Caldas de Monção

The Termas de Monção (Caldas de Monção) are a historic thermal spa run by the Tesal group, set beside the old town walls on the left bank of the River Minho in the Alto Minho region of northern Portugal. Thermal water has been exploited here since the 17th century; the primitive bathhouse dates from the turn of the 20th century, and a modern balneário was built in the 1990s.

The sulphurous thermal water

Monção draws on one of the finest mineral-medicinal waters in northern Portugal. The spring emerges hyperthermal, at approximately 50 degrees Celsius, and the water is hyposaline, sulphurous, sodic, lithiated and fluorinated, with a pH of 7.4. It has a natural anti-inflammatory action and is classically indicated for respiratory and osteoarticular conditions, as well as being used for nervous-system, dermatological, muscular and immune complaints, including allergic and chronic disorders such as rhinitis, sinusitis and asthma.

Pools and thermal circuit

The signature experience is the thermal circuit (about 1.5 hours), which moves guests through a sequence of water and contrast features:

• Dynamic pool with underwater jets, waterfalls and swan-neck cascades
• Jacuzzi and bubble-bed pool
• Turkish bath (25-50 degrees Celsius) and Roman thermal bath (45-55 degrees Celsius)
• Bithermic contrast beds and steam areas

Balneotherapy, spa and wellness

Alongside the circuit, the balneário offers a full range of spa and wellness treatments using the mineral-medicinal water, including massages, and facial and body treatments. Treatments are also delivered on behalf of the neighbouring hotel, and advance reservation is required for the thermal circuit.

Hotel and setting

The adjoining four-star Hotel Bienestar Termas de Monção sits about 50 metres from the thermal building, with rooms overlooking the River Minho, an outdoor pool, restaurant, bar and terrace. The spa lies in the heart of the Vila Termal, the cradle of the Alvarinho wine, making it a base for exploring the Minho border country between Portugal and Spain.