the interior. Some of the most unique experiences are found where the heat from the earth meets the cool of the ocean or on the outskirts of the capital itself.

7. Piscinas de Águas Livres (Carnide, Lisbon)

Yes, you read that right. A hot spring in Lisbon. Located in the Carnide neighborhood, the Águas Livres Baths are a public swimming pool complex fed by natural thermal waters from the nearby Cintra mountains. This isn't a geothermal geyser situation, but the water is naturally warm and mineral-rich.

This is the ultimate affordable and accessible thermal experience. The main pool is an enormous, classic 25-meter indoor pool, and the water is always a pleasant, warm temperature without being hot. In the summer, the roof opens up, creating a stunning light-filled atrium. There’s also a smaller, hotter pool for soaking. The clientele is a wonderful mix of serious swimmers doing laps, families playing, and people just relaxing. It’s a beautiful piece of 1930s public architecture and a testament to the idea that wellness should be for everyone. For a few euros, you can spend an afternoon swimming in thermal water under a glass roof in the capital city. It’s a unique and brilliant city escape.

8. Termas da Foz do Arelho (Caldas da Rainha)

This is where the thermal waters of Caldas da Rainha meet the Atlantic Ocean. Foz do Arelho is a small town at the mouth of the Óbidos Lagoon, and it has its own set of thermal facilities. The unique appeal here is the juxtaposition of the hot, mineral-rich spring water and the cool, salty ocean water, both of which are accessible within a short walk.

The Termas da Foz have a lovely outdoor thermal pool where the spring water is used. You can have a warm soak and then walk a few hundred meters to the stunning Praia do Foz do Arelho for a bracing dip in the sea. This "hot and cold" therapy is invigorating and a perfect way to spend a day. The town has a relaxed, surfer-vibe, and the lagoon is a paradise for birdwatching and watersports. It’s a fantastic alternative if you want the Caldas water but also crave the sea air.

9. Termas do Crato (Portalegre District)

Set in the shadow of a stunning medieval hilltop castle, the Termas do Crato offer a regal soaking experience. The water here is cold-sulfur, which might sound strange, but it’s highly valued for therapeutic purposes. The real draw, however, is the setting and the facilities.

The Termas do Crato complex includes a beautiful outdoor swimming pool area with thermal water that’s heated by the sun and the spring. It feels like a private resort, with lush gardens and a relaxed atmosphere. You can book a wide range of spa treatments here, making it a great spot for a full spa day. The town of Crato is steeped in history, and visiting the castle and the nearby Flor da Rosa Monastery is a must. This is a great choice if you want a combination of history, a beautiful spa environment, and a slightly more upscale feel without the price tag of a luxury resort.

The Luxury & Resort Experience: Full Indulgence

For when a simple soak isn’t enough and you need a full-service, pampering experience. These spots are perfect for couples, overnight stays, and those looking for a "luxury hot springs resort Portugal day pass."

10. Vidago Palace (Chaves District)

This is the undisputed king of Portuguese thermal luxury. The Vidago Palace is a Belle Époque masterpiece that was originally built in 1910 by the Portuguese royal family to exploit the area’s iron-rich mineral waters. After a stunning renovation, it reopened as a five-star hotel and spa, and it is simply breathtaking.

The thermal water here is naturally sparkling and bottled and sold all over Portugal. The spa is a temple of wellness. While the hotel is for guests, they do offer day passes and spa treatments that grant you access to the incredible thermal facilities. This includes indoor and outdoor pools (some with carbonated water!), saunas, steam rooms, and a full menu of treatments. Soaking in the thermal pool while looking out over the manicured gardens and the golf course is an experience of pure decadence. This is the ultimate "thermal spa resort near Lisbon with overnight stay" destination. It’s a splurge, but one that creates memories to last a lifetime.

11. Lagoas & Fontes (Alentejo Region)

In the heart of the Alentejo, the land of rolling plains and cork oaks, lies Lagoas & Fontes. This is not a historic spa town but a modern, eco-friendly hotel built around the natural thermal springs that bubble up on the property. The philosophy here is one of sustainability and a deep connection to the land.

The thermal experience is integrated into the hotel’s design. The water is drawn from the source and used in the pools and for treatments. The vibe is serene and contemporary. It’s a place for quiet contemplation and deep relaxation. This is the perfect choice for a romantic getaway or a restorative weekend where the focus is on nature, good food (the Alentejo kitchen is legendary), and wellness. It’s a different kind of luxury—less opulent, more organic.

12. Thermas das Caldas (Caldas da Rainha)

Returning to Caldas, we find the modern face of thermalism at the Thermas das Caldas, part of the CUF network of health and wellness centers. This is where you go for a professional, clinical, and incredibly effective thermal experience. While it has a public pool, the real highlight is the "Circuito de Água" (Water Circuit).

For a day pass fee, you gain access to a series of technologically advanced pools and hydro-massage stations. The water is the same historic Caldas water, but it’s delivered through jets, waterfalls, and pressure jets that target specific muscle groups. You move from a hot pool to a cold plunge, to a Vichy shower bed, to a neck jet. It’s a systematic approach to hydrotherapy that leaves you feeling completely rejuvenated. This is the best option for anyone with a specific physical ailment or anyone who wants the benefits of thermal water with a bit more modern comfort and technology.

A Practical Guide to Soaking in Portugal in 2026

Before you go, a few tips to make your thermal adventure seamless:

• Pack Accordingly: For public pools, bring your own towel, flip-flops, and a cap. Some places rent towels, but it’s not always reliable. For the more resort-like places, you’ll be provided with robes and towels.
• The "Chinelo" is King: Flip-flops (chinelos) are the unofficial footwear of Portugal. You will see them everywhere, from the beach to the spa. Don’t show up in hiking boots.
• Hydrate: Soaking in hot mineral water dehydrates you. Bring a large bottle of water and drink it before, during, and after.
• Don’t Overdo It: Start with 15-20 minute soaks and take breaks. The water is powerful, and you can get lightheaded if you stay in too long, especially in the hotter springs.
• Language: In the smaller towns, English might not be widely spoken. Learning a few key phrases like "Uma entrada, por favor" (One entry, please) and "Obrigado/Obrigada" (Thank you) goes a long way.
• Booking: For the luxury resorts and the structured hydrotherapy circuits (like CUF in Caldas), it is essential to book in advance, especially on weekends.
• Driving: Renting a car is the best way to access most of these locations. The public transport to the interior towns can be infrequent and slow. The drive itself, especially through the Alentejo or towards the Serra da Estrela, is part of the experience.

Portugal’s hot springs are more than just tourist attractions; they are a living, breathing part of the country’s culture and identity. They are places of healing, community, and profound peace. So next time you’re in Lisbon, trade the cobbled streets for the silken warmth of a thermal pool. Your body and soul will thank you for it.